Effective Business Cards: How to Make the Most of Yours

You want a business card that does the business for you. We take a look at what makes effective business cards and how to make the most of your own.

Face-to-face interaction in the business world is essential to networking. In fact, Virgin reports 72% of professionals are influenced by the first look and handshake during an introduction.

Likewise, your business card says a lot about you. When you’re mingling at a networking event, it’s your introduction and your final words. What does yours say about you? Does it stand out in a stack?

Find out as we take a look at what makes effective business cards, and why they make such a powerful statement.

Why Are Business Cards so Important?

When you consider that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, it only reinforces the importance of business cards. More specifically, good business cards. But what makes them such an effective networking tool?

These lead generating momentos are part of your initial impression. They paint a snapshot of your brand and who you are that people you connect with can keep on hand long after you’re gone.

Plus, they convey your level of professionalism. If you’re handing out business cards you printed at home after designing them in Microsoft Word, people are going to notice. It gives the impression you aren’t well-established and can even deter potential clients.

On the flip side of that point, a great business card can seal the deal. If your card showcases a strong brand and impressive design, you appear more professional. This can instill trust, which in turn gives you an edge over your competition.

An Introduction in Your Pocket

But what if you don’t frequent networking events? Do you really need a business card?

Yes! Every time you step out of your door, there is a chance of running into a potential new customer or client. Having a business card in your wallet or bag at all times ensures you are prepared.

When you strike up a conversation and someone asks, “What do you do?” it opens the door for a networking opportunity. Business cards are a quick introduction you can deliver at a moment’s notice, and people can keep them on hand in case a need for your product or service arises.

This is why they’re so essential to businesses.

How Do You Create Effective Business Cards?

But what exactly makes a good business card design? It’s a combination of design skill, material quality, and the strength of your message. Below we’ll explore each one of these elements and the questions you’ll need to ask as you consider your business card design.

The Elements of a Great Business Card Design

There are several common elements found in great business card designs, including:

  • Your Name
  • Your Job Title
  • Your Company’s Logo
  • Your Contact Information
  • Your Photo
  • Information About Your Business

Some of these elements may seem like common sense. After all, knowing your name, company, job title, and contact information are all important when establishing new professional relationships.

But let’s take a closer look at each of them individually. A personal photo of you isn’t required for a great business card design, but it does make your face easier to remember. Recipients will be more likely to remember you after your first meeting, especially if it was brief.

A good business card includes your company’s logo and colors as part of your branding. However, it’s important to make sure you take it a step further and align it with other marketing collateral as well. A business card that matches brochures and your website design make your business appear more professional.

If you need to, add information about your business and what it offers. Make what you bring to the table clear so recipients of your card know your service and product offerings.

If you aren’t a graphic designer, make sure you employ one to bring your business card design to life. Aim for a design that draws the eye and stands out in a stack on the table.

The Importance of Quality Materials

Business cards aren’t just a visual experience, it’s also tactile. People will notice the texture, the weight, and the sturdiness of your business card when you pass it along.

This can either work for or against you, depending on the materials you choose. A staggering 72% of people make instant judgments about a company or individual based on the quality of their business card design.

If you select cheap stock that feels flimsy in the hand of the person you give it to, it can make you appear second-rate. This can lead to the perception that you are a new or struggling business on a shoestring budget.

In contrast, a well-established business is expected to take pride in its brand. It’s willing to pay for quality, so people take notice when they receive a well-crafted business card.

After all, if you aren’t willing to produce quality products for yourself, why would someone expect you to produce something of quality for them?

Metal business cards are a growing trend. Like a metal credit card, they give off the impression that your business is high-end. It’s a quick way to stand out and people are more likely to hold on to such a unique business card design, even if they don’t have a need for your services at that time.

Why Crafting a Great Message Matters

What does your business card say to those who receive it? Don’t just consider the unwritten message spoken through your color palette and logo design. Add a message or call to action!

Business cards with a blank back are missing an opportunity to communicate with potential customers or clients. Use this space to convey additional information or even a QR or coupon code.

Offering a special discount or call to action with your business card encourages a follow-up action. It’s a great way to hook a lead or get them interested in what your business has to offer.

Make Every Impression a Lasting One

If you’re looking for effective business cards that will impress recipients every time, consider our metal business card designs. With 8 stunningly different styles to choose from, we customize your design for a truly unique look.

Start shopping metal business card options online now. If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them. Drop us a line, and we’ll be happy to help.

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5 Tips for Becoming a Super-Successful Nightclub Promoter

5 Tips for Becoming a Super-Successful Nightclub Promoter

Do you think you have the style and charisma it takes to be an amazingly successful nightclub promoter? Here are 5 of the best pro tips to help you get started.

Switching to a new career path always presents somewhat of a challenge for anyone willing to risk it. It can be intimidating, especially if you’re venturing into a brand new industry.

Perhaps you’ve considered starting a new career as a nightclub promoter. Don’t be too afraid of such an opportunity – you aren’t alone in this idea. In fact, there are over 62,000 nightclubs throughout the United States, and all of these need promotion.

If you play your cards right and are intentional, it’s possible to have real success with such a position. It takes determination, organization, and, of course, charisma. You need to be able to promote both a nightclub and your own trustworthiness.

The good news is that this article is a great start for anyone interested in the nightclub industry. Continue reading to learn five tips to set you apart as a competitive nightclub promoter in no time.

Start By Researching and Networking

Starting any new career path takes a fair amount of education. When it comes to becoming a nightclub promoter, it’s hopeful that you’ve at least been in a nightclub before. That’s probably why you’re interested in the business in the first place.

To be a nightclub promoter, you should start by narrowing down the location or locations in which you want to promote. Perhaps you live in a large enough city with plenty of nightclubs who will need your promotion.

Are you willing to work in multiple cities to juggle multiple clients? This could be taxing, but you’d have more opportunity to profit. This concept works great in areas like in California or New England where multiple populated cities are close together.

Either way, you need to make sure you start by surveying the scenes in which you’ll be working. Once you frequent a nightclub on a regular basis, try and meet the staff and event managers you find at work. Introducing yourself to them is a great opportunity to hand out a business card for future relations.

Get Used To a New Kind of Lifestyle

You might have spent the last few years of your life working a typical day job at an office. Well, say goodbye to the routine of morning commutes and evenings off. It’s time for you to consider what your new schedule and lifestyle will have to look like as a nightclub promoter.

Working at and for nightclubs should give you an obvious idea about your new schedule. That is, you will mostly be working nights.

On top of that, you’ll likely still have client meetings throughout the weekdays, as that’s when many nightclub owners still operate. Still, you’ll find plenty of time to sleep in. The trick is to maintain flexibility with this new career change, and accept that it will be quite an adjustment.

Register Your Business, and Have a Plan

If you are serious about transitioning to this new industry, it’s important to consider it an investment. That means you need to be willing to invest your time, energy, and even money.

Don’t worry, though – it shouldn’t cost too much just to start promoting yourself as a promoter. To start, it’s a good idea to come up with a name for your promotion business and register that name with your state. This is a sure way to prove to your clients, and to yourself, that you truly mean business.

Before you get too far into your new business venture, make sure you have a solid plan. Drafting a business plan is crucial for any business’s success since it maps out the structure of the business itself and sets some goals.

Be flexible with this, though – you never know what challenges are going to come your way. Instead, treat your business plan as more of a guide than a rulebook.

Plus, this is a great time to focus on your finances. Set a monthly budget for yourself to follow until you start making actual profits. Sure, you need some money saved up to finance the building of your business, but it’ll be worth the investment in the long run.

Stand Out with Digital Marketing Strategies

You need to develop a functional, engaging website to entice clients. After that, you can start incorporating digital strategies to market yourself across the Internet.

A website is an important step that you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s an unfortunate statistic that Millennials aren’t attending nightclubs as much as previous generations. Don’t let that discourage you, because there are still ways to bring more of them out to nightclubs.

By being strategic about your digital marketing, you can more easily connect with Millennial nightclub owners and, hopefully, their younger customer base. It’s no secret that most Millennials are tech-savvy, so it’s a good idea to present yourself as the same.

If you can market nightclub deals and promotions online, Millennials are more likely to take interest in spending their evenings out.

Maintain Professionalism At All Times

It’s easy to think of the nightclub and bar industry like it’s one big party, and fun only. Remember, though, that this industry is now a part of your career and your livelihood. That means you need to maintain professionalism day in and day out.

Just because you’ll likely be working in nightclubs doesn’t mean you’re free to party the whole time. The most successful nightclub promoters know better than to get blackout drunk at one of the clubs they represent, for example. You can still have your fun, but remember who you’re representing at all times.

Conclusion: Invest In Yourself As a Nightclub Promoter

At the end of the day, becoming a nightclub promoter is a question of dedication and longevity. You might not become successful in this industry overnight, but you should still do your best to remain patient.

We know how important it is to always present a sophisticated, professional appearance. If you want to make sure you stand out as a nightclub promoter, you should consider investing in high-quality promotional materials. For example, we encourage you to check out the prices of these high-quality metal business cards to get started on your new path.

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5 Ways to Make Your Photography Business Cards Stand Out

Every great photographer knows they need a great business card. Read on to learn how to make your photography business cards stand out.

What’s small, fits in a wallet, and can make a huge difference to your bottom line?

Business cards! Despite the technological age we’re living in, the old-fashioned business card is still relevant. It gives your potential clients something tactile to take away from their meeting with you, and, ideally, something they will refer to later when they are ready to hire a photographer.

Because of this, it’s important to invest in a card that will make an impact. Read on for five creative ways to ensure your photography business cards don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Get Your Business Cards Printed Professionally

If there is only one piece of advice you choose to follow, it’s this: don’t try to save a buck by printing your own business cards at home.

Your cards are, in many circumstances, one of your first chances to make a positive impression on potential clients. It’s what they will take away with them following a consultation. You want it to reflect your style and branding, and emphasize that you’re a professional.

Printing cards at home often means they will be on a lightweight cardstock. They may have edges that are not perfectly clean or straight. The ink quality may be poor.

Pay to have your cards printed by a professional printer with the right equipment to make sure you’re presenting your business in the best light possible.

Consider Photography Business Cards an Investment

We know that a photography business isn’t cheap to run. Lenses, cameras, computers, and software add up quick. You may be tempted to skimp on the cost of business cards and use those funds elsewhere.

Consider your business cards part of your overall marketing plan. You spend time and money marketing your business, whether that’s via advertisements, professional website design, or branding. Your business cards are an extension of that.

Flimsy, poorly printed cards aren’t in keeping with the name you are making for your brand. Choose a trusted printer and opt for quality, even if it costs a bit more, to ensure your cards reflect your business in a good light. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

After all, these are an investment in your business, and quality cards will pay for themselves by landing you more clients.

Think Outside the Paper Rectangle

Here’s a chance for you to show off your creative side and really stand out.

You might assume business cards need to be small, cardstock rectangles. Not so! There are a lot of options on the market today for business owners who want something completely different in a card.

Some cards are cut into unique shapes — this could be as simple as adding rounded corners or as fancy as having a card in the shape of a camera.

Maybe you’ll want a card that’s a different size than standard. It could be smaller or larger than standard (although, we caution you to not go too large — cards that can’t fit into a standard wallet might get tossed).

There’s also the option to emboss, stamp, or otherwise have texture added to a card.

Consider ditching paper completely and instead, go with wood, plastic, or metal. Metal cards present the perfect opportunity to create a unique card that will get your business noticed. Clients are less likely to toss a metal card, and they will hold up far better than paper when taken in and out of a pocket or wallet.

Metal cards can be stainless, gunmetal, or rose gold colored. There are options for colored enamel, die-cut cutouts, and embossed textures. There’s even a card that doubles as a bottle opener — a great way to give your card a purpose and ensure it’s looked at again and again.

Use Your Imagery on Your Cards — and Mix it Up

When designing your cards, think of it as the perfect way to advertise your photography style. Whether you design the cards yourself or commission a designer, think about using your own photography on the cards.

Don’t limit yourself to one image that you really love, either. The most effective way to use this tactic to your advantage would be to order several styles of cards with several of your photos on them.

By doing it this way, you can target specific clients with different cards. Your card with the senior photo on it can go to the family with high school-aged kids, and your card with the stunning bridal portrait can go to the newly engaged couple. The gallery owner gets the card with a breathtaking fine art landscape shot.

It may cost more upfront to order different styles, but it’s an effective way to make an impact when you hand out your cards.

Clean Designs Are Best

It may be tempting to load as much info as you can fit onto a business card. After all, you’re paying for the real estate, why not use it?

This can backfire, though. A cluttered design can be overwhelming to look at and might diminish the impact of the card. Opt to add only the most important, relevant information.

Include your company name/logo, your name, a phone number, email, and potentially your location if applicable. If you have social media accounts where you post your photos, use just the logo for the specific social media channels instead of the whole URL. That’s enough for the tech-savvy customer.

You can tackle the design yourself or hire a designer for this. A good rule of thumb for business card design is that less is more. A clean, uncluttered card is always best.

Learn More About the Importance of Quality Photography Business Cards

Don’t underestimate the importance of having unique, high-quality photography business cards. They are a simple tool to make a great impression on clients and land you more business.

Our blog has more great information about business cards, business card options, and the importance of a great design. Read more today and learn how to take your company to the next level with the right business card!

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7 Essential Reasons For the Importance of Business Cards

7 Essential Reasons You Should Always Carry Your Business Cards

In this digital world, business cards may seem like an unnecessary expense and inconvenience. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Here are seven reasons you should always carry a spare business card or two with you.

The small business world is booming with a staggering 30 million organizations registered in the United States alone. This unprecedented growth is due largely in part to consumer confidence continuing to grow on the back of near-record unemployment rates.

What does all of this mean for your company?

It means that if you make bold moves and are diligent in networking, you have the opportunity to claim your ballooning chunk of the trillions of dollars a year consumers are spending on goods and services.

While there are a lot of ways to network and attract new clients, our team’s favorite method is by being prepared to hand out tried-and-true business cards. Below, we re-assert the importance of business cards by sharing 7 great reasons why you should be investing in them!

1. You Will Look Professional

Establishing trust early on with a client or business partner is essential in taking your relationship through its beginning stages and towards a profitable future. In order to establish that trust, the person you’re speaking to needs to understand immediately how invested you are in your organization and that you’re not another fly-by-night startup that will lose momentum in the next couple of months.

Therein lies the importance of business cards. With a business card, you show the person you’re engaging with that you are invested enough in your brand to physically carry around a customized marketing piece that communicates your most vital information.

That impression will do wonders in helping propel your relationships forward.

2. Business Cards Make People Look at Your Brand

When you meet an important business contact and tell them to go to your website to check out your information, the odds of them actually taking the time to do that are slim. Especially when you don’t provide them with any physical reminder as to what your web address is.

When you physically hand somebody unique business cards, however, they need to take and look at that card. If your card gets done in a way that reflects your brand’s fantastic, unusual qualities, your prospect will take note and be intrigued immediately.

That powerful brand deposit will significantly raise the odds that a prospect will look deeper into what you have to offer.

3. Business Cards Are Evergreen Lead Magnets

If you go to a networking event and tell everybody to go to your website, the lead magnets you’re putting out into the world only last as long as people remember your web address.

Given that people’s attention spans are shorter than at any other time in human history, we assure you that your magnets will lose their pull fast.

With a business card, you give a prospect your pitch, hand them your card and walk away.

Sure, there’s a chance they won’t follow up with you right away. Your card though will continue to sit on your prospect’s desk, in their wallet or other important places for months or even years. That means, when they need what you’re offering, there’s always a chance they will pick up the phone and give you a call.

4. Business Cards Keep You on Your Game

The importance of business cards goes beyond letting people know about your brand. They also remind you of your own goals.

Given the amount of noise we experience in our lives, it’s easy to take a break from the grind of growing our businesses. When you have a handful of business cards sitting in your wallet, however, every time you open it you’ll get reminded that those cards should be in prospect’s hands.

That reminder can be instrumental in keeping you moving forward and being productive.

5. Business Cards are Cost Effective

The marketing industry is worth billions. Those billions are generated on the backs of businesses who need to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to get noticed in a very cluttered marketplace.

Fortunately, not only are business cards extremely effective in reeling in targeted leads but they are also cost-effective. You’ll find that when you partner with the right business card company, the conversion costs you experience with your cards will not get matched by most if not all of your other marketing efforts.

6. You Will Never Miss an Opportunity Again

Even when you’re not looking to network, sometimes fabulous opportunities present themselves to you. If you’re at a birthday party or even out at dinner and you suddenly come across someone who’s interested in what you do, having a business card on hand gives you the opportunity to turn your chance meeting into a lucrative relationship.

Given how lightweight business cards are, you’ll never have to worry about fate passing you by again by having a few on you at all times.

7. Never Again Will You Have to Fumble When Someone Asks For Your Card

Every day, people ask business owners like yourself if they can have your card. This question can be music to your ears if you have cards as it signifies a lead is interested in what you do.

It can also be an embarrassing experience if you’ve undervalued the importance of business cards and haven’t invested in any.

Never say “no” and fumble a relationship again when someone requests your card. Get incredible, brand-enhancing cards made for your organization today!

Wrapping Up the Importance of Business Cards

A lot of people will tell you that the importance of business cards is dwindling in today’s digital age. Our team is here to tell you that because of the digital clutter out there, business cards are more important than ever to concisely and uniquely community to prospects how they can engage with you on a deeper level.

Our recommendation is to take to heart the reasons to carry business cards we’ve listed above. Find a quality business card maker to create incredible cards for your organization today!

If you’re looking for jaw-dropping business cards that are made out of eye-catching, durable metal, our team of experts can help.

At MetalBusinessCards.com, we’ve ditched flimsy paper cards and instead have focused our processes on a product that works… Metal cards. With a metal business card, your prospects will take note of your brand and share your card with their colleagues creating snowballing lead generation.

Find out more about what our team can do for your business card needs today. Contact us now for a free quote!

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