Business Cards 101REBEKAH RODRIGUEZ & JOSH THEURER

How do you use business cards?WHEN & WHERE TO USE BUSINESS CARDS

When To Get and Give Cards

u Give your business card when you are introducing yourself to someone.

u This is at the beginning of a meeting and early in conversation at a field day or trade show.

u Use your cards to network and get your name out.

u Be picky about who you take business cards from. Only ask for cards from people you want to meet with again or do business with.

u When you get a business card from someone, write a little note on the back so you remember the person and what they do.

Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Make sure you have your cards wherever you go.

Keep an eye on your supply (always have enough).

Have them with your friends and associates at all times.

Look For Opportunities

One on One Meetings

Social Events

Conventions and Trade Shows

Non-Competing Businesses

Make it Personal

When handing a card out, write your cell phone number secondary email, etc..

Write a personal thank you on them to leave at restaurants or other functions.

What do I include on a business card?ELEMENTS OF A BUSINESS CARD

Your Name

u Include the name that you want to be called. u For example: if you’re name is Robert, but you

go by Bob, put “Bob” on the card.

u Double check the spelling before your cards are printed.

Job Title

u Include what you do for the company that you work at. u Use the title that describes what you do and what you can do for

someone else. u For example: If you own your own photography company, say

“Photographer & Founder” instead of just “Founder”

u Don’t assume people know what you do already.

u When using business cards to network and look for jobs while still in school or unemployed, include the degree you are working towards and the university you attend.

Contact Information

u Include your e-mail address. u Make sure your e-mail address is appropriate.

u Bad example: c0wl0ver4ever@email.com

u Good example: firstnamelastname@email.com

u Your business phone number.u Your website if you have one (maybe a portfolio

website).u Don’t overwhelm people with information.

u Only put necessary phone numbers, websites, emails, social media etc.

Logo & Personalization

u Most business cards will have a company logo on them to promote the company itself.

u Generally, the logo is in the middle on the front of the business card.

u If you are not connected to a larger company, you can personalize your card with different colored writing (stick to dark colors) and different fonts (stick to easy to read print fonts).

u Rounded edgesu NOT circle cards

Design Tips

u 2 x 3.5 inches of high quality cardstock.

u If you use different fonts, don’t use similar ones. Keep them different.

u Don’t use more than 3 different fonts on one card.u Leave plenty of white space on your card.u Keep your card clean, simple and aesthetically pleasing.

Now, you try…

Bad? OK? Good?

Bad? OK? Good?

Bad? OK? Good?

Bad? OK? Good?

Bad? OK? Good?

Key Things to Remember about Business Card Etiquette

u Use readable fonts and colors.u Always have a few cards on you at all times. u Don’t overwhelm people with information. u Double check your spelling. u Always keep your information updated and

current. u Be picky about who you get cards from.u Write notes on the back of a card someone

gives you.

Sources:

u https://business.tutsplus.com/articles/7-tips-on-what-information-to-put-on-your-business-card--cms-25194

u Downey, W. Scott. ProSelling: A Professional Approach to Selling in Agriculture and Other Industries. Chesterfield, MO: Agri Marketing Magazine, 2011. Print.

u https://www.findspark.com/put-business-card-youre-student-recent-grad/

u https://www.thebalance.com/what-to-include-on-a-business-card-for-job-seekers-2062582