First impressions are important in whatever new environment you’re engaging. You want to look well-put together, presentable, approachable, and professional while letting your personality show all at the same time. It can be exhausting to get stuck in this hamster wheel of possibilities on how to present yourself. And no matter what you choose to wear, say, or how you present yourself, you still have no control over how you will be perceived. This can be challenging when it comes to business, especially for those that are new businesses or in the B2B marketplace. This means that you need to be aware of what your business cards say about you and invest in your business by having exceptional cards.
According to Forbes, “You have 7 seconds to make a great impression. The moment a stranger sees you, his or her brain makes a thousand computations, such as, do you have status or authority? Are you competent? Are you trustworthy?” In that case, what elements are in your control that determine if you’re making a great impression on others? One item that can make or break a first impression is your business card.
Control what your business cards say about you
We all know the basic material that is included in a business card: your name, contact information, position, and employer. You could go a step further and include your company’s address, logo, and/or your company’s website. The objective behind a business card is to help further your professional image and make a better impression on your contacts. It’s a crucial part of being remembered after a meeting, trade show, convention, or wherever you may be distributing them.
Your goal is to establish trust and value to potential and continuing clients, and your visual branding influences that. This is why it’s important to have high quality business cards and other marketing materials. Make that great impression in a meeting and continue projecting that professional image with your business card. It’s time to take control over what your business cards say about you.
3 Simple Tips
#1 – Subtlety Is Key
Once you get too complicated or try to reinvent the wheel, you’ve already lost the ability to make a good impression. Subtle and simplistic card design allows you to win over your potential or established clientele. Don’t design your card for yourself. Design the card for your audience, so make it understandable and easy to read.
#2 – Invest In Your Color
Color design and printed colors are crucial in what your business cards say about you. A full-color business card can catch the attention of your audience immediately. Unless your business strictly benefits from using only black and white, invest in color print for your cards. Be careful when choosing what colors to utilize because certain colors trigger specific emotions.
There’s also the option of including your professional photo of yourself on your card. This helps people put a name with a face and to remember you as an individual. Whatever your choice in the color department may be, using a glossy finish makes your card stand out more. Don’t skimp out because of prices – invest in the printing and your business cards. It can be a deciding factor for a potential client.
#3 – Dedicate Time Into Your Design
Make sure your design is on par with your design. Though many are quick to blame the printer, crooked business cards are typically the result in poor design. Double and triple check with your printer that the design elements fall inside the safe zones for your cards. When it comes to design, you have the option of utilizing the back of your card. Some like to include a map, business motto, personal statement or inspirational quote. This can be another factor in standing out amongst the rest. Again, subtlety is key and leaving it blank is just as good of an idea. Customize it to reflect you and your business because in the end you’re in charge of what your business cards say about you.
The Importance
Your business card should reflect you and your business. Invest your time and money into it as you would with any other aspect of your company or work. Don’t use a flimsy business card, use a heavy card stock or increase the thickness of your card in order to leave a good impression. Keep your cards in a business card holder, so that you have crisp, clean edges on your cards no matter how long they’ve been waiting to be handed out. It’s time to make your business cards stand out in the best way possible and gain the clientele you’ve been chasing.
If you are looking for more tips on design and printing options, please call Dorian Solutions. We love to expand your marketing platforms and watch your business grow. Take advantage of our design team and see what marketing package will best serve you and your business today!
