With the advancement in technology, one would be mistaken when they say business cards are irrelevant in business. Yet, these minute pieces of cardstock are no less potent in the business sphere when used appropriately. business cards still form a significant part of the corporate agenda as a means of making impressions, making contacts and always at hand to churn out your brand image. It provides a seem-real way of sharing information and can be distinguishable from the multitude of other online connections. It is now time to look at how the acquisition of a business card with professionalism and style can go a long way in improving and expanding your brand presence.
- Make a Memorable First Impression
Business cards are the first physical touch point of a business and people judge a brand by the kind of business card it gives out. Also, a good card can tell much about the owner’s professionalism and the level of detail that he/she pays to his/her work. It’s your time to express and share your sense of design, trends, and your company/client’s image in a constrained area.
A business card is not merely an information tool that is given to other people, but a message of greeting which both parties invest a well-designed card with their values and beliefs.
Facilitate Face-to-Face Networking
However, it is impossible to deny that even with the services of the numerous digital networking platforms, it is the face-to-face interactions that can determine the successful establishment of a solid business tie. Business cards can hardly be overestimated in these personal meetings; they act as a tangible piece of paper that you have exchanged and help to prompt the further communication.
The handshakes are followed by the exchanging of business cards which creates a point of contact and eases the flow of conversation.
Showcase Your Brand Identity
A business card is a miniature billboard of your company if not better than a billboard because of it’s portability. It is chance to put a face to the company’s name and show what kind of company one is dealing with and what kind of policy it has. Of course, paying attention to colors and fonts, logos and other elements, you can issue a card that will look like a continuation of the brand image.
To the independent workers and startups, a good business card can also be an invaluable aid in creating client’s impression of order and efficiency.
Provide Quick and Easy Information Exchange
In the era of globalization and fast pace civilization, business card exchange symbolizes one of the most important aspects: the ability to hand over an item. Although, the process of sharing numbers can be easy and convenient, it is always accompanied by such minor nuisances as American phon, bad signal, or different applications. A pen and paper are efficient, accurate, and recognized globally as a means of exchanging your information.
Secondly, it is common to provide all the contact details regarding the bearer of the card and the company they work for, which are, name, title, business, phone number, e-mail address, and the website address.
Demonstrate Preparedness and Professionalism
It is always a good idea to have a pile of business cards ready as it shows preparation and seriousness in business dealings. It also proves that you are prepared to initiate socialization and build connections at any moment. Such preparation can be even more impressive in the unexpected situations or while meeting people on the street.
For people in the commercial world, they will be able to tell and feel that you are serious in your business by just presenting business cards to them. It conveys a message that you have a take on your work output and are privileged to be associated with your brand/line of business.
Create Opportunities for Follow-Up
Business cards act as a point of reference to the receipt to get back to you or engage you in business. In contrast to the email addresses lost amid Hoy’s streaming, digital contact information, or contacts themselves precluding actionable inertia of paper notes scribbled, resting on a desk, or included in wallets. This is why it is customary for many professionals to sort through the business cards they have collected periodically, which can result in new business increasingly after the first meeting.
Also, providing your card with the contact information can be viewed as an invitation for further communication. It simply signals the readiness and willingness to continue the communication / cooperation and thus can help in the creation of a professional rapport.
Conclusion
Basic business cards still continue to leave a good stock in your business arsenal. They represent and preserve the humble and intimate in an era of technology advancement, that assist you in the creation of incredible first and lasting impressions as well as growth of phenomenal interpersonal relationships. About the ideas of the ways to develop the presence of your brand, do not turn a blind eye to the potential of the business card. Oh yes, and let’s not forget that while branding does not end there, you can also adopt other physical touchpoints such as custom flags to help you take your branding higher so you are consistent throughout touchpoints.
Photo by Ylanite Koppens:
