I used to print my own business cards but I was never totally satisfied with the quality. They always looked homemade. I blame the card stock. It was flimsy. And sometimes, even … perforated! Gack!
I decided that if I wanted to be taken seriously as a professional, I had to look professional. And that’s why I am now having my business cards professionally printed.
How important is a business card?
Well, I don’t know how to quantify it other than with a resounding OF COURSE IT IS.
If you receive a well-designed card you immediately think THIS PERSON IS SMART or WOW THIS PERSON IS CREATIVE (or whatever) and immediately follow it up with I WANT TO WORK WITH or CHAT WITH or MAKE OUT WITH or HIRE THIS PERSON.
Am I right or am I right?
Many years ago I had an interview with an NGO for a position of web content manager. I interviewed with a panel of people. They offered me the job, although I didn’t end up taking it because I realized it wasn’t quite right for me. Fast forward five years. I got a phone call from one of the women who interviewed me. She liked my card and had kept it. And was calling me about some design work.
Anyway, yes. Business cards are key. They provide people with crucial contact information AND have the ability to make a lasting impression. I use them for work purposes (“here’s my number and email”) as well as for networking purposes. I use them to promote my blog as well as my “real” work.
A couple weeks ago I ordered a whole bunch of business cards from moo.com. They arrived yesterday. I am thrilled with the quality. They are really great.
I ordered some “mini moo” cards (sorry for the soft photos, but you get the idea). The card with the text shows what’s on the back of all of these cards:
I also ordered cards for the photography side of things:
… as well as regular business cards.
It was Mark’s idea to start punching holes in them, but now a question has arisen re: size of the hole. What do you think? Bigger or smaller? Mark thinks the smaller hole is interesting and more discreet. But I like the large one because I can stick my finger through it and point at people. :)
What do you think?
