What I enjoy most about networking events is the insights I gain. As people hand you their business card you can find out a lot about them. It’s not only what’s printed on their card but the quality of the card.
The other day at a networking event I was handed a business card full of information. I think the person thought their business card was a brochure.
It made me think about the seven key elements that need to be on a business card:
1. Name
Your business card needs your name. If people can’t remember your name they can glance at your card.
2. Website
You might think it’s a given but you need to have your website on your card. I have a business card sitting in front of me that has the person’s email address and no website.
3. Phone Number
If you want people to call you to set up an appointment or have a conversation, you need to have your phone number on your card.
4. Photo
If you are branding yourself, you need a photo of you on your business card. That photo should be up to date and look like you. Once again, I looked at a card I have from a recent networking event, and the photo of the person on the card has to be at least 10 years old. The person doesn’t look anything like the photo.
5. QR Code
Every business card, in my opinion, should have a QR code. The other day I handed my business card to someone and showed them the QR code. They immediately took out their phone and scanned it. In a flash they were at my site. They didn’t have to type in the URL, just scan the code.
6. Address or Contact Details
Whether you put your physical address or not is up to you. Decide how you want someone contacting you. If there is space by all means have it.
7. Don’t Forget the Back
Remember, there is the back of a business card. If you have a service based business you could list a couple of services you provide. Tell us what you do.
Should you have your Facebook Page on your card? Once again that’s up to you. Think about your demographic and where you will be able to make more of an impact not them.
What you need to remember is that your business card is a point of contact. It’s meant to tell people at a glance what you do and how they can contact you.
You can have your typical business card with printing on the front and back. You can also have a folding business card. This is my favorite type of business card. There’s enough room to show what you do and have the contact information listed. It’s visually appealing and there is plenty of space to have your photo on the front.
Get creative when it comes to designing your business card. This will help you stand out from the competition and attract more clients.
Toni Nelson
Using a step by step approach, Toni Nelson has been helping entrepreneurs and service-based businesses plan, brand, and promote so they can boost profitability and productivity. As the author of Sexy, Savvy and Successful, she knows how to help clients plan their strategies for success. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, Toni is in the perfect position to help clients with the branding process. As a business success coach, Toni's second book, The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients, is all about promoting businesses. As the founder of the Entrepreneur Hub Club, Toni encourages women to invest in themselves by gaining or sharpening their business skills. As an award winning videographer and photographer, Toni has had weddings published in such places as DIY Bride and Kiss My Tulle. In 2014, Toni was a winner in the Start Up Nation Top 100 Home Based Business ranking in the top 10 for most innovative.
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Good stuff Toni! Never thought about the QR code, will have to add that one. Hope it’s OK for a male to comment?
Thanks for joining the conversation, Ray. This site is open to comments from men and women – the more diverse, the better. Even some of our contributors are men.
Great tips, Toni. Love the idea of the QR code. The code makes accessing company information much easier for the customer. A bonus is the fun, interactive aspect. Thanks for the advice!
Toni – I really enjoyed this article.
Based on my experience, adding Facebook or any other profiles that you’re active on should be added to your business card business card because it can build stronger relationships with potential connections. For example, it can allow that connection to find more in-depth information about a business’s or individuals culture/background, provide more value that you are an authority in this industry (how many followers you have on Facebook, how many people endorsed you for a skill on LinkedIn, etc..). Overall, if your active on your profiles then this will allow you to build a stronger connection with that individual or business.
Thanks for the advice, and please feel free to reply back if you have any questions about my stance.