Having been in Sales and now marketing, I have come across hordes of business cards. For a salesperson, the business card collection becomes more valuable than an experience letter. Every Business card is valuable information beyond a name and number. Every card becomes a prospect for business. Many organize their card collection various forms. Some keep it to the traditional and yet trusted business card folder. Some make use of technology and use a card reader to digitize the data and store in Outlook or Excel. Some with the Nokia business phones make use of the built-in card scanner. Nothing to beat the traditional method of the card folder, though. With business cards coming in various forms, formats even technology is challenged in scanning. My post is not about collecting Business Cards, but is about the cards themselves. I am referring to the printed physical cards and not the Vcard or Internet cards etc
This would be relevant to individuals and agencies and firms rather than large organizations. Large organizations with their set brand and stationary guidelines do not allow room for changes, and maybe rightly so with its own merits. Let us look at what a Business card is expected to do:
- Provide the recipient with information to contact you
- Provide recipient with material to encourage brand recall
- Provide recipient reason to call you and not the rest
While most business cards satisfy criteria 1, most tend to ignore 2 & 3. There are businesses, largely creative agencies and consulting firms that do pay attention to all 3. This does not stop the rest of us does it? While we speak of ‘Personal branding’, your Business Card could be an important tool to put to use.
The recipient is likely to have received multitude of cards. How will yours be remembered? Would you make it different sized? Would you make it different shaped? Would you use it as a piece of communication? Would you ensure your offering’s core messages appears on the card? Would you make it so innovative that it represents a sample of the kind of value you will deliver?
These are just a few of the questions that can get you started on a journey of re-engineering your card. Some businesses have their corporate philosophy on the back of a card; some allow complete personalization on the back of a card.
Do keep in mind though, that your business card should be easy to read, understand and store for use later. Also, does the design of your card reflect your personality as well that of your offering/business accurately? Will your card be remembered when your client/recipient looks back and wants to reach out?
For example, Pepper Square, a web solutions company allows its employees to use of the back of the card to be personalized with an image, statement or whatever they desire. I have shared an image of the card above. The CEOs card proudly displays an aspiration in the form of statement that reassures you that they are ready to strive for the best. Now, as a client wouldn’t you want to see reassurance right from the business card because after all, in today’s world everyone wants a solution, the best one, at the right time.
Time to ask yourself- What does my Business Card really say about me?
Do keep in mind though; a Business Card is a tool. Your actual offering will be what delivers a satisfied customer who will share your card further.
Some innovative business card designs may be viewed here:
http://www.crazyleafdesign.com/blog/35-cool-and-inspirational-business-card-designs/
