One of the biggest challenges that brands in today’s mega competitive world face is simple: standing out.
There are many steps you can take to make your personal real estate brand identity stand out among a sea of competitors and the business card design is one of the very best of them. A marketing tool that has truly stood the test of time, the trusty business card is still an imperative ingredient in the recipe for your brand’s success—even in this digital age we live in.
Here are seven reasons why.
1. It Still Serves a Purpose
The idea of a business card is to provide prospective customers, partners and suppliers with your contact information. At the very least your business card design will feature your brand name, your name, website information and contact details all in one place.
Sure, most people have mobile phones but how many people save your information and then completely forget about it? Wouldn’t it be more effective, and less time consuming, to whip out your business card and hand it to the person standing in front of you?
A business card is a physical reminder of who you are and what you do.
2. It is Still Expected
The number of times I’ve stepped out of a successful meeting and were then asked ‘Can I have your business card?’ is astounding. And the number of times I’ve responded with ‘Um, no sorry’ is embarrassing.
Many people still use business cards and expect them in return. Business cards will appear in meetings, industry expos and networking events across every industry and field.
You want to appear prepared and having a staple like a business card on you is vital to achieving this goal. And getting a business card designed professionally is worth the effort.
3. It is an Effective Marketing and Promotional Tool
Every time you hand out your business card, you’re promoting your personal brand. You’re spreading brand awareness to people who may not have heard of you otherwise.
On top of being an effective marketing tool, a business card is also one of the best referral tools. Even if the recipient doesn’t have a need for your services, they can easily pass it on to someone who does. So, when you design one, pay attention to the promotional opportunities.
4. It Enhances Your Credibility and Professionalism
Business cards are a formal way of showing that your brand is credible and that a high level of professionalism can be expected from it.
This is especially true when you’re dealing with more traditionally minded business people who are familiar with business cards and continue to place great importance on them.
5. It Is A Chance to Show Off Your Personal Brand
Business cards are blank canvases for creativity. Because receiving a business card is such a common occurrence in the world of business and collaborations, you have a platform for branding you haven’t thought of. And you simply need to take the opportunity to stand out and shine in this area by having your logo design as well as relevant information with branded message.
Customize your business card design and make the most of the situation to express your personal brand in a physical format. A creative and unique business card design will stand out from drab and dreary ones thus making your brand more memorable.
6. It Is A Handy Tool for Networking Purposes
Face-to-face networking will never lose its importance. At these types of gatherings, such as seminars or industry conventions, you will find people engaging in conversation and establishing meaningful connections with those around them.
Very rarely will you note someone with their eyes glued to their screens. People are milling around, chatting, making potentially valuable connections and inevitably exchanging business cards to cement these interactions.
You’ll stand out at one of these events if you don’t have a business card to produce—and not in the way we want you to stand out.
7. It Is Culturally Significant to Many
In some parts of the world a business card holds as much weight as a meeting and can make or break relationships. If you have or plan on having international relationships a business card is a non-negotiable.
For example, in Hong Kong when you receive a business card and don’t offer yours back, that business is as good as gone. And in Japan, your business card—called a meishi—is a vital element to a successful conversation. The ritual of exchanging meishi has strict etiquette that must be adhered to.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the business card still has its place in the world.
For such a small tool, it sure is important so don’t make the mistake of classing it as irrelevant. Overall, it’s simply better business practice to have a business card than to not have one.
Don’t be caught off guard the next time someone asks you for your business card. Rather reach into your pocket, produce a stunningly designed marketing tool and advertise your business for free.
Author Bio
Working as a marketing consultant has given Cara Michaels plenty of opportunities to experience the different types of startup journeys, challenges and pain points. That is why she loves to solve their problems through her private consultancy and create awareness through writing.
