In today’s digital age, you might think that your best ally when finding a new job is the Internet. And, while there is no doubt that digital job boards and social media networks are important resources for connecting you with new positions, there’s an old-fashioned tool you can’t overlook when it comes to its ability to help you make important professional connections: the business card.
Holding onto tangible, pocket-sized networking business cards with your professional and contact information on them might seem old-fashioned. However, in reality, business cards can be an extremely useful tool for cementing a potential business connection when you meet someone in the real world, or when you want to make sure you leave a lasting impression on someone you want to work with or for.
Read on to learn how you can use networking business cards to establish professional relationships and land new jobs, as well as what your cards should look like in order to effectively accomplish your goals.
Using Business Cards Effectively When Networking or Looking for a Job
If you are unemployed and looking for a job, a business card might be your best ally. You can create business cards that contain all the important professional information a potential employer will need to get in contact with you if they decide you are the right person to fill their open position. Here are a few strategies on how to use business cards for unemployed job seekers or networkers.
Carry Your Networking Business Cards With You at All Times
When you’re looking for a job, you don’t want to carry a full page resume with you everywhere (that could be awkward). But, business cards fit perfectly in your pocket or wallet. Carry them around wherever you go, since you never know where you’ll meet someone in your industry or someone who might have an opportunity for you. Because job hunting business cards are so small, it makes them the perfect tool to use on-the-go in your busy life.
Make Networking in Public Less Awkward
Carrying a full page resume isn’t the only awkward thing job seekers can do. They can also try to network or land a new job in inopportune on inappropriate moments. Rather than take a social opportunity to strike up a business conversation, hand over your business card and ask to have a more extensive conversation later. Networking cards can start a job-hunting conversation without rudely interrupting a social event or moment.
Include Your Face in Your Business Card Design
One great way to design memorable business cards for job seekers is to include a headshot on them. Putting a photo of your face on your business card can help potential colleagues or employers better remember who you are, where they met you, and any information you exchanged with them during a conversation.
Using Business Cards Effectively When Looking for New Clients
Business cards aren’t just for job seekers. They are also great tools for business owners or professionals who are looking to bring in more customers or clients. If you are hoping to expand your company and generate more revenue, here are some great ways you can use your business cards to help.
Include Your Business Cards in Direct Mail
Do you advertise your business by direct mail? Don’t just include a letter in the mailing, include your business card as well. This is a personal touch that shows you are offering to communicate and connect with a potential customer, and it gives them a resource to reach out to if they have more questions about working with you.
Put Your Business Cards in Product Packaging
Do you sell a product? Including your business card in the packaging lets your customers know who is behind the product and gives them a way to reach out to you again if they want to buy more. They can also pass your card along to another person if they want to recommend your business to them.
Pin Your Business Card to Public Bulletin or Message Boards
If you work in a community where there are public message boards or bulletin boards that people see regularly, pin your business card to them. If your business card has enough info about what you do and how to get in touch with you, someone seeking your services or specialties may see it and reach out to get in touch with you.
Great Business Card Examples and Design ideas
Whether you’re hoping to design a business card to bring in a new client base or looking to create an effective business cards to help find a new job, there are some important design tips to keep in mind. Here are some key guidelines to follow when creating yours from scratch.
Don’t Forget the Important Info
When you design your business card, make sure it has all of your essential information on it. If you’re making job hunting cards, include your name, contact information, desired position/expertise, and a photo. If you are looking for more clients or customers, include your company name, logo, a short description of what you do, and contact information.
Focus on Professionalism
Unless you run a business that is focused on children (or something similarly fun and zany), keep professionalism at the forefront of your mind when you design your business card. The most important element of a professional business card is what’s written on it, so make sure that the text is clear and readable. Your business cards should also look like they were designed by an expert and should be printed on high-quality materials. This shows that you take yourself seriously and that your company exudes professionalism.
Make Sure Your Character Shines Through
While professionalism is essential in a business card, it’s also important that either your company’s personality shines through, or that something unique about you is clear from the card. Is your company sleek, contemporary and very tech-forward? Consider using a modern business card that reflects that. Is your company more hands-on, grassroots, and people-centered? Consider a design that is less rigid and friendlier. However you design your business card, you should also make sure that it communicates the character of your company, who you are, what you do, and what customers or colleagues can expect when interacting with you.
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