Printed card is a business tool that has not lost its relevancy over the ages; there are reasons why everyone must have one and should get it printed from the right place.
Business cards are still relevant! Here's why you must have it.
You might be wondering what's a purpose of a business card? Why is it important to have a business card? How to use business cards effectively? Do I even need to print business cards?
Let's find out!
Do you doubt the need of getting a printed business card? Then think twice, since Bill Gates, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg, all have them. They may be the revolutionaries of information technologies, but they are also people who understand the values of this small piece of low-tech marketing.
Business cards remain relevant, since until today face-to-face contact still holds its relevancy. Cold calling, mass mailing, websites, and social media marketing all may be excellent tools to get prospects. However, to close the deals, develop lasting business relations, and build client loyalty, you have to meet them and visit them. In such close encounters with key-accounts, the professionally printed business card is irreplaceable.
The nicely printed business card is one of the most economical ways not only to transfer your personal contact data but also to build an image for your business and provide essential information regarding your business.
Carte de visite was also once called a trade card, and they served the two purposes: providing personal contact information or business contact information, and giving necessary information regarding the business. Since the beginning of exchanging business cards in the 17th century, not much has changed. They are still about providing personal contact information along with basic understanding of your business.
What is the good quality card?
Back to the essentials, the best quality card could still be regarded as one that is well printed by a professional company. It is not too decorative, as that would only serve as a distraction. Thus, in the 21st century, we can say that a perfect card should be informative, yet minimalistic in its looks. It should be colored and dual sided (dual-sided printing).
The first impression is the last impression, and a business card is that first impression. As every professional organization knows, it is important not only to know how to print well, but also what stock to use for a particular printing job.
Ordering a double-sided printed card makes economic sense, as it would only slightly add to the cost, but it would substantially add to the value of the business card. The second side may have either graphics representative of your business or may have some additional information. If you are in international business, creating a card in dual languages makes lots of sense.
What should my business card have?
• It should clearly define the personality, brand, and value of your business and help to make personal contact with the client. So, do not forget to get a positioning statement printed on your business card (e.g., Volvo: For Life.).
• The printed business card is not a big thing, so you have to think hard about what information to include and what not. Try to add just the most relevant information for your clients, and try to think from client's perspective. Your well-printed business card should set you apart from competitors. Think about how to mention your preferred contact methods like email, cell phone, twitter, or even blog. Make sure that your business card somehow encourages people to contact you.
• Remember that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Your card must have lots of breathing space, so do not try to fit too much information onto that small thing. Useless graphics, QR codes, and other unwitty design experiments are best avoided. Take maximum advantage of both sides, but at the same time, there must be some space for a client to write something on it (reference note, reminder, etc.).
• A business card should be more like a firm handshake; thus, it should be printed on heavier stock. The printing should be crisp and straightforward. In short, your business card should have the character of a good handshake. Only a card printed by a professional company can lend it that character, that hidden personality.
Bonus tips: How to print good business cards?
• When ordering your cards, chose the best printing options (colored, dual sided), and do not scrimp on paper stock.
• Your card is not a coupon for a free product, thus you should treat it accordingly: avoid giving it to just anyone, at the same time avoiding holding it to yourself for no apparent reason.
• Storing your business card is as important as having a good quality printed business card. Storing it in your wallet along with other papers or coins may not be the best thing. Handling dented, soiled, or a bent card can hurt your business image. Neither should they lie somewhere in your briefcase, held together with a rubber band, as it sends the wrong message to the client. The best thing is to invest a bit in the card case, preferably leather card case.
• Do not forget about etiquette when presenting your business card. Keep in mind that these etiquettes also differ from place to place, like never giving business cards to a middle eastern person with your left hand, or in Japanese when a business card should be handed with both the hands, along with a polite bow.
• In many cases, a business card is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Thus, do not forget to follow-up with your clients after handing them your business card.
A well-printed business card is still as relevant as ever:
• It provides others a way to follow up
• It shows that you are truly a professional
• It means that you can focus on meeting, without spending much time on exchanging contact information
• It makes you referable to others
Remember "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
Hence, be prepared, get your business cards printed, make sure that it looks professional with no spelling or other mistakes, and find a company that could deliver it for free to your doorstep.
Business cards remain relevant, since until today face-to-face contact still holds its relevancy. Cold calling, mass mailing, websites, and social media marketing all may be excellent tools to get prospects. However, to close the deals, develop lasting business relations, and build client loyalty, you have to meet them and visit them. In such close encounters with key-accounts, the 
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