Networking Tips #20 Business Cards

These are an essential tool for networking and it's useful to carry one or two with you wherever you go.

You never know when you might want to give someone your contact details.  I always have one or two in my wallet for those totally random moments, when you're not necessarily at a business meeting.

It's one of the most important and useful tools for business and worth spending a little time and effort on.

'Free' or low-cost cards can be a quick and easy option if you're really low on budget but believe me - you'll soon be able to recognise a Vistaprint business card at 100 paces.  It doesn't cost a lot to print 500-1000 good quality cards.

What's on your card comes down to personal preference but remember that it also reflects on your business.  Ultimately purpose is to display your contact details, so that's the most important feature - clear, easy to read contact details that make it easy for people to get in touch.

Contact number(s) - more people these days only use their mobile phone for business but should you have a landline number too?  A landline number can give a degree of confidence and a mobile only can be difficult to get hold of - out of range, switched off, weak signal, poor connection.

Email address - use a business address not your ISP provider - it looks more professional.  I've noticed some people don't include an email address but they do include their website.  OK, I could guess but make it easy.

Social media - most of us are on Twitter, Linked In or Facebook and it can be useful to include your social media details on your business card, although it can end up getting cluttered if you include absolutely everything alongside your address, phone numbers, website, email ... etc.

If I pick up or look at someone's business card, I want to know who they are, what they do and how I can contact them by phone or email.

Gimmicky, unusual or fancy cards may make you more noticeable and more memorable but don't forget the basics - readability and ease of contact.

Related posts:

Networking Tips: #14 Any Time, Any Place, Anywhere
What Does Your Business Card Say About You?

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