Business Card Quiz: Good Business Card Design
Is your business card just plain boring?
I do a lot of networking with small business owners and independent financial advisors 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 their business card. I am usually thinking about what they need to change in order to make their card better.
A well-designed business card will bring you quality clients!
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 CREATE A CALL TO ACTION AND PRODUCE RESULTS!! This is true for you whether you are a small business owner, independent financial advisor, or independent professional such as attorney or CPA.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 Web site address
_____ Utilizes logos for professional designations you have achieved
_____ Utilizes social media logos
_____ Is printed in 4-color or utilizes color well
_____ Has a professionally designed and branded 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 brand your business with CREDIBILITY marketing such as a list of 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 complimentary
_____ 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 Web site, brochure and other marketing materialsDeduct 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 well designed?
What do you think makes a well designed 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 a card that is 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. What you need is a custom business card that is memorable!
Next: Hire Suzanne as your Business Coach
Have you considered working with a Business Coach to help you strategize and plan your success?
Suzanne Muusers is an ICF-Member Business Coach who has worked with hundreds of successful entrepreneurs and independent financial advisors since 2004. She helps clients develop their Value Proposition, Ideal Client Profile, and Marketing Strategy so that they stand out from the crowd and attract only clients they want to work with.Suzanne has created exercises and programs that help her clients get straight to the point and avoid mistakes other entrepreneurs tend to make. Her clients save time getting to the next level due to her extensive knowledge and experience in the business growth services field.
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About the author
Suzanne Muusers is an ICF-Member Business Coach based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Suzanne coaches independent financial advisors and entrepreneurs on how to attract more ideal clients, work less, and enjoy life more.
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