Innovative business card ideas are often misunderstood. The key message intended for prospective customers becomes lost in radical attempts at originality. These attempts at originality can in fact have a negative impact on prospective customers, invoking a deeper discussion about the actual design and presentation of your business card, rather than how your business can actually help others succeed. The last thing you want to encourage when handing out your business card are more questions about what your business does, or why you chose such an idea for your business card in the first place. Many design and communication firms will attempt to awe and inspire others with radical and non-traditional business card designs. Ironically, these companies exist to help you better communicate a clear message. To develop your business card ideas, start by creating a simple business tag line. Grab a piece of paper and pen and start to develop a tag line that either captures the essence of your business, or at the very least, is a broad statement of your business vision, your goal, or something which convinces people that you are a leader in your industry. Sometimes called a "motto", or in more professional circles, a "competency statement", your tag line should be short, to the point, sometimes catchy, but always memorable. As an example, this tag line, belonging to an enormously successful Canadian mattress manufacturer, "Why Buy a Mattress Anywhere Else", is clear and to the point and the tag line is an integral part of their marketing campaign, used across mediums including, print, television, radio and the Internet. Other tag lines are more abstract, but memorable, such as the McDonald's campaign, "I'm Loving It!". A tag line can be simple, as long as it can be used to help build trust in the customer. For example, Jim Smith, Certified Programmer, or, Eric Gibson, Professional Photographer. There is no rule for the tag line, just keep it tasteful, positive, clear, and to the point. Photo business card images are gaining momentum among business card designs, because people have a tendency to remember visuals over text. For example, if you are a wedding planner, even subtle, full color imagery can be effective to communicate a message without words and can create a lasting first impression. You may utilize a background image of a couple in love at the alter, a detailed and elaborate wedding hall, or a bride in reflection decked in her bridal gown. The right image selection can visually communicate your industry or area of expertise, and then encourage the card holder to read the details. Many websites offer a free, online business card maker which can help you develop your business card ideas and experiment with language and presentation using point and click web-based tools. Before you commit to going to print, you should forward your ideas to friends and colleagues in order to solicit their feedback and ensure your business card is one that will not be thrown away. ----------------- |
