Don’t Let Your Business Card Get Ditched

Most business cards get ditched within the first two hours of being taken. That’s the problem with handing out business cards; the act is actually 90 percent ineffective.

Your business card shouldn’t be a substitute for your networking capabilities. You have to do the hard work first, become memorable. Identify the people you know can help you achieve your goals and those who you can help to achieve theirs. Don’t just hand out the card while sipping cocktails at a seminar or your card will be amongst the thousands thrown away every week.

After you’ve determined who may be a valuable ally, convince them that your resources can be beneficial. Give them the desire to have a professional relationship with you. Successful networking takes energy, but if accomplished they’ll want your business card and more importantly, they’ll hold on to it. It won’t be another bit of cardboard that gets tossed out.

This doesn’t mean that business cards are not an essential part of the networking process. They help to convey, in a simple form, that you are available to offer your services.

This copy from a business card did a pretty good job:

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The card is simple and straight forward. The copy doesn’t leap off the page, but it makes a simple pledge. That is exactly what you need to accomplish with your business card. If you try to do more with your card, you run the risk of failure.

Key tips to a good business card:

• You want your business card to be believable. Don’t claim to do more than you really can, everyone will know.
• Clear, concise copy. Less is more.
• Keep the graphics simple. Don’t go overboard, but leave room for a creative touch that makes your card unique.

Remember, the main thing is to do the selling yourself. Use the card to reinforce your main message. Here are some unique business cards that are sure not to end up in the trash:

This business card was created for Melvin who is known as a “hacker”. It represents his line of work with the lockpick concept. Besides being just plain cool the various tools can also be removed from the card and used “for all your breaking & entering needs.”

And of course the big hit is Hugh MacLeod’s business cards with illustrations on the backs:

You can see more of his drawings at gapingvoid.com. Share your business card bests and worsts!