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Is your business card just plain boring?

I do a lot of networking and I can safely say that 90% of business cards that are handed to me are dull, uninteresting, and do not show the business in the most positive light. I politely chat with the proprietor while doing a quick evaluation of what they need to change in order to make their card better.

What’s wrong with this picture? Why are so many entrepreneurs clueless about how to create an exciting, professional business card?

Business Card History
Business cards have been around since 17th century France, during the reign of Louis XIV. They also showed up in England around the same time. Early forms of the modern day business card were called “Visiting cards” or “Trade Cards”. They were used to announce a visitor or to advertise a business. Eventually these cards became known as “Calling Cards”.

Business Card Purpose
The basic purpose of the modern day business card is to introduce your business to prospective clients and to provide a way for them to contact you. But if you’re smart, your business card can MAKE YOU MONEY!!

Take my Business Card Assessment to see where you can make changes to create a business card that will draw business to you.

Give yourself one point for each true statement below

Your card:

_____ Offers appropriate contact info. Phone, physical address, email. Prospects have a  preferred contact method and if you’re missing one you may miss out on business
_____ Easy to read - Two or less fonts, limited use of capital letters
_____ Lists your name AND title
_____ States what the company does. If prospects ask you what kind of business you have then you need to rework your card
_____ Lists your professional e-mail address (not hotmama@hotmail.com or aol etc)
_____ Lists your website address
_____ Utilizes logos for professional designations you have achieved
_____ Is printed in 4-color or utilizes color well
_____ Has a professionally designed logo
_____ Card stock is fine quality and not thin and flimsy
_____ Has a Tag Line that tells your prospects what you can do for them
_____ Is professionally designed and laid out, presents a professional image
_____ The back of your card is utilized to drive traffic to your website
_____ The back of your card is used to list special reports or articles you have written
_____ One side of your card is non-UV coated (not shiny) so that prospects can write on it
_____ Includes a Call to Action such as “call today” or offers something free
_____ Educates prospects about how you can help them by listing the benefits of your services or has a listing of your services
_____ When asked for a business card, you pull yours from a business card case
_____ Is memorable: those presented with your card exclaim “I like your business card”
_____ Has a consistent BRAND: business cards resemble website, brochure and other marketing materials

Deduct one point for each true statement below if your card:

_____ Uses only one color printing on the entire card
_____ Was printed off your computer
_____ A non-professional designed your card and it shows
_____ Your card is not the standard size 3.5”x2”

Total your score

0–6 Your card is in serious need of an overhaul. Run; do not walk to your nearest professional for help immediately

7-10 Your card, while useful, is not presenting your company in the most positive light. Re-work your card using a professional designer

11-14 Your card has many of the elements necessary to attract clients to your business. Consider how you can generate additional interest by reworking your card

15 or above Congratulations. Your card is close to perfect. Be proud to present your card

The bottom line: Is your business card memorable?

What do you think makes a memorable card? A professionally-designed four-color business card with a great logo, a benefit-driven tagline, a call to action, a listing of services or benefits, and printed on decent quality card stock.

So, is your business card just plain boring?

If so, it’s time to find a designer to upgrade your image. You may find that by upgrading your image, you will upgrade the quality of clients you attract and consequently, your revenue will improve.

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© Copyright 2008- Suzanne Muusers - All Rights Reserved No reprint rights are included with this article.

About the author

Suzanne Muusers is a Business Coach and Marketing Queen based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a credentialed member of the International Coach Federation and has owned or managed a business every year since 1981. She is the creator of The Two Page Mini Business Plan™, The Six Step Guide to Creating a Business Plan That's Short, Easy, and Gets Results! Visit her site: http://www.prosperitycoaching.biz

Read marketing tips and how to's on Suzanne's Blog – The Prosperous Entrepreneur

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