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!

There is a plethora of business cards available today. With so many options on type, size, material, and other features it is no wonder that people are getting confused about which type is best for them. There 3 basic types of business cards: the Standard, the Custom, and the Specialty. We will go into depth on each of these so you will know what type is right for you! Anyway you choose, free business cards are always a good option!

The Standard Business Card

This business card is 3.5 by 2 inches and is the mainstay of modern business. It is small enough to slip into your pocket or wallet but large enough to be palmed and easily read. There is reason that this is what 95% of business cards look like: BECAUSE IT WORKS. If you are in any type of professional field or will be dealing with higher educated people then you should almost always carry this type of card. The only exception is for businesses where you are trying to cast a certain light on yourself, but we’ll cover this soon! This type of card usually shows your business name, your name, title/position, address, email and phone number. Sometimes there is room for a slogan but you don’t really need it. It was  once an imperative device, because there was no search engines, internet, or magic gizmos that stored every contact you’ve ever made. This little guy will get you business so you need to impress people!  Always get heavier card stock. It is a very simple thing to do and only costs a tiny bit more. This will impress people because you card (and therefor you) are solid, reliable, and strong. It says a lot to stand out in small ways, so start here! As for colors, I prefer less on these types of business cards. Also the glossy type cards tend to look cheap and flimsy. So your best bet would be to get heavy stock, matte finish, very professional looking cards.

The Custom Business Card

The Custom business card is very similar to the standard except it is either a slightly different size or shape (yet still a rectangle) or it has unique printing on it. To the left you’ll see a custom business card call the slim or skinny business card. This is an increasingly popular item among start-up companies and smaller internet based firms because it speaks youth and vitality. Try to think of reasons you would want a card like this? Maybe you are a dietitian or a personal trainer, this could help you push the message of weight control and fitness, versus the standard cards “chubbier” look! There are other custom cards shapes like the circle and square but I find these annoying and awkward to fit in either your hand or wallet. Therefore, unless you are pushing some product and you want people to constantly be fidgeting with your business card, then I would keep it a similar shape to the classic!

The Specialty Business Card

The Specialty Business Card is really a describer rather than a category. This defines any type of business card that has something that makes it super unique. For example, Kevin Mitnick’s Business Card has a real lock pick kit built in it! Other card have seeds in the paper so you can actually plant them, and some cards are made of rubber so they stretch! It is endless what possibilities you can have with business cards, but be prepared to spend a small fortune to get them created, unless you savvy enough to make them yourself! The real key to be successful with the specialty type is to say something about your business though the design of your card… If you do electronics repair, them make a card out of silicon board! If you are cook, put scratch and sniff chemical on the back and have different “flavors” of business cards!

Now that you know a little bit more about the 3 different types, go out and get some free business cards so you can impress your friends, coworkers, and that new client you’ve been dying to get!

You’ve heard it alot… Brand this, Brand that. Well have you considered branding the one thing that you are giving out every time you meet a potential client, or networking with a counterpart? Brand your Business Cards!!! It’s too simple to just put a clever message or your company logo that sticks to the little guy in your wallet!

But you need to consider more than just the logo or saying to really brand your business card. First you must identify the message you want to send. Are you trying to be a green business? Then why not make business cards that send that type of message. For example a few remarkably creative minds has created customized business cards that are actually plantable! Now this may actually cause problems down the line because all your prospects are actually putting your little marketing device in the ground! Look below and tell me if you have thought of something this creative recently!

If you looked at that and thought that wasn’t good branding then you might need to take another look at yourself and reconsider your calling in life! To really brand yourself with a business card you have to think above and beyond the simple message and find a unique way to engage your target audience. Maybe you are not into lawn care, or sharing memories; big deal! There are other great ideas out there besides a plantable card! Maybe you are into sport memorabilia? Then get some cards that are the same texture as a basketball.

I’m sure you get the message. Branding is all about creativity and finding great way to say the same stuff a different way… because it’s all been said before!!!

You are obviously a very intelligent business person or you wouldn’t be here already, but even the most savvy need a little push in the right direction sometimes! So if you are looking for creative ways to market your small business, without spending a dime, then read on fellow entrepreneur! Here are 6 fantastic ways to market yourself!

Write Articles and Columns

Are the expert in your field? Well you should be or least act like it! Experts write, and write alot. Why? Because they want other people to know that they are experts!!! So act like them! Get out to your local papers, newletters, and publications and ask them if you can write a monthly spot regarding your industry. Most of these guys are dying for quality (and free) content anyways. All you need to do is say that you want a small advertisement right under you column or mention it in the last paragraph!

Create Youtube Videos

This may sound a little difficult, but with any modern digital camera you can make your very own videos. Heck you can even use the webcam on that fancy new macbook you just bought! The key here is not make commercials (unless they are super unique and funny) but to build authority. You want to make instructionals, how-to’s, and any other type of video that can cast light on your excellence!

Join Local Clubs

What a better way to network and meet potential clients that to get out and meet them! Join every single club in your community that could even remotely produce a potential client. Be forward, a little pushy, and let them know you are looking to expand! People will go out of their ways to help people advance in life. You just need to be the one they are helping!

Abuse Social Networks

This should go without saying. Get on facebook. Get on twitter. Ask your clients to engage and share your business. It’s too easy!

Bribe your Customer

Give your customers and clients and incentive to share your business. We can all count on one thing in life, other people’s greed. SO USE THAT! Tell them that you will give them 40% off of their next order if they refer a paying customer to you. Do anything that you can to use them to bring you more business.

Make a Splash!

Finally, just get retarded. Make waves in your community. Donate to a cause, throw a parade for deaf animals, host a world’s strongest child competition. Just get out and get known. This will attract more attention than any of the above. Do you think it’s an accident that Red Bull sponsors all the craziest sports and ridiculous outings? NO! They want attention and to be there when the next Evil Canevil jumps over the Atlantic Ocean!

These are just a few ideas for your business marketing… Just get off your butt and get to work!

So you all think you know something about business cards, but the truth is you are all truly misinformed! One of the best movies of all time has an awesome scene that tell you how to be a BC Bad man…

So get your free business cards and be a awesome specimen of excellence!

It’s true. According to this middle aged man you have terrible business cards! They are worthless and you will never be as good, cool, or handsome as he is! The truth is you can have awesome free business cards without having to be as self-righteous or condescending as this guy! The video follows…

Here is another Business card magic trick to go with our last entry! It uses the same methodology but you can give out two cards instead of one!

Get some free business cards and try it out for yourself!

If you have ever thought about how you hand out your business card or spend any time networking with business cards then you know how important the actually presentation is! To often we see the person we just handed our little card to just shove it into their pocket without ever noticing what is on it. Most likely this person just pocketed it as a courtesy and will dump it into a trash can as soon as they can!

Well if you change the presentation of your card to be something more entertaining and memorable then you may have a chance to keep your card out of the dumpster and possibly even generate a new business relationship! Using this little bit of magic your show your client a “blank” business card then print it right from your hand! This trick takes only a few minutes to master and once done correctly is an extremely effective illusion! Now go get some free business cards and try it out for yourself!

Watch the Video here

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.

There are tons of articles online on how to market your business cards, network with other professionals, and how to get your business cards for free.  Today we are going to focus on the exterior: the Business Card Holder.  It is important that the device you use to store yours and business friends cards in is both attractive and sturdy, a way that you can get alot of attention and buzz is to use your card in conjunction with an extremely creative business card holder.

Some examples:

Here is a handmade mushroom business card holder. It requires only wool felt, embroidery floss, and a piece of sew on Velcro. Click the pic for directions!

The Blomus Business Card holder is a high quality brushed stainless steel holder.  It holds 25 free business cards and will keep them stylish!

If anyone is a geek or nerd and know the history of Nintendo, then this will be a treat.  It is a business card holder based on the NES Japanese counterpart: the Famicom.  Search around to find one for sale!

Let your Business Friends know that you are an Alien of peace with a Spock Business card Holder!

Hopefully these creative holder will inspire you to improve how you present and store your business cards in hopes that you can impress potential clients! Do not underestimate the value of standing out in someone’s mind! Every little thing you can do become a “memory” is worth more than the cost of little things like these business cards holders! Good Luck!