What’s On Your Business Card?
What’s on your business card? This question is often asked when meeting someone for the first time. Moreover, you might wonder what they would ask you after they learn what profession you are in. When I say this, I am referring to a business card that is not in English.
Not all professions require a business card; however, staff members at many corporate companies – particularly finance companies and legal firms – have their information printed on them. These cards can also be made available online by a company’s website or through email correspondence with employees of the firm.
The business card can be referred to as a calling card, calling slip, visiting card, name and address card, or simply namecard. Some of these terms are known by different names in different places; for instance the business card is known as a “visiting card” in Britain. An early use of the term "calling cards" appears in the novel "Pamela" by Samuel Richardson published in 1740: "Then putting the Cards into her Pocket with an Air of affected Distrust, she said to her Mother...I believe they are only an excuse to get into the House and see whether we have not some body with us. I am a Solicitor's wife and I never pay my Calls" (Records of the Parlour Ballad Society, Number 16, to be published in 1950).
Even though a business card is not a necessity, it can still be used as an effective marketing tool. The size of the business card can range from A6 (approx. 5 x 4.25 in.) to A1 (approx. 7 x 5.5 in.), depending on the size and quality of printing desired.
The most basic form of business card is known as letterpress or offset printing with diamond carves and or sepia tones. Letterpress printing leaves a raised surface on the printed item. A “diamond carve” is a textured impression made by indenting the back of the paper to make it rough.
Business cards are used for networking and building relationships with people you meet in person and who you do not have time to get to know well. But how do you know what to include on these business cards?
There are two things that should be included on any business card: your name and contact information. The other information you include, depends on your profession.
To know the best way to include your name on your business card, you should review some examples: For instance, if you are in a certain field (such as a lawyer), then include some of the following:
When you are in the field that requires a title, there are three things to consider. These include:
The rest of the information that should go on your business card is your profession’s contact information. However, it is important to note that "professional" contact information differs from what would be given on a normal business card. Professional contact information should be given such as Work phone/fax + E-mail address. This will help others be able to communicate with you more easily.
A common yet effective way to give your business card a unique touch is by adding a finishing touch. For example, you could use gold foil, silver foil, gold ink or silver ink. Even just a simple emboss with the company name on one side of the card can make it stand out. This is an easy and effective way to put your stamp on any business card.
One important thing to note about business cards is that they should be made from standard corporate stock – not homemade stock. Using custom-made stock effectively marks you as an individual who is interested only in making money for yourself. This will show others that you are more concerned with manipulating others than in being successful and earning money as an individual.
The other thing to keep in mind is that businesses are often interested in sending out a certain number of business cards per day. There is no reason why people should not be allowed a certain number of cards. A card can be sent out the day it is ordered or within four days of ordering, depending on the company's policies and how quickly they need that card to go out.
Some companies provide their employees with business cards when they are hired. Such companies may also have their employees add information to the card themselves or have them print the information on the time of hiring, or have it ready before then and simply give it to the employee at his or her new place of work upon starting.
Businesses like to print their employees' information on business cards because it is inexpensive and easy. However, this can be a waste of money for the company if the employee's information does not change. In order to avoid discrepancies, the employee should update his or her information when it changes.
Business cards have also been known to be put to use in the medical profession. Sometimes, doctors or other medical staff will provide their patients with a business card if they are unsure of what to say or write down.
Business cards can also provide a useful service when an individual is not sure of an individual's contact information but would like to communicate with them. It can help ease the stress of trying to remember how to reach someone and it is safer than using the phone book or internet. Business cards can be used as a way to track people down and may even prove helpful in finding out their whereabouts if needed.
The first business cards were printed in the 1840s by Guttenberg and the process was refined throughout the world after that into the late 19th century. The 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris, France set up a push for entrepreneurs to step into the paper card market. The rise of paper card companies also made it easier for businessmen to get in touch with one another and gain a competitive edge. This was especially helpful for those who traveled and needed more than just a handwritten address of where they resided.
Not too long after, cards began to be printed on linen, which was more durable than paper stock. A few years later, pasteboard became popular for business cards during this time as well.
Conclusion
From the beginning until today, card printing has remained one of the most popular methods for advertising products. Business cards have continued to evolve over the years, but many people still prefer using paper cards because they are cost-effective and low maintenance. Business cards play a vital role in marketing to prospective employees and clients, as well as networking with others. Therefore, they are not just useful but necessary and can be used to keep up business relationships along with personal ones.