If you run a small to medium sized business than you are probably feeling the squeeze that everyone else is, little or no money for marketing and advertising campaigns. Well your business card is the often a great marketing tool that costs very little and can have compounding effects on your businesses revenue. Therefor it is important to design a business card that will create an impression of what you do and why you do it. Think of it as a tiny little billboard in your clients pocket that can give you a killer ad against bigger companies with bigger billboards!

Here are 3 Tips for Perfect Business Cards

The three most important factors to consider when designing a business card are: Readability, Clear Text, and Your statement.

By themselves and as a unit these three factors give you both an immediate effect and a lasting impression. If done correctly a client will know exactly who you are, what business you are in, and where they can find you, all within seconds of picking up your business card. But the real goal is to get the lasting impression, something that will remind that person of you the second your business vertical is mentioned in a conversation.

Here is an exercise: give your business card to a neutral person and ask them after 3 seconds to put it down and tell you who you are, where you work, and what business you are in. If they can’t do that, then you need to work on your message! I don’t ever look at anyone’s business card that long so it is very important for you, me, and them to send that message across lightning fast. So get rid of all the fluff and find ways to quickly send your message without bogging down their minds with stupid quotes or useless clip art.

Another common mistake people are making on their companies business cards is adding too much info. It seems a little counter-intuitive to say but really, how many phone numbers do you need to put on there? And the fax number, with two business addresses… is that really necessary? NO! All you really need in your phone number and email. Everything else can easily be found online and if someone wants to mail you something, you should hope to get a call first! So trim the fat and lose the extras. One more great thing that you can add on your free business card is your web address. If fact, this is a must. Your website is like a free freaking advertisement that people just flock to. Its a community and a sales method all rolled into one. If you you don’t have one, get one, then put it on your business card, yesterday. Also you could get special business cards printed that just are systems to push people to your website or social networking profiles… look into QR codes!

Now you want to communicate effectively and efficiently so lets go over what should be on your business cards. First put your company’s name and logo on that bad boy. Then if you have a tag line, include but in small font. If you don’t have a tag line just write what you do so people are left guessing when they are holding your piece of tiny paper. Then include your name, position, phone, email, and website. This should all read very clearly and should be a large enough font to keep older folks from straining (many of us are old!). If you follow these simple tips you will have an awesome business card that will get your customers faster than you can say apple sauce!

Now get to work designing your business cards so you too can grow your business in an affordable and fun manner!

In the Victorian Era visiting and social calls were of the upmost importance. Victorian ladies spent a good part of their time visiting with their friends over a cup of tea. The calling card was used to let people know that they had been “called” on. It seems that with the introduction of the internet that we are seeing “calling cards” more frequently. Whether it be in guestbooks or your email~I really enjoy looking at the beautiful cards that people leave for me! Below you will find a few links to get you started on your search for the perfect Calling Card~Have fun!

• Women would often leave her husband’s calling card as well.  In this case
  she would leave one card for herself and two for her husband, one for the
  hostess and one for the hostesses husband.
• In large cities it was customary to make only one social call per year to an
  acquaintance.  Also, leaving a card while attending an afternoon tea was
  commonplace.
• One was obligated to leave a card after a wedding breakfast, luncheon,
  dinner party, or after any evening event.
• It was impolite to write on cards to accept or to decline an invitation, a
  formal letter is appropriate in this situation.
• If a call has gone unanswered for a period of time, it should not be taken
  personally.  After the call is returned the hostess must accept the caller
  politely and accept any excuses with courtesy and not mention it again.

So many people talk about the different things that you can get online for free or no cost, did you know that you can get free business cards online?  If you run any type of business this is a great way to save money, try new things, and make interns feel special!  The great thing is you can use these free cards for other things that the standard business cards.  Many people use them for Branding Cards, Calling Cards, or Sales Pitch Cards.  Recently people have been seeing them promoting upcoming products that just give a website address which asks them to subscribed to a newsletter.  This way they build a pre-launch market for their product.
So how do you get this killer deal? Well you can’t go local!  The printers won’t look at you too kindly when you walk in there and ask them for their business card for free! Many local places card between $40 – $60 for even the most basic designs… if you want color raise the price. So you need to go online to get the best deals.
There are essentially two ways that you can get these free cards

1. Use a Service like Free Cards to have them printed and mailed to you
2. Design and Print your business cards at home

Free Business Cards Online

The best way you can acquire your business cards is by using a service like the one we provide. We recommend our service for simple reasons: You get a professional printed product, a plethora of pre-made business card designs, and the ease of ordering. These cards aren’t going to look cheap and they are not going to feel like they were printed on notebook paper.  This is a product you can be proud of and know that other business professionals will treat them, and yourself, with respect.

Since these cards are no cost to you there are ENDLESS possibilities to their uses.  You can easily use them to promote small part time jobs, give them to your kids for lawn mowing business, sell homemade jewelry, promote upcoming shows, help sell houses, and more!  They can also be treated as personal cards instead of “business cards”. Meaning you just hand them out to people you meet on the street, in personal settings, or at church.  It’s a great way to keep people “mentally aware” of who you are.  These are a great way to help you appear to be a more professional person.

When you use our service you are guaranteed to find something you like or create it yourself. It’s as easy as choosing a design, entering the info you want, reviewing, and entering shipping info. They arrive fast and will leave you wanting more cards! We have over 20 different personal cards lying around that we use for tons of different ventures and promotions. Go find out what goes on a business card.

Home Printing

Another option to getting business cards for free is to use home printing. You can do this by having a high quality printer, buying thick printing paper, and making a custom design. There are lots of templates out there but you must make sure that they are compatible with your computer, software, and will look good on the final business card. The big downside to doing this from home is that you sacrifice on quality.  The cards will not have a crisp look of a professionally printed card and will possibly have tear lines and other “tell tale” signs of a cheap job.  These may be fine for home use but they should NOT be used for professional business interactions.

So if you are ready to make the jump, and be a pro, then try out our free business cards today!

Business cards have come along way from being a simple piece of paper that is used to share info.  They are advanced networking tools.  Along these advanced lines comes new technology that changes the way we interact using business cards.  Below are two examples of these technologies.

Scanners

There are several business card scanners on the market today, such as the IRISCard Pro and CardScan.  These are exceptionally useful because of their small size and portability. The great thing about these scanners is that they scan in more than just a picture of the card… They interpret the text itself, allowing it to be sorted and archived by the computer or management system you are using.  These are great to use when everyone passes out tons of free business cards.

This is extremely useful for the diehard networkers out there who don’t have time to sit around and hand enter cards or even sort them by pictures.  Many address book programs and other software suites can automatically inject the data into existing or new contacts!  They usually can tell the difference between the different types of information so it is easy for the contact to have it’s own name and contact info all presorted.  The great things about about this type of software are numerous, including the fact that it can sort out and save extraneous data that it finds on the card such as pictures and extra text that wouldn’t normally be put in the card.

Many of the scanners are small enough that they don’t have to be hooked in a wall outlet.  They are powered though the USB hub so as long as your computer is running, you can scan in your business cards!  This is great for road warriors, salesmen, or traveling business professionals.  There are also stationary models that are designed to work in more of an office setting.

Barcodes on Business Cards

A eastern company located in the country Japan know as DENSO Corporation has create at new type of barcode system call the Quick Response barcode.  This barcode differs from traditional barcodes because it has another scanning angle so it is two dimensional rather than one dimensional barcode we are used to seeing in businesses.  This type of barcode can contain much more information and can be decoded using common digital cameras, even ones located in side cellular phones.  This means that all your companies information and the info of the individual can be contained in an easy to read barcode that can be traded with other business professionals at events without ever moving physical cards.  This really represent a future for business cards, because now you can super customize one card and share the info while keeping the expensive card!

There are many more advances in the market of free business cards, these are only a few methods.  We will cover more later so stay tuned!

Free business cards are huge deal in the country of Japan. The tradition name for a Japanese business card is “meishi”. This name is from a history based in calling cards when phones came to japan.  To understand what it means we must break down the word.

Mei:

This word is the first Kanji character in the word and it is the word for name.

Shi:

The second Kanji. It is often misunderstood and believed to mean paper, however this isn’t true. The shi syllable in this form means flower thorn, and it also means to poke. It’s use in the Japanese “business card” comes from the history of persons of upper class asians cities, mostly in China, left a calling card in what we would know to be the letterbox of another businessman.  They would poke out the letterbox with their card.

It is very important to understand the Japaneses culture and the methods they hand out cards. The Japanese have a strict and formal method of presenting business cards. The person presenting the card holds it with both hands at the top corners and facing the recipient so that it can be easily read. It is customary that the presenter then tell who he or she is. Then the getter of the card should again use both hands to accept it, ensuring that all the writing is still visible on the card. Leather cases are carried around by many Japanese to hold their business cards – it is considered bad manners to place someone’s business card upon receipt into a back pocket. In general, the business cards of those introduced to somebody will be put at the back of that person’s business card case. Folding over or writing on business cards are also considered insulting.

Other Conventions of the Japanese and their Business Cards

If individuals are exchanging business cards in Japan, it is considered ill-mannered for the junior person in the introduction to extend his or her business card so that it is above the senior person’s card. During table meetings, business cards shouldn’t be filed away in the business card case, but rather placed atop the case on the table until the meeting is complete. The person of highest rank who has presented a business card at such a meeting should have his or her card placed on top of the case, and those of lower rank kept on the table beside the case.

Less Traditional Methods of presenting Business Cards in Japan

Most of the Japanese youth often don’t adhere to the strict conventions of business card exchange in Japan. Frequently, for example, they will pass a card to a new acquaintance with just one hand. It is normal for the recipient may also take it in one hand. However, it is still somewhat impolite for the recipient not to give the business card the attention that the presenter might expect. The recipient will “formalize” the receipt of the card by taking it in both corners, with both hands, and perusing it closely before filing it away.

There are many other traditions concerning Japanese meishi. It is remarkable to consider that in a culture that prides itself in being so advanced technologically, there is still a prominent place for free business cards in social exchanges.

So many ask why we Give out free business cards and wonder if their is a evil motive behind the process, well our answer comes down to this. Customer Acquisition Costs. By giving out free business cards we attract potential future customers. Is there a change that you will never shop with us again? Sure, but it’s worth the loss that we take when we give you free cards because we believe you will be so impressed with the quality that you will come back and purchase more or get any of our other products we offer! So it’s simple, it is cheaper for us to give you our product for free and hope you come back and shop with us than it is to go out and waste large sums of money on advertising. It all comes down to customer acquisition costs and customer lifetime value. You value far outweighs the loss that we take! Plus if you like them you help spread the word, and as most business men know word-of-mouth is the best marketing you can get.

How does this work out for you? So far the response has been great! Customers love the product so much that when they are out of business cards (takes a while before that happen!) they usually come back and purchase more (and they are still cheap!). So what do you have to lose by trying us out? If you don’t like the product you never see a bill and you never have to come back to us again! Now go get some business card for free!

Why is the public generally scared about buying things online? It is a safe environment and there are many reason why it good to to get things online. By ordering free business cards online you can:

1. Not have to use your Car.  By getting your business cards online you don’t have to waste precious time in a car.
2. No downloads. There are many ways to get business cards and one of those ways is by designing the cards on your home computer. This means you will have to download software, templates, and possibly other info. Why do that why you can use our online editor!
3. It’s much Easier. Why waste all your time going out and getting this done when you can do it in a fraction of the time and see Exactly what you will get before you ever pay.
4. Better designs. There are hundreds of options with an online designer, most printers only have a few.
5. You spend less money. Getting your online business cards for free means you don’t spend any money!  How easy! Also since you are not paying a person to design them you will save extensive cash!

Online business cards can offer many more benefits than business cards printed at the local shop. Many people worry about making purchases online, or are concerned about using an unknown company, but there are many online business card printers who offer high quality at low prices.

These sites have payment transactions that are secure, ensuring that your sensitive financial information stays private. Cost is another area where online card printers have a definite advantage over offline printers, because many websites offer great discounts which make them cost significantly less.

Online business cards offer convenience as well. There are no trips to the printers, or hours spent consulting with a designer. Instead, you simply log on and go to the website, where you can design your business cards using the latest features and technology. No matter what you are looking for in your business card design, you can find it online.

There are some things that you should look for when deciding on an online business card supplier, to ensure that you get quality business cards at a great price.

The online merchant you choose to purchase your business cards from should offer a design program that lets you easily choose the design for your new cards. Business card design can be complex and frustrating if you have no experience in this area, but online business card merchants should have a system that allows you to choose between different features, including colors, templates, script choices, and much more. Try out the system and make sure it is simple and easy to use. You should be able to design your new business card with a minimum of problems.

Price is another factor when you are looking to find online business cards. Check out what the cost is for the cards you want. There are some sites which advertise business cards for a very low price, but what you get for this price is the very basic and boring business card. Plain white paper, with just the basic information printed on it is what these deals usually consist of. You want your business cards to stand out and get attention, so choose an online business card merchant who can do this for a reasonable price. You could also opt for free business cards.

Look for online business card suppliers who have a wide variety of choices in design. Creating the perfect business card may take some time, and involve creating many different designs before you finally choose the one you want. There should be a wide choice of colors, pictures, characters, and other options so you have enough possible choices.

Make sure that any online business card merchant you use offers secure payment transactions. Verify this with the logos on the payment page. If the site does not use encryption to protect your financial information, do not use it. The Internet has high risks of financial theft, so always protect yourself from information theft that can lead to financial loss. Read the privacy policy of any website before you make any purchases, and avoid any merchants who do not post a policy concerning privacy online.

Nowadays, it’s quite easy to get your set of professional business cards. No more thin-paper business cards that easily fold at the edges! And you don’t have to spend a lot of time designing your card nor spend a lot of money having them printed. The fool-proof solution? Online business card printers!

You convey professionalism easily. You may think that you’re saving money but what you’re really doing is harming your business’ reputation if you scrimp and do your own business cards. The minute you hand over that flimsy business card that seems to have been cut with kitchen scissors, it’s almost as if you’re telling the receiver NOT to take your business seriously. If you use an online business card printer, you get business cards that are firm, slick and yes, professional-looking.

Another plus with using online printers is that they often offer many other products so an order for a box of business cards can easily be done with an order of a pens or letterheads or notepads, etc. When you place an order in bulk, you actually save more money in the long run.

You save money. If you would create your own business card, you probably need to invest in some form of imaging or editing software, a printer and a paper cutter. You would probably end up spending MORE on these items than on what you would pay an online printing service provider for your business cards!

You save time. As if the money savings are not enough, think of the TIME you would need to invest in learning how to use the software and tools you need to make your own business cards! With online printers, all you have to do is make a few clicks and wait for your business cards to be delivered.

And here’s another way online business card printers can save time for you: these online companies are available 24/7/365. So even if you’re in your shorts and relaxing at home, you can order business cards online whenever you like. This is really a God-send especially for those times when you need business cards ASAP for that unexpected business meeting or gathering.

You don’t need any design talents whatsoever. Online business card printers have dozens if not hundreds of templates you can choose from. Add to that the fact that you can customize the online business card to the font and color you want, you’re assured that almost no other business card will be the same as yours.

These templates are usually categorized per line of business so you can easily choose a design that suits your profession or industry. And since these are usually done by people who design business cards all the time, you’re again assured that you won’t get ridiculously looking cards.

Still, if you want something really one-of-a-kind, you can check if the online business card provider has an in-house design team you can tap for a fee.