I like to think of business cards as mini-billboards: you only have a second or two to make an impression.
I believe strongly that:
Most companies need to be significantly more creative with their business cards (and spend more on design and printing). Irresponsible? Think again. What’s the most powerful form of marketing? You got it. Word-of-mouth. And when does that happen? Usually in-person.
>Crap cards = negative impression
>Plain cards = no impression
>Interesting cards = conversation
The rounded corners on my business card were pretty unique a decade ago but are more common now. We still get positive comments, but we’ll need to freshen them up sometime soon.
Consider breakthrough design, unique materials, alternate sizes and creating the possibility for interaction.
Everyone should get ‘em, and I mean everyone. Why shouldn’t the teller, the bagger or the guy in the warehouse all carry business cards? Sure, they won’t hand many out, but then it won’t cost much, will it? It’s an inexpensive morale-builder that can pay dividends in employee retention and with prospective employee referrals. Besides, wouldn’t it be cool if you could have all your employees sharing your brand with the world?
Last, I can’t do an article on business cards without recognizing one of our clients: Telepress is a Northwest-based company that prints business cards, stationery and more for some of the largest, most-respected companies in the world. Their tagline: “Passionately protecting your corporate identity.” Check them out if you believe your corporate identity is worth protecting.
And if your brand isn’t worth protecting? Well, that’s a bigger problem and you should hire some professional help.
