Networking is one of the most challenging, but most important, tasks for the freelancer, contractor, or small business owner. Business cards are an easy and effective way to network, as long as the person you are presenting your card to doesn't already have a dozen similar cards in their pocket. Unless a business card stands out, it can easily be lost in a sort of card slush pile, at best filed away forever and at worst recycled without another thought. But with a little creative thinking, your business card can stand out. Here are three springboards to get you on your way to a better business card.
1. Add Some Dimension
Cards that are more than cards instantly stand out. Without making your contact information too bulky, there are several techniques to making your business card more than a rectangular piece of card stock. A little foil or matte finish adds a beautiful touch. A card that is a unique shape, from something as simple as portrait format to as ornate as not having any right angles ads charm and makes it harder to shuffle in with other business cards. Cards that include a QR code allow anybody with a smart phone to immediately access your website and learn more about you before they can lose your card. Some business cards have calendars on the back, fold out, have a funny slogan, and more. Consider what would make your card fun and engaging.
2. Include an Incentive
Another way to impress potential clients is to make your card more than a card. Offer clients some sort of reason to hold onto the card and use it again. If they present the card to you later, they could receive a discount on your product, receive a free consultation to prepare them for your services, receive a sample, receive a short subscription, or something else related to your product or service. A money savvy client will actually be thankful to receive a card from somebody that includes a coupon.
3. Don't Make It a Card
One of the best ways to make your business card stand out is to avoid the card format altogether, and instead give out something inexpensive but useful related to your business. If you are a copywriter, you could give pens to potential clients. If you run a cafe, you could have out tea bags taped to or packaged in a wrapped with the cafe's address. If you are in the automotive industry, you could offer clients air fresheners or car magnets. Computer repair services can hand out keyboard dusters. The possibilities of non-card incentives are endless, and your client will remember you every time they use the freebie.
Author Bio
Frank is a Graphic Designer from Sydney, Australia. He works with many leading Sydney printers to create unique business cards for his clients. Away from work, Frank enjoys playing football and keeping fit at the gym.
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