Do you use business cards? Some people are on the fence, they’re not sure if they’re worth the time and expense. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure about them myself, until a few years ago. Now, I find business cards useful and important, and I’d like to share why.
My Experiences With Business Cards
When I began attending local professional events, I didn’t have business cards and it turned out to be a big mistake. The people I met wanted my number and email address and it was more professional for me to hand out a card than to scrounge up paper and pen and make them wait while I wrote it all down.
When I attended my first conference, I didn’t have a giant budget, so I used Vista Print‘s free business card (except shipping) offer. That did me fine, except that I didn’t really like the generic designs and the Vista Print logo on the back. Plus one thing I noticed at conferences was that many attendees had unique business cards that suited their personalities. This made them stand out – and I wanted to stand out too. So I contacted my friend Randa Clay and asked her to help a girl out.
Go ahead and click that link to read about how Randa approached the design, I’ll wait….
As you can see, I wanted a card that was different from the normal, rectangular, add your pertinent details here, type business card, and it worked. Every time I handed out my card, the recipient remarked on the design – either the color, the shape or the words on the back. I had a winner. People remembered me from my cards…and they called.
Having a business card means that I have something to give to someone I’d like to talk to again. I don’t push my card on anyone, especially those who don’t seem interested in getting in touch. However, it’s my experience that it’s much more important to have one than to not have one. People are in a hurry and they don’t want to stand around and wait for me to find something to write on or punch numbers into my phone, nor do they want to be told to “Google” you.
Personal v. Business Brand
I have another business card issue – I wear more than one hat. Besides being a professional blogger and social media consultant, I’m also the Conference Director for BlogWorld. My personal business card doesn’t represent my BlogWorld gig at all. At first, I gave out my personal card as a way to get in touch for BlogWorld business, but it only included my personal email address. and sort of made things more confusing. Once I received an order of BlogWorld cards, it was easier to see which hat I was wearing.
Now, you may think it’s a hassle to have two separate cards, but I disagree. To have everything on the same card is sort of like mixing business with pleasure. I have the best job in the world, but I also enjoy doing my own thing from time. If I meet someone I want to get to know better in the social media world. I’ll give out my personal card. If I meet someone who I feel will be an excellent speaker for BlogWorld, I’ll give out my Conference Director card. It’s not a hassle to carry a small stack of each where ever I go.
Benefits of Business Cards
- Allows you to give your details to a potential client, employer, or just someone you want to know better.
- More professional than writing it all down.
- Allows the recipient to file away for when he may need your services.
- Light and compact.
- Eye catching cards leave a lasting impression.
- They’re mini advertisements
Should You List Your Blogs?
Notice something missing on this business card? Yup. There’s no URL. This was sort of done on purpose. At the time these were designed, I was trying to break away from my “freelance writing lady” image and push my expertise as a professional blogger and social media consultant. At the time, I wasn’t planning on selling my blog, but I did several months later. If I had listed my blog on this business card, it would be useless. I’d either have to design new cards, or tell people I know no longer own the highlighted blog. For me it made sense not to list my freelance writing blog because I wasn’t sure about the future of that blog.
However, unlike me, you might want to associate your brand with your blog’s brand, and if this is the case you should definitely list the URL on your business card. I kind of wish I had something that I could hand out with the link to Komein, but we’ll add that in when it’s time to refill.
Worth the Investment
Are business cards worth the investment? Without hesitation, yes. Business cards offer a way to get in touch and have your details on hand for when they’re needed -even if it’s months from now. A free service will work in a pinch, but if you have the resources to have cards designed that are representative of you and what you do, that’s even better. Unique cards stand out more than a cookie cutter freebie, but even the freebies have benefits.
Everyone is a potential client, advertiser or blog reader. The lady you’re talking with in the supermarket may be interested in hiring a writer for her blog, or your neighbor may be interested in hiring you to help with a social media campaign. Having a card at the ready, will help make their plans more immediate rather than a “some day” thing.
Do you use business cards? How have they helped your business?
