Business Cards: Here’s What You Need to Know

BUSINESS CARDS Here's What You Need to Know The typical business card size is 85 x 55 mm in Europe The world's most expensive business card is 'The Black Astrum Signature Card'. A typical set of cards feature over 30 carats of diamonds and the According to research, sales increase by 2.5% for every 2000 cards you hand out. and 90 x 50 mm in the US. average selling price per card is about $1,500. Prospects will hold on to a colour card 10 times longer than a standard one. On an annual basis, more than 10 billion business cards are printed in the United States alone. BUSINESS CARD ETIQUETTE AROUND THE WORLD JAPAN Business cards in Japan are an important part of all social introductions, both business and personal. In China, it is preferable to present your own card before asking for another person's business card. Just about everyone in Japan has their own business card or meishi (called meishi [may-shi]), from the time they are a student You should handover your card with both hands with the text facing the other party. To handover or accept a business card, one should always use both hands. Tip! Ensure that your title is clearly printed on the card as the Japanese place great importance on rank and title. When accepting a business card, make sure you take a moment to study the card before putting it away as a measure of courtesy. UNITED KINGDOM & UNITED STATES Tip! Red is a lucky colour in China and so it can be a good idea to consider using red print or embossing on your card. In South Africa, it is advisable to present your business card with your right hand. 3 The exchange of business cards in the U.K. and the U.S. is CHINA AUSTRALIA quite informal and there is no predefined ritual. When exchanged, business cards should be stored away properly rather than put in a E Business cards are usually exchanged introduction without formal ritual. the initial 8 Business cards can be placed directly in your pocket when you receive them if pocket. E If you are not given a business card, it is not considered to be an insult – the person simply may not have one. Cards should be in English on one side and your language on the other side. necessary. & All business cards should be clearly legible and presentable. :Tip! Business cards are not usually used in personal situations here. It is advisable to only hand out business cards to business contacts or Tip! A short comment on the card after the exchange takes place is polite and often appreciated by the recipient. Similar to the U.K. and the U.S., business card exchanges are usually confined to business interactions as opposed to both personal and business encounters. Tip! SOUTH AFRICA Australians are often direct in their business interactions so don't be offended if they don't take the time to study your card when the exchange takes place. those who present their card to you first. 3 WAYS TO CREATE AN EYE-CATCHING BUSINESS CARD 1 Essential Information Only writer& ed 8 0940 not e hel Vosindgir.c 1 facebook.com/iwalka jocafeblue.com m 07715 106 020 The main goal of a business card is to make it easy for people to contact you. With that in mind, it is vital to include only the contact information that is absolutely necessary. Avoid providing a long list of services or every single mailing address if your company has multiple locations. Be Clever with Your Colour Choice y color keting name ndentity BRAND WE marketing brand A business card provides you with an opportunity to sell your brand. If you have company colours, use them. If not, make sure you choose complimentary colours (if in doubt, use an online colour matching tool). Add a Photo www.shaydafaris.com Shayda Faris Moble. B00 s8- 7368 Fax. 00 24- 1000 ndoeadafasom Often business cards are exchanged at large networking events and as a result, it can be very easy for people to confuse names and faces. Adding a photo is a clever way to ensure your business contact remembers you. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY "Two factors you should balance regarding your business card strategy are a unique design and an engaging delivery. A snazzy card is no good if you hand it out left and right without an exchange of pleasantries and ideas, but a poor quality card can undermine even the best rapport or the most persuasive conversation." Josh Spiro for Inc.com "An instant way to add impact to your business card, and make it stand out from the crowd, is to use a special finish. Special finishes include the likes of foil blocking, spot-UV and metallic inks, and can add significant cost to your print. What they offer, however, is the opportunity to make your card more tactile, visually impressive and memorable." AS FEATURED ON CREATIVE BLOQ Creative Bloq "If the card feels flimsy or looks like you printed it yourself on a cheap printer, it will leave people with the impression that they are dealing with a company that will disappear as soon as the owner finds a real job. Have your business card professionally printed on good heavyweight business card stock." busineşs know-how Business Know-How "If you create a beautiful artefact that is kept rather than thrown away, it will live on...In many cases, people will save a great card even after copying the info – they may even give the card to a friend just to experience it." Prescott Perez-Fox, owner of Starship Design for Inc.com BUSINESS CARD TRENDS OF THE FUTURE VISUAL CONTENT Visual content is more important now than ever and leaving the back of a business card blank simply won't suffice. QR CODES An easy way to create a link between your printed and online content; by scanning the code, people can be sent directly to your website. COMPANY Use one side of the card to display an image of your product, or something related to your business. This a great space saver for business cards. JOHN SMITH 987-654-321 nametwebsite.com yourwebsite.com PREMIUM PAPER/UNUSUAL MATERIALS Differentiate your business cards from the others by using premium paper. 350-400gsm will look and feel superior and also, give a great first impression of your business. In addition, using unorthodox materials such as metal or fabric can help ensure your business cards stand out from the competition. PRINT www.xprint.ie References www.businesscardreviews.com/business-card-information.html creativemarket.com/blog/2013/10/31/11-tips-and-tricks-for-creating-stunning-business-cards-2 www.kwintessential.co.uk www.pinterest.com/karlarguyer/business-card-etiquette www.bopdesign.com/bop-blog/2012/05/successful-business-card-design www.inc.comguides/2010/06/best-business-cards.html www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/how-design-business-card-10-top-tips-9134291 www.businessinsider.com/how-to-create-the-perfect-business-card-2012-9?IR=T#ixzz3LJVMfwY3 grantstreetcreative.com/your-business-card-has-a-short-secret-life westernct.dalecarnegie.com/6_tips_for_getting_a_sale_from_your_business_card