Is Your Business Card Costing You Business?

Your business card is the most practical and personal tool to promote your product or service. Here are 15 unspoken ways your business card can hurt your business.

1. DIY business cards. Perforated edges, thin card stock and ink that bleeds say \"amateur\" before your card is even read. Invest in professional printing and have your business taken more seriously.
2. Unique card stock. Cards made of plastic, metal, highly-textured stock or other unique materials are eye-catching, but if they are oversized or you can\'t write on them, that cool card may be discarded.
3. Colour selection. Too many colours with too much contrast overwhelms your information. Choose colours that harmonize and are appropriate to your industry.
4. Font uses. Too many fonts styles, sizes and formats take away from a professional image. Try to limit your fonts to no more than two for a polished look.
5. Typing errors. Spelling errors imply you don\'t pay attention to details! Have someone proofread your card - and test your email and phone number too! You may have looked at it too often to notice errors.
6. Irrelevant images. If the image doesn\'t connect with your client, convey an attribute of your service, or have some relevance to you or your business name, it\'s time to change it!
7. Cluttered info. Too much information takes the eye everywhere and nowhere at once. Use an attractive, flowing layout with \"white\" space for a greater impact.
8. Missing tagline. A benefit statement captures your offer and distinguishes you from your competitors. Give people a reason to choose you over all the others!
9. Unclear business type. Unique business names are great for branding, but a business card without a description of your services, industry or tagline, your company may be forgotten.
10. Multiple businesses on one card. It\'s great that you design websites AND manage investments, but having each title on the same card can discredit you for both. Invest in your livelihood and create separate business cards!
11. Missing email address. Even if you aren\'t web savvy, some of your best clients might be! Make it as convenient as possible for everyone to contact you.
12. Written contact info. Manually updating your card with a pen or label is convenient for you, but implies you take short cuts in your business! Instead, request their contact info and send a fresh one by mail - and throw in a brochure as well.
13. Recycling cards. Saying \"Ignore what I wrote - I no longer need it\" doesn\'t make anyone feel special! Everyone you meet deserves a clean card.
14. Stained or dog-eared condition. If your wallet is stuffed out of shape, keep your cards pristine in a business card holder. Take pride in your business!
15. No additional value to the recipient. Reference to a free article, a list of benefits or some useful tips on the back of your card encourages people to make that first call.

Details stand out more than you think! Just like a sharp suit, shined shoes and a great briefcase, your business card should convey a positive image. Use these tips to create a card as professional as you are!

(c) Copyright 2008 Sheryl Mitchell, Joe Startup. Sheryl Mitchell is the Director at Joe Startup - Helping small businesses start up without slowing down!

Joe Startup combines your vision, the needs of your clients and our expertise to create distinct marketing pieces; taking your business from the start-up level to the blow up level! Choose from all-in-one launch packages and individual services geared to entrepreneurs and freelance professionals.

Go online now with the code \"EZINE\" to get the remaining tips from her free eBook \"31 Ways to Get a Bigger Bang From Your Business Card\" at http://www.joestartup.com

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