So, I had a business meeting a week ago with a person I’d not met before – from a company I’d not worked with before. As I always do, I grabbed my briefcase while I was getting out of the car, and I made sure to have a business card in hand – so we could exchange with each other when we made first introductions. This is standard practice – I’m sure you do something similar.

 Anyway, we met – we shook hands and I said, as I normally do, “Hey, I’ve got my business card here – wanted to make sure I got it to you before I forget!” and extended my hand with it. He smiled and said, “yes, right! I’ve got mine for you too!” and extended his to me.  This is where the story gets good… I took the business card, and... it was laminated. TRUE STORY.  The man handed me a laminated business card – or more precisely – a piece of paper that he had cut to the size of a business card – and then laminated. LAMINATED – as in – he ran it through a laminating machine?!

Ok – I’m not one to judge – alright, maybe a little – but only when it comes to standard marketing principles. Offering a laminated business card to anyone - is unacceptable marketing for yourself and for your company. Just simply don’t do it. I’d rather you tell me that you are out of business cards – I’d rather you write your info on a left over coffee cup sleeve – I’d rather you text me your phone number and email address while I stand there – then have you introduce yourself and your company by handing me something that has been heat pressed and glued in between two sheets of plastic. Because what that says about you – is that you don’t take yourself or your company any more serious than I should. Professionally printed business cards cost less than $30? Dinner at applebees for two people costs $30…  If you don’t have $30 to invest in your first contact impression, then maybe its time to revisit your marketing strategy and budget.

And, while we are at it – using “vista print” is really only one step better. You have to think about what you’re actually handing someone when you had over your business card.  What you’re saying is “you may not remember my face, you may not remember what we talk about here at this meeting, you may not remember why you need my services – so I’m going to give you this little piece of paper – 3 inches wide – and its going to tell you everything you need to know about me in a snapshot.” Using a build it yourself template from vista print says just that – “I think inside the box, I’m not super concerned about my brand – I just know this is free, you need my phone number, and my ink jet wont print on paper this thick.”

I’m not trying to be hard on you – I just want to push you to be better! Your brand is IMPORTANT! Every message you send out about yourself and your company – is IMPORTANT! It may cost just a bit more to have someone (use us please!) to design a business card for you – but its your leave behind!! We’ll get your brand message right – and we’ll make you look good!