17 Key Things To Remember About Business Cards

It is essential that every professional has to have a business card. A business card allows you to be taken seriously and offer a level of networking you otherwise would not have without them. There are 17 key things to remember about business cards.

1. Placement of your logo is the most important part of your business card. Cards are designed to be read left to right so your logo should be on the top left corner so it is the main focal point of the card. The logo lays the foundation for the rest of the card.

2. Placement of your contact information should be on the bottom right corner. When a car is read the way your eyes are trained, your contact information should be the last thing people read and remember.

3. Use a border. Placing a 3mm border around the entire business card helps the reader's eyes to focus on the information.

4. Font size is important. Typing should not be smaller than a 8pt font, however, if your card has items like the ABN or QBSA number on it then these can be in a 6pt font. You never want to use more than two sizes of fonts on your business cards.

5. An unflattering card does nothing for your business. Take the time to design your card to really be a representation of what you have to offer.

6. Make sure that your business card isn't confusing. You want to double check that it is not displaying mixed messages.

7. Did you forget contact details on your business card? Some people do. Your phone number, email address, website and business address are all contact options you can use.

8. Be sure your business card is clearly representing what you and/or your business does. Color, design and logo should follow some kind of meaningful pattern.

9. Thoroughly plan your business card to assure that every bit of key information, including what services you offer are stated on your card.

10. Business cards are an important part of your image. If they become out of date or contact information changes, print new ones. It is unprofessional to re-write info on your own card.

11. Do not assume everyone wants your business card and start handing them out to random people. This does nothing for your image.

12. Using a business card case is recommended. This will keep your cards clean and professional. Handing out a a bent of dirty card displays a very negative image for yourself.

13. When someone give you their card it is proper business card etiquette to look at it and say their name. Reading and speaking it shows interest and it will help you remember it.

14. When someone gives you their card, place it in your front pocket or a carrier. Putting it in your back pocket is disrespectful.

15. Some people will find it very offensive if you write on their card. If you need to write information on it you should ask then if they mind and you should only write on the back of it.

16. Always have your business card on you. The one time you leave home without them will be the one time you really need them.

17. Even if you have no interest in receiving someone's business card, politely take it and put it in your pocket. You can throw it away later but for now, give them the kind of respect you would expect to receive.