Business Cards
Do you remember the last time you gave someone your business card?
Do you remember the last time you gave someone your business card? Perhaps it was at a social gathering or local business event. If the experience was like most people’s, the recipient took a quick glance at your business card, said, “Thank you,” and quickly put the card in his wallet or her purse. What do we call this in business? An opportunity lost.
All business owners understand their fixed costs: rent, utilities, and equipment. However, more intangible costs are still real, yet often more difficult to discern – like business cards that make no real marketing impact. Most every business owner has a pack or two of their business cards in the drawer. They contain the expected information: name, phone number, address, and more. And many business owners don’t give the cards much thought. To them, they are just a means of communicating basic contact information. Yet, business cards that make little impact beyond simple communication are definitely an opportunity lost.
Picture these two scenarios:
It’s the third Friday of the month, and business owner Mark Carlson walks into the crowded country club as he has done for years. The monthly Local Economic Meeting will soon get underway. Mark spots some friends – other local business owners – and quickly makes his way to the group.
“Hey, Mark. I want to introduce you to Rick Bardman. He was just saying he might need some heating and cooling work done at his office, so I mentioned your name.”
“Great,” says Mark and hands Rick his business card. Rick takes the usual polite look at the card and sticks it in a folder he was carrying. Suddenly, someone draws Rick’s attention away, and he exits the group. Later, he may barely remember the encounter. He certainly won’t remember the card. He may not even remember where he placed it.
Now picture this same encounter but with a twist: Mark walks into the monthly meeting with business cards provided by Behind Your Design of Fenton, Michigan. These are not your average cards but Akuafoil business cards in two radiant colors with a sparkling half tone foil finish. Mark hands one of the unique cards to Rick Bardman.
“Wow, cool card. I’ve never seen one like this before. Very professional.” Now Rick is studying the card more closely. As he does, Mark’s friend leans in to look.
“That really is cool. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a card like that either.” Now, the card is being passed around, and several people in the group are looking at it and talking. At this point, Rick Bardman has not left the group. He is still engaged, and he begins talking to Mark.
“So, I hear you do heating and cooling. I think I might have a project for you if you’re interested.” In a matter of minutes – sparked by a compelling and professional piece of marketing – a conversation starts, a relationship begins, and a possible project is in the works.
Research shows that 72 percent of people will judge a person or company by their business card. Further, the Statistic Brain Research Institute reveals that 39 percent will not engage a business that has a “cheap looking” business card. First impressions do matter. People will size up a person and his or her company in a matter of seconds based on a variety of factors, and the research shows that the quality of a business card is certainly one of them. According to John Williams of Entrepreneur magazine, a business card, along with a person’s clothing and manners, create a client’s first impression. A well designed, unique card provides a sense of professionalism and pride.
Would a successful business put a boring sign out front? A cheap looking banner to announce its business? No. Someone with great business instincts realizes that every impression matters – from the sign to the person to his or her business card. For example, Behind Your Design can provide special business cards made out of metal or plastic. Cheap and forgettable marketing items quickly lead to a diminished opinion. Yet, with an exceptional business card from Behind Your Design, the first impression will always be favorable and memorable.
It’s not only great quality or a unique look, however, that makes a business card stand out, be remembered, and spark further interest. Business cards impress in several ways. First, they are personal. We live in an age of texting and emails. Yet, the most memorable and impactful interaction is a significant one-on-one meeting. Often, that meeting will involve a business card. So, people should make the most of that moment. Rather than a poor quality or lackluster card, business owners should elevate their cards, so that every interaction can be more powerful. Business cards should be part of a marketing plan.
An outstanding business card will most likely cost more, however, it is a sound investment – like wearing an impressive dress or suit to a meeting. Images matter. An extraordinary business card – one from Behind Your Design - along with a firm handshake will make a strong impression. Also, people should keep their cards handy in several places, especially in a good-looking card holder. Then business owners will be prepared for any situation, whether a local meeting, neighborhood get-together, dinner with a spouse, or even a sporting event or airport meeting. There will never be an opportunity lost.
Further, when potential customers see a great business card, they quickly surmise that this is business person who makes great decisions. From that, they will most likely assume that the business person is quite competent and worth their business. Being prepared with a distinguished business card shows forethought and planning – respected and persuasive qualities in a person and business. When someone has no business card, has to dig around to find one, or produces a cheap looking or unforgettable card, the interaction is not only a lost opportunity but a negative marketing encounter that can do harm.
Fortunately, Behind Your Design can supply businesses with unique, special, and memorable business cards. Cards with different colors, finishes, and materials, like Akuafoil, Brown Kraft, Edge, Foil Worx, Luster, Natural finish, Painted Edge, Pearl, Raised Foil, Raised Spot UV, Plastic and Frosted Plastic, Square Shape (silk with spot UV), Flat Spot UV, and even Suede.
Of course, these many options are intriguing, so businesses should contact Behind Your Design to learn more. They will help create a great concept utilizing state-of-the-art features. Almost any design, color, finish, and material imaginable can be created by Behind Your Design!
People should never suffer a lost opportunity or damage to their professional reputation in the future. Instead, they should be prepared to always make a professional and successful first impression with the best business card possible. Someone who knows a great deal about success, former four-star general and 65th US Secretary of State Colin Powell, said, “There Are No Secrets to Success. It is the Result of Preparation.” So be prepared and be successful. Utilize extraordinary business cards from Behind Your Design. As the saying goes, “Opportunities don’t just happen. You (and Behind Your Design) create them!”
