The Importance of Professional Business Cards

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by: jeremymcnielsen265
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Word Count: 656
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 Time: 1:08 AM

Regardless of whether you are a freelancer or you have a full-time job, you will need a professional business card. Maybe even two or three variations of your business cards, depending on what type of industry you're in or targeting for your next career position.

In today's unpredictable economic climate, it is fairly common to meet someone who has a business card for work, and a personal card for their freelance or charitable activities or interests.

Although you probably don't need a business card to secure a new job, it does help remind potential employers of who you are, as well as provide them with an opportunity to make a great first impression.

You have an opportunity to hand them out at career fairs, interviews, networking events, or even at social events. Obviously, walking around with your resume in hand is probably not the best approach, but a business card is convenient and much more applicable for that type of situation.

Because of their size and portability, they can more conveniently be given to every potential prospect or network connection you encounter.

When considering the actual design of your business cards, you absolutely need to include your contact information and details - name, phone number, email, and applicable Website or Blog. (Your street address is typically optional.)

Also, many people have started to put their social media contact information (Twitter, Facebook) details on their cards.

You need to pay close attention to the actual design, graphics and look and feel of your of your card-one that accurately reflects the type of professional image you wish to convey. For example, if you're an attorney, you most likely will not use graphics or de3sign elements that uses lots of bright colors, cartoon characters, swirls or something else that could lower your chances of being taken seriously in the marketplace.

Many print service organizations that sell business cards online offer a wide variety and diverse selection of standard template designs (many also offer the option for you to create your own and then upload it to their website and have it proofed prior to them being printed.) Be sure to select a template that reflects what is common or acceptable within your industry.

For most of the time, you will find that a simple template is a better choice than one that is overly complex. In this type of situation, it is better to be conservative.

Depending on the online printing company that is selected, you can these printed on one or both sides of your card. In most situations, it is probably best that only one side is printed-this will allow others make notations on the reverse side.

To ensure that you convey a professional image, make sure that you don't overdo the design with information that others may view as unnecessary. In this case, simple is always the preferred approach.

As such, your personal contact details, the name of your organization, and your job title are all the details that should be included in a professional business card.

In some instances, it may make sense to include any advanced educational degrees or industry related certifications. Save the additional information for your resume-a properly designed business card should simply create an initial interest and the proper professional image.

It is probably best to not laminate your card. This will most likely portray the type of image you are trying to convey.

If you are truly serious about using your business cards as a strategy and means to become employed, you should probably invest the money and ensure that they are printed by a company that offers high quality print services and products. You will find that this small investment can provide big dividends in the long run.