I've been a solo practitioner for nearly 8 years now. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have not had business cards during that time. On the one hand, I am extremely fortunate that I have been able to generate enough work via "word-of-mouth" that I haven't needed to do a lot of networking. On the other hand, the few times I have been asked for a card, I have had to say, "I'm working on those and will have them printed soon..."
Well, I finally made good on that promise. I worked with a graphic designer and last week I ordered my cards - they should arrive next week. This great posting by Christine Kane helped me think about how to prep my cards, and how I will use them - hope it's helpful for you too!
We always use Visaprint and find the service excellent.
Posted by: John | May 10, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Business cards are an under-rated tool. I have advised clients on their business cards for most of my career(Marketing Consultant). People are much more inclined to hold on to, revisit, and pass on, a business card vs. a brochure (which usually sees the trash). Which means business cards must be thought of as the new brochure. In my view you the 4 sided business card is a minimum (that opens like a pamphlet.
1. outline your key selling points and points of difference why your service / product offering is better than competitors
2. Offer a compelling reason to visit (discount / offer / free gift / free introductory session),
3. For services (ie physios and the like), include space for 5-6 appointments and try to fill all the appointment slots on the card at the first visit ie. pre-booking your clients in (as opposed to a new card each time). It guarantees a steadier flow of business, is less waste-full and means your clients / patients can see you with suitable time intervals rather.
4. A quote / customer testimonial is also well worth the space - people place a lot sub-conscious weighting on testimonials.
Good luck. Fleur
Posted by: IT Resume Template | May 12, 2009 at 09:47 PM
For many people, their first step in creating a business is to purchase business cards (long before they've actually created their business plan and launched a successful business). It's better to have a successful business without business cards than to have business cards for an idea you abandoned long ago.
Gerry
www.findyourpassion.com
Posted by: Gerry Baird | July 14, 2009 at 02:45 AM
Business cards are just an additional advertisement tool for your company. The things that we need to consider was the performance of the company itself. Cheers.
shaiks@Job Salary
Posted by: shaiks | December 10, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Thank you a great read I will certainly be back to study future updates. It must take you a lot of time to produce this site. I must confess I have not had any business cards for 15 years
Posted by: Alan | January 01, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Wow, great business card tips at that link! I don't have mine done yet, so this will help. Thank you so much.
http://www.cornwalljobs.org
Posted by: Louanne | January 17, 2010 at 06:01 AM
In my line of work I really need a business card because I am a traveling salesman and it really helps to have one.
Posted by: Gift Registry | February 02, 2010 at 01:35 AM
Business cards are very useful in contacting the person your planning to do business with.
Posted by: SEO Los Angeles | February 02, 2010 at 02:27 AM
I make it a point that whenever I leave for a business trip that I brought along with me a couple of business cards in case I meet other business men there.
Posted by: Computer Parts | February 02, 2010 at 03:17 AM
It never hurt to bring a couple of business cards anywhere you go. You'll never know who might meet.
Posted by: motorcycle communications accessories | February 17, 2010 at 05:08 PM
always take business cards
Posted by: jobs in sales | April 09, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Hey guys, this promo is nothing to do with this website. It sounds like a scam to me - stay clear!
Posted by: altin modelleri | August 21, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis.
Espero poder disfrutar de tu juego en el tour ATP del 2010
Posted by: arabalar | August 23, 2010 at 06:54 AM
Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis.
Espero poder disfrutar de tu juego en el tour ATP del 2010.
Posted by: diyetisyen | August 23, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis.
Espero poder disfrutar de tu juego en el tour ATP del 2010.
Posted by: health | August 24, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Some might already be in it and want to progress to the next level or new business venture or you are wondering will you ever find your ideal career and purpose in life.
Posted by: School student | August 28, 2010 at 07:41 AM
Anything with encouragement and im in for sure.
Posted by: www.link2unlock.com | August 30, 2010 at 01:31 AM
Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis
Posted by: cesme | September 01, 2010 at 11:44 PM
8 years without business cards- that is impressive ;) they are so important and give you an professional appearance...
Posted by: Tom | September 08, 2010 at 02:57 PM
I find it hard that Vodafone would be able to employ price plan linked traffic shaping/monitoring to detect VoIP use on mobile internet price plans. Unless someone sits there and manually analyses VoIP traffic usage against number's
Posted by: iyimi | September 14, 2010 at 04:43 PM
Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis.
Espero poder disfrutar de tu juego en el tour ATP del 2010.
Saludos de un cubano que radica en Venezue
Posted by: pansiyon | October 08, 2010 at 11:11 AM
I think there is a job or career out there for everyone to love if they only searched or could see it.
Some might already be in it and want to progress to the next level or new business venture or you are wondering will you ever find your ideal career and purpose in life…?
Posted by: travel | October 23, 2010 at 10:15 AM
oyun oyunlar Hola, te deseo muchos éxitos en tu retorno a las pistas de tennis.
Espero poder disfrutar de tu juego en el tour ATP del 2010.
Saludos de un cubano que radica en Venezuela. http://www.saricivciv.com oyunlar oyun cocuk oyunları
Posted by: oyunlar | November 20, 2010 at 09:05 AM
I'd be interested to here if anyone has had a cease and desist for using VoIP on mobile internet price plan.
Posted by: tedavi | November 30, 2010 at 05:40 AM
Anunturi teren de vanzare, terenuri de inchiriat, cerere inchiriere terenuri, cereri teren.
Posted by: health | December 14, 2010 at 08:23 AM