Whenever you’re meeting a new prospect; either someone that’s requested a meeting, or someone you’ve met through a networking event, it’s important to make sure they have a great impression of you. Other than what you act like and say around them, that’s crucial, obviously; but you also want them to take away a good lasting impression too.
One of the most common ways is in the quality of your business card. To some, it’s a fairly small thing, that can often be thought of as fairly insignificant. But ask yourself, have you ever been at a networking event and been handed a flimsy, low quality card, that looks like it’s been produced by some of the ‘free’ printing sites you find online. (I mention no names).
Doesn’t fill you with great confidence does it? To me, it’s a bit of a subconscious thing. Logic dictates that a piece of card doesn’t necessarily represent the quality of someone’s work should you hire them. But I think there’s also an element of ‘well if they can’t be bothered to do a good job on producing something as simple as a business card, will they be bothered enough to do a good job for me?’.
I always make sure in the first instance, they get designed properly – Yes I could knock something up, but it wouldn’t be great. I’ve used the same designer for years; he knows what I like and I know he’ll always do a great job. (Incidentally, it’s Gareth Coxon from Dot Design).
And my cards have just been refreshed to reflect the new website’s design, and to generally modernise them slightly. Printed onto 400gm premium matt laminated card with Spot UV gloss to highlight the logo and mic/soundbar image on the reverse.
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of great feedback from people I meet when handing out my cards – (thanks to Gareth!) – so the moral of the story is, don’t scrimp on your cards. They don’t cost a lot of money. But it’ll be worth the spend – you’re just investing in your lasting impression.
What are your thoughts?
I totally agree Richard. When I receive a card that seems as if no care and love has been paid to it, I get an instant negative feeling about the business. Glad it’s not just me!
Nic
http://www.nicredmanvoice.com
Hi Nic,
I echo your sentiments exactly, I’m glad it’s not just ME!
It’s something I’ve always felt, having been handed more cards than I care to remember – some are average, some are brilliant, and some are downright awful!
It’s such an easy thing to get right, too – yet there are still many people that don’t think it’s worth bothering about…