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Custom Business
Cards
Custom business cards can be defined as "an
imprinted advertising message of one's name, logo and type of
business they are engaged in, on small pieces of stiff papers or
thin pasteboards, usually rectangular in shape and measuring 3-4
inches long by 2 inches wide." Business cards (earlier known as
calling cards) first appeared in China in the fifteenth century, and
were introduced in Europe in the 17th century. Even though these
older cards were generic in the nature of their design and served a
purely perfunctory purpose i.e. leave behind contact information for
later retrieval, they were extremely effective in getting lots of
business for their namesakes.
The unassuming custom business cards are demanding more and more
attention these days. These cards have exemplified every business
that is conceivable by human intellect. In fact, custom business
cards have become such an integral and personal part of doing
business, we could conclude that these cards are a physical
extension of our own egos. I recently saw
a business card that was advertising a web site. It said "Get
a free quote for
cheap auto insurance!" His
card was cut in the shape of a car and actually had wheels
The people you meet may expect you to ask for their card and
to offer yours. In countries where business cards are not de rigueur
(a French expression that literally means "required by etiquette or
usage or fashion"), people may not have one and may be embarrassed
by the request. Many countries have precise protocols, including
when to present the card, how, and to whom. In Japan, for example,
the exchange of cards, or meishi, is an important formality and
people may exchange cards more than once since the previous
exchanges may not have made a sufficient impression.
Today, modern printing facilities provide the ability to create your
own custom business cards at rock-bottom prices, from your laser or
inkjet printer. If your business services several different
industries, you could create a customized card for each industry,
emphasizing specific services or benefits for each type of customer.
You could also create different custom business cards emphasizing
specific services for your business. For example, if you are an
image consultant, you could have a card that highlights your general
corporate design services and one that accentuates your designing
skills.
Personalized Business Cards
Business cards can be defined as "an imprinted
advertising message of one's name, logo and type of business they
are engaged in, on small pieces of stiff papers or thin pasteboards,
usually rectangular in shape, and measuring 3-4 inches long by 2
inches wide." Personalized stationery and business cards are forms
of advertising. Since business cards are essential tools of
networking, they can also form the basis of an organizational
system. When companies want to turn their entire workforce into a
huge marketing staff, they revert to an idea as old as the printer
press - the humble business card. Personalized business cards are
aimed at turning the entire workforce to sales department. They also
show that every employee is equally important.
Make your personalized business cards your miniature billboards. If
you are going to print black type on white business cards, don't
bother. What's memorable about that? Opt for an unusual color,
typeface, or message. Make sure to include more than your company
name and logo, and describe your business in more than five words so
that people can remember what do specifically. You could also create
different business cards emphasizing specific services for your
business. The personalized business cards deal works both ways. If
you give out your cards and ask for one in return, you will have
something "in writing" to remember that person by. More importantly,
you will have a name and contact number where you can reach them.
Many customers look for personalized, special services. Therefore,
personalized business cards are a must. It is very important to
distribute business cards right away. Pass your business cards out
whenever it is appropriate. Make sure that you carry at least three
or four business cards in your wallet or purse at all times. Give
them to friends, relatives, people you meet at social gatherings or
other such networking events. Make certain your personalized
business cards have all pertinent information such as your company
or business name, logo, and your contact details on the card. If you
have an 800 number, list it as well. Keep in mind, do not clutter
the cards make them legible. Create a trademark on the card, as this
differentiates you from everyone else.
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