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Stay true to your brand.
“I want my business card to communicate a high-end brand; a company that pays attention to detail and values high quality materials, design and manufacturing… I think a business card should communicate your brand and values.”
Katy Payne, Founder and Director at Bosom Galore @BosomGalore
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Make it easy to contact you.
“Ultimately, a business card should make it easy for other people to contact us, so we deliberately use a larger font for the contact details… Also, because we are an app company, we need to make sure that we use the same logo [front and back] as found in the app store, so people will recognize us immediately when they search for our app.”
Cynthia Siantar, Co-founder of Call Levels @calllevels
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Communicate clarity of purpose.
When I hand someone my business card “I want [it] to say ‘creative, dedicated, diligent and honest’ – also unique, modern and memorable.” A business card should communicate “clarity of your purpose and your business – what do you do and for whom?”
Aimee Grove, Principal at Smitten Communications
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Convey quality and cohesiveness.
“The first thing our business card conveys, hopefully, is quality… For us, exchanging business cards is a sales opportunity. So, the card must communicate what value we offer to the person receiving it. Our business is multifaceted so we need to communicate a different, yet cohesive message to potential distributors, retailers, consumers and new brand builders. We do this literally on the back of our card, telling each person how [we] can bring value to their lives and business while stressing the overarching theme of quality products.”
Paula Dezzutti-Hewlette, CEO at Local Choice Spirits @localchoiceus
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Offer a clear positioning statement.
“A business card needs to communicate a clear positioning statement. It needs to define who you are and what you stand for. You need to create and develop an emotional connection with your brand… A good business card is key to any good first impression. Create something that is memorable, creative and professionally designed.”
Ben Cohen, President and Founder of BobCar Media @bobcarmedia
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Be creative and convey trust.
“When I hand someone my business card, I want them to say ‘Wow, that’s creative!’ … which happens to be the response we typically get albeit ‘creative’ is sometimes substituted with ‘fantastic’ or ‘cool’. In this digital age the business card remains an important marketing tool… While the information on the business card is fundamental, we prefer that the card itself is eye-catching and memorable. It should also convey trustworthiness through its appearance (e.g., design, quality stock and printing).”
Paul Bies, Owner of Mystique Brand Communications @paulbies
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Be unforgettable.
“First impression is everything in business. When I hand someone a business card, I want them to know all about my company. Texture, color, appearance translate to sales, reputation, and trust. I want someone to be willing to hire my PR firm based on the discussion, but to never forget me by the business card.”
Peter B. Cuderman, MBA, President of PR Zebra
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Stay consistent.
“Even in the crux of the digital age, business cards are thriving for a reason—it’s still the single fastest way to share who you are, what you do and how you can be contacted… When exchanging business cards, you’re exchange more than just contact information. You’re delivering an impression that leaves a lasting mental imprint. Your business card should be consistent with your brand across all platforms— colors, character, logo, etc. Don’t clutter the card with any other unnecessary text.”
Lori Cheek, Founder and CEO at Cheekd @loricheeknyc
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It shouldn’t be an afterthought.
“Our cards represent our brand by using a very thick, luxury card stock. When I hand someone my card, the first reaction is,’Wow! These cards look expensive.” That first impression is what makes us stand out above anyone else. When you think of high-end luxury products, you correlate that with experience and quality. A business card is an extension of your business… Your business cards should be representative of you and your business and shouldn’t be an afterthought.”
Nick Santora, Chief Executive Officer at Curricula @Curricula
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Pay attention to the details.
“One thing that all business cards should communicate: Quality. The stiffness of paper is a subjective communicator of quality and confidence. Flimsy, lightweight cards communicate ‘cheap, weak, passive, indecisive.’ We use 130 pound stock. The less information you include on a card, the longer the card will stay current. Also make sure to use the back of the card. Put an alternative version of your company name and/or logo there, otherwise the card will disappear when it is turned over.”
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