Your business card is #$@!

Business Card; definition: A small card identifying a person in connection with his or her business, given to a client, potential customer, etc.

Don’t expect your business card to be able tell your company’s entire story. Your business card is not meant to sell a product or service.

What you should expect it to do is present a professional image people will remember. The color, wording and texture of your business card have a lot to do with its appeal and its ability to convey your company image or message. Use common sense when you’re designing your card.

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Use your logo as the basis. Typically, make it the largest element on the card.
• Keep it simple, stupid. Don’t cram too much information on the card.
• Do not put your photo on your card unless you sell real estate.
• Do include the essentials–your name, title, company name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address–and make sure your name and business name are immediately identifiable.
• Make sure the typeface is easily readable. Stay away from Brush Scripts, Comic Sans, Papyrus. These are just a few.
• Stick to one or two colors unless you decide on full color printing.
• Make sure it’s easy to read.
• Your business card should not exceed $1 per card. This is just a rule of thumb.