A business plan is an important part of starting a business because it will force you to take a look and really think about what you want to do with the business both in the immediate future and a few years down the
road. It is a document you should always refer to and continue to update to ensure your business is on the right track to reaching its goals. Once a goal is reached, you should change it to reflect a new one. By learning how to write a business plan, you'll be a step ahead, because most banks and other sources of business capital want to see one. There are many business plan templates available online to help with writing a business plan.
Your business plan should be written in basic layman's terms, easy to understand, and very thorough. Here's what you need to include in your business plan:
Business Name: First and foremost, you want to include your business name. This should be a clear indication of what your business will be doing and easy for people to remember.
Mission Statement: Offer a mission statement for your business. This will tell potential investors and consumers what your business is about and what you hope to accomplish with your business.
Business Vision: What will your business look like a year from now? Five years from now? 10 years from now? Consider where you want to your business to go in the future because this will help you develop a plan for how to get there.
Goals and Objectives: What do you want your business to accomplish? How will you determine whether or not your goals have been accomplished? The more detail here, the better the plan. Figure out what you want to do and what you will use to measure how you got there. For instance, if you want to sell $100,000 in merchandise—your objective could be to get enough customers to reach your goal.
Any Branding Ideas: Consider anything you've thought about for logos, color schemes and slogans. Noting these ideas here will make it easier for you to remember them and conduct necessary copyright research before you move forward with these designs.
Market Research: Consider your current competition and customer need for your business. Do you have an angle other businesses do not? This will help you determine how likely you will be able to succeed. If there are 75
competing businesses in your area, it may be a good idea to alter the business idea or location of the business.
Financial Plan: Consider the money you have on hand and where it needs to be spent. Determine the money you'll need to get into business, the amount of money you'll need to stay in business should your projections not be correct, and how much profit you could potentially make.
Plan of Action: Plan what you're going to do for advertising, marketing, and even business failure. The more you think about and determine how you're going to handle in the beginning, the better off your business will be when it's up and running.
Wednesday 22 December 2010
How to Turn Your Business Card into Your Ultimate Marketing Tool
Your business card is a pint-sized marketing tool that packs a big punch. The first impression that a prospective client will have of your company will often be through a business card. Handing out business cards is a
fast, easy, and personal way to promote your company. Maximize the effectiveness of your business card with these seven tips:
1. Make sure your business card is worth keeping. Low quality and unprofessional cards are the first to be trashed. Pull out your business card and ensure that it conforms to the following standards. First, a business card must 3.5" by 2." Anything larger will not fit in wallets or business card holders. The card itself must give the impression of professionalism. A card that is flimsy, has perforated edges, is boring, or has ink that smudges will convey an unprofessional image. A good business card is made of high quality paper, includes an image of the company logo, and is printed in an easy to read font. Finally, a business card must include every means possible to contact you, including your phone, email, fax, voice mail, and website.
2. Give your card away with a two to three sentence "commercial." As you hand a potential client your card, introduce yourself and your company. Explain what your company does and how it can benefit the client. An effective "commercial" will make someone want to keep your card handy.
3. Never give away just one card. Always give a potential client at least two cards, preferably more. Ask them to pass on your card to anyone they feel may be in need of your service or product. In return, ask for extras of their card to hand out. They'll be more likely to promote you if they know that you will be returning the favor.
4. Attach your card to everything. Staple it to flyers and brochures that your company distributes. Include an extra copy in correspondence. Hand out your card with other marketing items with your contact information printed on them such as: pens, notepads, or mouse pads. Your best or most sought-after clients should have dozens of your cards around the office.
5. Create an electronic version of your business card. Make the electronic version of your card the signature for your email account and your e-card will automatically be attached to the end of every email message you
write.
6. Magnetize your card. If your target audience includes homeowners or renters, design a magnet that they will want to put on their fridge. Include the most important of your contact information. Increase the likelihood of your card's permanent attachment to a fridge by adding other important information such as a mini-calendar or a kitchen weights and measurement chart. A photo frame magnet with your contact information that fits around a school sized picture will also be more likely to kept rather than tossed.
7. Give out your business card again after the service is complete or the product has been delivered. Ask your clients to recommend your company to someone else they know that may need the same service. The most powerful incentive for a client to choose a company is the recommendation of a satisfied customer. Once again, remember to give more than one card.By implementing these seven tips, you will create a huge impact through your littlest marketing tool.
fast, easy, and personal way to promote your company. Maximize the effectiveness of your business card with these seven tips:
1. Make sure your business card is worth keeping. Low quality and unprofessional cards are the first to be trashed. Pull out your business card and ensure that it conforms to the following standards. First, a business card must 3.5" by 2." Anything larger will not fit in wallets or business card holders. The card itself must give the impression of professionalism. A card that is flimsy, has perforated edges, is boring, or has ink that smudges will convey an unprofessional image. A good business card is made of high quality paper, includes an image of the company logo, and is printed in an easy to read font. Finally, a business card must include every means possible to contact you, including your phone, email, fax, voice mail, and website.
2. Give your card away with a two to three sentence "commercial." As you hand a potential client your card, introduce yourself and your company. Explain what your company does and how it can benefit the client. An effective "commercial" will make someone want to keep your card handy.
3. Never give away just one card. Always give a potential client at least two cards, preferably more. Ask them to pass on your card to anyone they feel may be in need of your service or product. In return, ask for extras of their card to hand out. They'll be more likely to promote you if they know that you will be returning the favor.
4. Attach your card to everything. Staple it to flyers and brochures that your company distributes. Include an extra copy in correspondence. Hand out your card with other marketing items with your contact information printed on them such as: pens, notepads, or mouse pads. Your best or most sought-after clients should have dozens of your cards around the office.
5. Create an electronic version of your business card. Make the electronic version of your card the signature for your email account and your e-card will automatically be attached to the end of every email message you
write.
6. Magnetize your card. If your target audience includes homeowners or renters, design a magnet that they will want to put on their fridge. Include the most important of your contact information. Increase the likelihood of your card's permanent attachment to a fridge by adding other important information such as a mini-calendar or a kitchen weights and measurement chart. A photo frame magnet with your contact information that fits around a school sized picture will also be more likely to kept rather than tossed.
7. Give out your business card again after the service is complete or the product has been delivered. Ask your clients to recommend your company to someone else they know that may need the same service. The most powerful incentive for a client to choose a company is the recommendation of a satisfied customer. Once again, remember to give more than one card.By implementing these seven tips, you will create a huge impact through your littlest marketing tool.
10 Tips to Making Your Business Card a Great Marketing Tool
Are you having problems with your current business card that fails to impress potential clients? Or maybe you are not getting the increased business that your card is supposed to provide for you. Then you should improve
your business card to make it into a great marketing tool.
The business card is more than just a piece of paper to pass our names & numbers. It represents an opportunity to become an impressive marketing tool. Our business cards should be unique & distinctive so as to be a memorable conversation piece for consumers.
Below are 10 tips to making your business cards function as a 'fresh' advertising billboard for your businesses.
* Ensure basic information on your card is complete as in your name, profession, office address, contact numbers & fax numbers. Providing your email address & your web site's address will give it more appeal to consumers.
* Offer special discounts & promotions on your business card.
* Place your business card in all your correspondence.
* Make your business card an appointment card to achieve dual functionality.
* Give your business card to everyone you meet be it store clerks, gas station attendants, toll booth operators and etc to get maximum exposure of your business.
* Make your business card a mini billboard to advertise your service or business product.
* Your business card can also be a fridge magnet. Spend a little more money on it and you have a better chance of having your business card on a potential client's fridge instead of simply stacked away with other cards.
* A professionally designed logo will reflect the true identity of your business and also make your business card more identifiable even at a single glance.
* Your business or services unique selling proposition (USP) should be highlighted on the back of your card. Some good examples of USP are:
1. Head & Shoulders: "You get rid of dandruff",
2. Olay: "You get younger-looking skin", &
3. Red Bull: "You get stimulation of body and mind".
* Shape your card relative to your business so your card can become a conversation piece. Limit the uniqueness so your card will not be difficult to fit into places where business cards are stored or else it will risk a chance of getting misplaced thus probably forgotten.
Our business cards do not have to lay dormant in somebody's wallet or drawer. Instead, it can play an active & powerful role to promote you, your business, & your services. Create your business card & follow the tips mentioned above to let it generate for you increased profits to your business. Your business card is your smallest, efficient, & most effective advertising billboard! - http://abassteroffice.blogspot.com
your business card to make it into a great marketing tool.
The business card is more than just a piece of paper to pass our names & numbers. It represents an opportunity to become an impressive marketing tool. Our business cards should be unique & distinctive so as to be a memorable conversation piece for consumers.
Below are 10 tips to making your business cards function as a 'fresh' advertising billboard for your businesses.
* Ensure basic information on your card is complete as in your name, profession, office address, contact numbers & fax numbers. Providing your email address & your web site's address will give it more appeal to consumers.
* Offer special discounts & promotions on your business card.
* Place your business card in all your correspondence.
* Make your business card an appointment card to achieve dual functionality.
* Give your business card to everyone you meet be it store clerks, gas station attendants, toll booth operators and etc to get maximum exposure of your business.
* Make your business card a mini billboard to advertise your service or business product.
* Your business card can also be a fridge magnet. Spend a little more money on it and you have a better chance of having your business card on a potential client's fridge instead of simply stacked away with other cards.
* A professionally designed logo will reflect the true identity of your business and also make your business card more identifiable even at a single glance.
* Your business or services unique selling proposition (USP) should be highlighted on the back of your card. Some good examples of USP are:
1. Head & Shoulders: "You get rid of dandruff",
2. Olay: "You get younger-looking skin", &
3. Red Bull: "You get stimulation of body and mind".
* Shape your card relative to your business so your card can become a conversation piece. Limit the uniqueness so your card will not be difficult to fit into places where business cards are stored or else it will risk a chance of getting misplaced thus probably forgotten.
Our business cards do not have to lay dormant in somebody's wallet or drawer. Instead, it can play an active & powerful role to promote you, your business, & your services. Create your business card & follow the tips mentioned above to let it generate for you increased profits to your business. Your business card is your smallest, efficient, & most effective advertising billboard! - http://abassteroffice.blogspot.com
10 Tips on How to Create a Great Business Card
It is quite simple to create a great business card. There a variety of different computer programs available that allow people to make business cards. Here are ten tips on how to create a great business card.
1. Use a catchy sentence that people will remember. You want your business name and what you do to remembered. You want people to remember your business card so make sure it has a catchy sentence.
2. Use a picture that matches what your company is about. You want a picture on your business card that people will remember. You can make something that is easy to remember. For example, someone who has a teddy bear gift basket business can use a picture of a teddy bear in order to have people remember the company.
3. Make sure the text is large enough to read. You want the text and pictures be large enough to see. You want the text to be easy to read. Don't use fancy text on the business card. Keep the text style simple so that people can clearly read the text without trouble.
4. If you are printing the business cards on a regular print instead of being professionally printed then make sure to get some business card paper. You can get luxury business card paper at any office supply store. They have a variety of luxury paper designed for business cards.
5. Make sure to include all of your contact information on the business card such as your telephone number and mailing address. If your company has a website then make sure to remember to put the website address on the business card. If you have a e-mail address then make sure to list the e-mail address on the business too.
6. Put your job title on the business card too. Make sure to let people know by your business card what it is that you do and how to get in contact with you. Business cards are a great for advertising.
7. Double check your business card for any spelling errors along with any other errors. This is important so that your business card will look professional. Have a friend look at the business card before you have it printed. Other people can point out mistakes that we often don't catch.
8. Don't clutter your business card. You don't want your business card to be overloaded with information. You want to keep your business card simple and straight to the point about what services or products that
your company can provide. You can have a list of what services or product that your company can do, but just keep it simple.
9. Make sure that your business isn't boring. People enjoy business cards that are interesting and memorable. You want your future clients to be impressed with your business card enough to want your service or product in the future.
10. Make sure that your business is full color. You want your business card to catch attention and color catches attention. Make sure that your business card has light toned colors so it isn't overwhelming to the reader.
1. Use a catchy sentence that people will remember. You want your business name and what you do to remembered. You want people to remember your business card so make sure it has a catchy sentence.
2. Use a picture that matches what your company is about. You want a picture on your business card that people will remember. You can make something that is easy to remember. For example, someone who has a teddy bear gift basket business can use a picture of a teddy bear in order to have people remember the company.
3. Make sure the text is large enough to read. You want the text and pictures be large enough to see. You want the text to be easy to read. Don't use fancy text on the business card. Keep the text style simple so that people can clearly read the text without trouble.
4. If you are printing the business cards on a regular print instead of being professionally printed then make sure to get some business card paper. You can get luxury business card paper at any office supply store. They have a variety of luxury paper designed for business cards.
5. Make sure to include all of your contact information on the business card such as your telephone number and mailing address. If your company has a website then make sure to remember to put the website address on the business card. If you have a e-mail address then make sure to list the e-mail address on the business too.
6. Put your job title on the business card too. Make sure to let people know by your business card what it is that you do and how to get in contact with you. Business cards are a great for advertising.
7. Double check your business card for any spelling errors along with any other errors. This is important so that your business card will look professional. Have a friend look at the business card before you have it printed. Other people can point out mistakes that we often don't catch.
8. Don't clutter your business card. You don't want your business card to be overloaded with information. You want to keep your business card simple and straight to the point about what services or products that
your company can provide. You can have a list of what services or product that your company can do, but just keep it simple.
9. Make sure that your business isn't boring. People enjoy business cards that are interesting and memorable. You want your future clients to be impressed with your business card enough to want your service or product in the future.
10. Make sure that your business is full color. You want your business card to catch attention and color catches attention. Make sure that your business card has light toned colors so it isn't overwhelming to the reader.
How to Make Business Cards for Free
Business cards are a great way to promote yourself and/or your company that you own or work for. Part of running a profitable business includes keeping the overhead costs down while getting your name and company name
out to prospective clients. Knowing how to make business cards for free is an economical and easy option.
You can very easily make your own business cards for free by checking out the websites highlighted below. Choose your favorite business card design, add the details and you will have cost effective business cards that are representative of you and cost virtually nothing except for the ink and paper.
Business Card Land
Here you will find a website where you can make business cards for free and there are many creative designs offered. Examples of the printable business card choices are: Modern Sparkle, Long Grass, Floral One, Batik, Simple Sans, Simple Serif, Geo Corners and Eclipse. The business card maker is flash based so making your own business cards can be done easily on Mac and PC.
Print Free
When learning how to make business cards, it is often wise to choose a simple, clean design. The site offers options to make business cards that are very simple but efficient enough to get your information and company information out to the prospective client. Making your own business cards on the website include design options such as printing with lines or without lines and the color options are: black, red, green, blue and mixed colors. This website also has a lot of other make your own business related items such as calendars, office forms and printable signs.
Free Business Card Templates
Here you will find a website that offers a variety of make your own business card styles in categories such as: accounting, antique, beauty and cosmetic, bakery, car and accessories, computer and internet, coffee and tea, catering, electric and electronic, florist, hardware, motorcycle, optical and eyewear, pets and accessories, real estate, stationary and office equipment and travel and leisure. Making business cards is easy on this site because within these categories, the amount of choices is substantial.
Free Printable Business Cards
Learning how to make business cards for free is incredibly easy when you have 230 business cards that you can download and print yourself. The business cards designs are tremendous and the site is very easy to navigate.
Some examples of the business cards that you can make are: personal business cards, feminine business cards, photo business cards, funny business cards, nature business cards, abstract design business cards plus many more business card designs.
Apollos Templates
This site has wonderful make your own business card choices with many options to pick from such as: ability to add your own logo, adding custom text to the business card, changing color of title, change color of body text and replicate changes to the entire sheet. Although the website has many options to choose from to make your business card personalized to your own style, the site is easy to navigate and options are easy to understand.
Giving yourself the opportunity to make business cards for free is a wise choice economically for a business owner, plus business cards are a must have to carry with you in the event that a business opportunity arises.
Sources:
www.freeprintablebusinesscards.net
www.printfree.com
www.businesscardland.com
www.free-business-card-templates.com
www.apollostemplates.com
out to prospective clients. Knowing how to make business cards for free is an economical and easy option.
You can very easily make your own business cards for free by checking out the websites highlighted below. Choose your favorite business card design, add the details and you will have cost effective business cards that are representative of you and cost virtually nothing except for the ink and paper.
Business Card Land
Here you will find a website where you can make business cards for free and there are many creative designs offered. Examples of the printable business card choices are: Modern Sparkle, Long Grass, Floral One, Batik, Simple Sans, Simple Serif, Geo Corners and Eclipse. The business card maker is flash based so making your own business cards can be done easily on Mac and PC.
Print Free
When learning how to make business cards, it is often wise to choose a simple, clean design. The site offers options to make business cards that are very simple but efficient enough to get your information and company information out to the prospective client. Making your own business cards on the website include design options such as printing with lines or without lines and the color options are: black, red, green, blue and mixed colors. This website also has a lot of other make your own business related items such as calendars, office forms and printable signs.
Free Business Card Templates
Here you will find a website that offers a variety of make your own business card styles in categories such as: accounting, antique, beauty and cosmetic, bakery, car and accessories, computer and internet, coffee and tea, catering, electric and electronic, florist, hardware, motorcycle, optical and eyewear, pets and accessories, real estate, stationary and office equipment and travel and leisure. Making business cards is easy on this site because within these categories, the amount of choices is substantial.
Free Printable Business Cards
Learning how to make business cards for free is incredibly easy when you have 230 business cards that you can download and print yourself. The business cards designs are tremendous and the site is very easy to navigate.
Some examples of the business cards that you can make are: personal business cards, feminine business cards, photo business cards, funny business cards, nature business cards, abstract design business cards plus many more business card designs.
Apollos Templates
This site has wonderful make your own business card choices with many options to pick from such as: ability to add your own logo, adding custom text to the business card, changing color of title, change color of body text and replicate changes to the entire sheet. Although the website has many options to choose from to make your business card personalized to your own style, the site is easy to navigate and options are easy to understand.
Giving yourself the opportunity to make business cards for free is a wise choice economically for a business owner, plus business cards are a must have to carry with you in the event that a business opportunity arises.
Sources:
www.freeprintablebusinesscards.net
www.printfree.com
www.businesscardland.com
www.free-business-card-templates.com
www.apollostemplates.com
Make Business Cards on Your Computer
Make your own business cards with an existing logo
I've made business cards about every way you can except scribbling my number on a piece of paper! Actually, I've done that too, but it wasn't business. One of the first business cards I made for myself was on Microsoft Publisher. They have some nice templates for business cards, and I even liked one of their logos. On Publisher you can just open the template, type in the information where indicated, replace visuals, put your cursor on corners of things and pull them out to make them bigger or push them back to make them smaller. You can change the colors and then change them back again if you want. They have color schemes you can choose from with a whole palette of coordinating colors, or you can create your own. It really is fun to play around and see what you can come up with. (And I'm just going to dangle that preposition"with," so there.)
Print cards on your home printer
I kept a supply of the Avery business card perforated sheets that Publisher works with, and whenever I ran out of cards I would just print out a sheet and pull the cards apart. I found Avery had a slightly more expensive business card product that separated into cleaner edges. I bought them in ivory or cream rather than stark white, so the cards would look more "Printed." Well,I outgrew those when I started seeing the logo I was using showing up everywhere, on yard signs, powerpoint presentations and other stuff.
Design your own logo for your business cards
For my next business cards, I designed my own logo, just by using a certain type font, and putting two of the letters in a different color from the others. I added bars of color behind the company name, and inserted a background I found somewhere, recolorized and distorted a little. Suddenly, I had an all new original logo and business card. I created this one on Adobe Illustrator, with a little help from Adobe Photoshop. But, except for colorizing the background in Photoshop, and squeezing the letters of the text together in Illustrator, it could have been designed in Microsoft Publisher too.
Send your business cards to an online printer
This time though, I decided to graduate to an online printer instead of printing the cards myself. I was always getting emails from VistaPrint offering incredibly low rates, and sometimes even free business cards. So they walked me through uploading my design, nd I spent a little extra on a glossy finish. Woohoo, I thought they looked great. (see pictures.)
Business cards for Imaginary businesses
But back to Publisher. Just for fun, I made some imaginary business cards on Publisher and uploaded them here to show how easy it is. I've also done brochures with Publisher. It's when I try to have them professionally printed that I run into problems with Publisher. The color settings were not right for professional printing, and the type can't be manipulated very well. (Of course new versions of Publisher may have all the problems ironed out. I was using the 2002 version.)
Make business cards in Adobe Illustrator
Since then, in my business, I've mostly done business cards in Illustrator, and had them printed online at VistaPrint and saved my clients some money. I've had the matching folders and and brochures printed on VistaPrint, and other online printers too. I've also paid professional designers to design logos and business cards for some "high image" clients. It just depends on the budget they have, and the business they're in. Sometimes it's something simple I can do myself, sometimes it takes a "real" designer, sometimes I can find a design I really like online. You can find lots of gorgeous designs for a realtor, for example, but not for a vending machine company.
Use business card templates online
A new way to make professional looking cards in a hurry is to use predesigned cards on Vista Print. They have photos to choose from, and color schemes. A friend who was starting her own home staging business needed cards fast. We found a design on VistaPrint's site that we loved, and I adapted it for her, changing the fonts, etc. The result is very professional and expensive looking. To think it was all done on the computer, ordered on the computer, paid for on the computer, and the cards were delivered in a few days is absolutely amazing.
Business cards back in the day
Years ago when I started in advertising, getting new "corporate identity" materials was a very big deal for clients. You had meetings to discuss mission and "feel", you hired a designer to create a logo, then a layout artist came up with the layout for each piece: the business card, the letterhead, the presentation folders, the brochures, etc. Some designs required original photography which was very expensive and time consuming. Then we would send the text out to a type house and wait for the type to be set and come back. Then a paste-up artist would put it all together according to the layout: the logo, the picture, the text. Off it would go to the printer, and then we would wait for the proof to come back. If there were mistakes, then we would have to wait for a corrected proof. Finally, when everything was signed off on, the proof would go back to the printer and we would wait for the finished product. That's why nobody ever wanted to change their business cards, much less the logo on their trucks. The time line could be as much as two months.
Now that everything is digital, you can change it all in a week on your computer. Sometimes in 3 days!
I'm about ready to redesign my logo again. But what about the 1000 blue business cards I have left? Guess I could use them to wallpaper the office.
It won't be hard to tell which business cards here are for imaginary businesses. Leave me a comment and tell me which ones you think they are.
If you want to read more from this author, click on my picture and visit my titles.
I've made business cards about every way you can except scribbling my number on a piece of paper! Actually, I've done that too, but it wasn't business. One of the first business cards I made for myself was on Microsoft Publisher. They have some nice templates for business cards, and I even liked one of their logos. On Publisher you can just open the template, type in the information where indicated, replace visuals, put your cursor on corners of things and pull them out to make them bigger or push them back to make them smaller. You can change the colors and then change them back again if you want. They have color schemes you can choose from with a whole palette of coordinating colors, or you can create your own. It really is fun to play around and see what you can come up with. (And I'm just going to dangle that preposition"with," so there.)
Print cards on your home printer
I kept a supply of the Avery business card perforated sheets that Publisher works with, and whenever I ran out of cards I would just print out a sheet and pull the cards apart. I found Avery had a slightly more expensive business card product that separated into cleaner edges. I bought them in ivory or cream rather than stark white, so the cards would look more "Printed." Well,I outgrew those when I started seeing the logo I was using showing up everywhere, on yard signs, powerpoint presentations and other stuff.
Design your own logo for your business cards
For my next business cards, I designed my own logo, just by using a certain type font, and putting two of the letters in a different color from the others. I added bars of color behind the company name, and inserted a background I found somewhere, recolorized and distorted a little. Suddenly, I had an all new original logo and business card. I created this one on Adobe Illustrator, with a little help from Adobe Photoshop. But, except for colorizing the background in Photoshop, and squeezing the letters of the text together in Illustrator, it could have been designed in Microsoft Publisher too.
Send your business cards to an online printer
This time though, I decided to graduate to an online printer instead of printing the cards myself. I was always getting emails from VistaPrint offering incredibly low rates, and sometimes even free business cards. So they walked me through uploading my design, nd I spent a little extra on a glossy finish. Woohoo, I thought they looked great. (see pictures.)
Business cards for Imaginary businesses
But back to Publisher. Just for fun, I made some imaginary business cards on Publisher and uploaded them here to show how easy it is. I've also done brochures with Publisher. It's when I try to have them professionally printed that I run into problems with Publisher. The color settings were not right for professional printing, and the type can't be manipulated very well. (Of course new versions of Publisher may have all the problems ironed out. I was using the 2002 version.)
Make business cards in Adobe Illustrator
Since then, in my business, I've mostly done business cards in Illustrator, and had them printed online at VistaPrint and saved my clients some money. I've had the matching folders and and brochures printed on VistaPrint, and other online printers too. I've also paid professional designers to design logos and business cards for some "high image" clients. It just depends on the budget they have, and the business they're in. Sometimes it's something simple I can do myself, sometimes it takes a "real" designer, sometimes I can find a design I really like online. You can find lots of gorgeous designs for a realtor, for example, but not for a vending machine company.
Use business card templates online
A new way to make professional looking cards in a hurry is to use predesigned cards on Vista Print. They have photos to choose from, and color schemes. A friend who was starting her own home staging business needed cards fast. We found a design on VistaPrint's site that we loved, and I adapted it for her, changing the fonts, etc. The result is very professional and expensive looking. To think it was all done on the computer, ordered on the computer, paid for on the computer, and the cards were delivered in a few days is absolutely amazing.
Business cards back in the day
Years ago when I started in advertising, getting new "corporate identity" materials was a very big deal for clients. You had meetings to discuss mission and "feel", you hired a designer to create a logo, then a layout artist came up with the layout for each piece: the business card, the letterhead, the presentation folders, the brochures, etc. Some designs required original photography which was very expensive and time consuming. Then we would send the text out to a type house and wait for the type to be set and come back. Then a paste-up artist would put it all together according to the layout: the logo, the picture, the text. Off it would go to the printer, and then we would wait for the proof to come back. If there were mistakes, then we would have to wait for a corrected proof. Finally, when everything was signed off on, the proof would go back to the printer and we would wait for the finished product. That's why nobody ever wanted to change their business cards, much less the logo on their trucks. The time line could be as much as two months.
Now that everything is digital, you can change it all in a week on your computer. Sometimes in 3 days!
I'm about ready to redesign my logo again. But what about the 1000 blue business cards I have left? Guess I could use them to wallpaper the office.
It won't be hard to tell which business cards here are for imaginary businesses. Leave me a comment and tell me which ones you think they are.
If you want to read more from this author, click on my picture and visit my titles.
Business Card Guide
I read once a long time ago that all you really need to get started in business is a good idea and a great business card, and I've found that's pretty much still true today.
But not all business cards are created equal. A bad business card is more of a liability than an asset, but a great business card is worth ten times what you pay for
it.
Wondering if your business card is an asset -- or a liability? Read on for a checklist of the elements of a great business card.
A great business card:
1. Has your contact information. Sounds basic enough, but some folks actually forget to include their NAMES on their business cards! Your name, your business name, phone number, email address, web URL, and address (either physical or mailing) are all necessary. Anything less diminishes your credibility.
2. Has your core marketing message (not your tag line). A tag line is a positioning statement (such as "Have it your way!") that doesn't necessarily tell what you do, but positions you against your competitors. Your marketing message is probably very close to your elevator speech, and describes the outcome of your work as well as your ideal client (what you do and for whom).
3. Is readable. Print that is too small means your card is unreadable. But small print isn't the only issue; I've seen "arty" business cards that make no sense in terms of layout and copy, so unless you ARE Pablo Picasso, make your card easy to read and not a visual challenge.
4. Looks professional, not like a craft project. For example, unless there is a legitimate reason to hand-letter your business cards (such as you are ten years old, or your business is all about hand-lettering) or do anything else that is "crafty," don't. Not only is it probably a waste of your time, it looks both juvenile and terminally unprofessional.
5. Is visually arresting, although consistent with your overall design concept. Photos are great on business cards, because they are visually arresting, help people recognize you, and because your face (in a photo) is
an implied guarantee, especially for big-ticket items (now you know why most real estate agents have their photos on their business cards).
6. Is the right size. Anything that doesn't fit into a standard card holder is the wrong size. It can be a little short, or a little thick, but never too wide or too tall.
7. Uses both the front and back. Have you ever noticed that when we get a card or a letter, the first thing we do is look at the back? I guess we all want to see what's behind Door #2. Take advantage of that behavior by including more information on the back of your card, such as a Top 10 list or a special offer.
8. Has a secondary use. You card can invite, inform, inspire, or amuse if it includes a special offer, an invitation, an appointment confirmation, tips, calendar, inspirational quote, or Top 10 list.
9. Is given away -- over and over again! Please don't be stingy with your business cards. While you should not force your cards on people who don't want them, you do not need to "qualify" each recipient of your business card. Remember: Just because someone isn't a prospect now doesn't mean that they might not pass on your card to someone who is a good prospect for you.
10. Doubles as a nametag at networking events. Just slip it into one of those plastic holders and clip it on to your lapel for an instant nametag. Not only will it be a great conversation starter, but you'll find people will remember you better.
But not all business cards are created equal. A bad business card is more of a liability than an asset, but a great business card is worth ten times what you pay for
it.
Wondering if your business card is an asset -- or a liability? Read on for a checklist of the elements of a great business card.
A great business card:
1. Has your contact information. Sounds basic enough, but some folks actually forget to include their NAMES on their business cards! Your name, your business name, phone number, email address, web URL, and address (either physical or mailing) are all necessary. Anything less diminishes your credibility.
2. Has your core marketing message (not your tag line). A tag line is a positioning statement (such as "Have it your way!") that doesn't necessarily tell what you do, but positions you against your competitors. Your marketing message is probably very close to your elevator speech, and describes the outcome of your work as well as your ideal client (what you do and for whom).
3. Is readable. Print that is too small means your card is unreadable. But small print isn't the only issue; I've seen "arty" business cards that make no sense in terms of layout and copy, so unless you ARE Pablo Picasso, make your card easy to read and not a visual challenge.
4. Looks professional, not like a craft project. For example, unless there is a legitimate reason to hand-letter your business cards (such as you are ten years old, or your business is all about hand-lettering) or do anything else that is "crafty," don't. Not only is it probably a waste of your time, it looks both juvenile and terminally unprofessional.
5. Is visually arresting, although consistent with your overall design concept. Photos are great on business cards, because they are visually arresting, help people recognize you, and because your face (in a photo) is
an implied guarantee, especially for big-ticket items (now you know why most real estate agents have their photos on their business cards).
6. Is the right size. Anything that doesn't fit into a standard card holder is the wrong size. It can be a little short, or a little thick, but never too wide or too tall.
7. Uses both the front and back. Have you ever noticed that when we get a card or a letter, the first thing we do is look at the back? I guess we all want to see what's behind Door #2. Take advantage of that behavior by including more information on the back of your card, such as a Top 10 list or a special offer.
8. Has a secondary use. You card can invite, inform, inspire, or amuse if it includes a special offer, an invitation, an appointment confirmation, tips, calendar, inspirational quote, or Top 10 list.
9. Is given away -- over and over again! Please don't be stingy with your business cards. While you should not force your cards on people who don't want them, you do not need to "qualify" each recipient of your business card. Remember: Just because someone isn't a prospect now doesn't mean that they might not pass on your card to someone who is a good prospect for you.
10. Doubles as a nametag at networking events. Just slip it into one of those plastic holders and clip it on to your lapel for an instant nametag. Not only will it be a great conversation starter, but you'll find people will remember you better.
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