Business Cards
The common business card originated in 15th century China as a calling card presented when visiting some important person. The idea caught on in the western world in the 17th century. Today, almost any business person is likely to have a card with contact information and basic information on the business they are in.
The business card is a very basic form of advertising. It can be used to promote a business to potential customers. The kind of information you will want on a business card depends on what you are trying to achieve with the card. You will of course want to have the name of your company. You will want the name of the representative who distributes the card and his or her contact information such as phone number or email. Depending on the impression you are trying to achieve, you may also want to have some background graphic or fancy illustration.
There are many companies that produce business cards. A simple web search will turn up thousands. Many sites offer introductory deals on cards that will provide a certain number for free if you pay shipping. Most office supply shops sell pre-punched business card blanks that you can print on your own printer. If you are really cheap, like me, you can buy blank card stock in reams and cut the cards out with a razor knife.
It is a good idea, once you get your cards made up, to make a habit of carrying a supply of them with you wherever you go. When you are involved with a new client in your business dealings, be sure to offer them a card so they will have your contact information for future reference. You might go to different places and strike up conversations with different people, then offer them your card. In some countries, such as Japan, there is a standardized procedure for exchange of business cards.
Depending on your business, you might have different venues for distributing your contact information. Comic book shops might send a person to a comic book convention to distribute business cards. A writer might go to a writing conference and distribute his email and website on a business card. There are conferences and conventions for many different businesses. You want to find places where you can make contacts with associates, competitors, and customers.
You might consider making up some simple business cards if you are thinking of promoting a website. The card might have the website’s name, the URL, and a line describing the site. You may or may not want to include your own name and contact information on this card. You might pass out your promotional cards in the streets, or you could approach different businesses with bulletin boards and ask them if you might display your cards. It is important to be polite when distributing cards to strangers who may have no interest in your business. Do not appear pushy. If you are promoting something that will be useful to people, they will be happy to take your information.
The business card is an established means for maintaining contact in the business world. It is a handy reminder of a company that has provided services to you in the past. If you receive a lot of cards, it might be helpful to have a file folder for them where you can organize your contacts. A wallet can become overcrowded with cards quickly, and is not the ideal way to store these cards. If you are going into business for yourself, or if you work for a large corporation, consider having some cards made. The simple business card can be a valuable tool for growing and promoting your enterprise.
