You have no doubt heard the popular saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
As interior designers our job is to apply style and grace to interior spaces. When you meet someone for the first time and give them your business card what does it say about you? Does it say you are forward thinking, stylish, edgy, sophisticated, traditional, trendy, and/or that you run a successful business? On the other hand, does it leave an impression you don’t want with potential clients or vendors?
I recently read a great blog post by Andrew Moross, CEO of Moo.com, through LinkedIn.com. Your business cards make a loud and clear statement about your business. Andrew outlined some great points to ponder. His full post is listed here.
Below are 10 of Andrew’s tips for “creating remarkable and memorable business cards”:
- Thought: Whether you are having your cards designed by a graphic designer, or creating the look yourself, take some time to plan. Look at the cards you’ve collected over the years to see what elements you like, and incorporate them into your design. Your business card may be the first and last thing a contact remembers you by, so make sure you are really happy with them. (Browse our ideas pages and flickr pool for some great ideas and design tips)
- Individuality: Your card should say something about who you are/what you do. It should be personal and show off the scope of what you do, and be easily recognizable as YOUR card. When the recipient is flicking through their Rolodex, your card should jump out and remind them of you.
- Impact: Your cards should be remarkable. They should spark interest and should prompt further questions about your cards, your business, yourself. Use a bold image, statement or novel shape to grab attention – don’t be shy; this is all about attention. Don’t let the exchange of your business card be the end of a conversation, but rather the beginning of one. It should stand out from the crowd and make an impact.
- Relevance to recipient: Are you handing your card to an existing client, a headhunter, or a stranger? Tailor your card to the recipients to maximize the effect. Hand over a card that demonstrates your awareness of who THEY are, and what they might find interesting about you and your business. Take an interest in who they are and they’ll take more notice of who you are.
- Context: Are these cards for you to take to meetings, leave on tables or pass out at events or trade shows? The different environments that you might want to use business cards should affect the look and purpose. If you are handing them over, you can use your charm (!) to complete the story that your cards start to tell. If you are leaving them to be found, you’ll need to tell the whole story in the card. If you are at a trade event, use them as promotional tools to give discounts, send people to your website, and grab attention.
- Quality: Your card should make an impression both to the eye and in the hand. Impress your contacts by handing over a card that feels great as well as looks great. A thick, smooth stock or using a recycled, pure stock, with highest quality printing can make a long-lasting impression.
- Get the details right: Your card should make it easy for someone to follow up and contact you. Provide correct contact details in a clear, legible way. Don’t over-clutter with unnecessary information (e.g every social network you have ever joined), but make sure that a potential client knows how to find you.
- Up to date: There’s no point in handing out cards with old information, images or product news. Use your cards as an indication of what you are up to at the moment. If you have a new product or service, showcase it on your cards. If you use them as sales tools, but no longer stock the product or offer the service, make new cards. Order your cards in short, inexpensive runs to make sure you don’t lose money by having piles of out of date cards. Don’t forget to recycle the old ones though!
- Presenting the card: The Japanese have an established, formal etiquette for handing over cards in order to set the right tone. You don’t need to go that far, but do think about how YOU come across when handing out your card. Make sure you look presentable and smile and make eye contact. Though it sounds silly, it can make a big difference to being remembered. Also think about how you take out your card. Rather than dragging them out of a suit pocket or the bottom of your bag, why not carry a smart card holder to keep your cards neat and clean? Make a good impression when handing them over.
- Use them!: There’s no point in making the most beautiful cards to then keep them in a desk drawer – get them out there. Keep a stock of cards in your briefcase or bag at all times. When you go to a meeting or event, hand the cards out to anyone and everyone. You never know who will be the person to follow up, so give yourself the best chance possible.
Take an honest look at your business card. Does it tell of your interior design talent, innovation and focus? If not, take some time to revisit one of the most significant yet overlooked tools of the trade.
This guest post was written by Angela Todd Designs
Source: Moo.com
Tags: Angela Todd, business cards, interior designers, linked in
