Make a Statement with Your Business Card

This article is sponsored by Quill Office Supplies, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow. You can also visit the Quill community right here on OfficeArrow.

Your business card says a lot about you. Whether you realize it or not, that little marketing tool is a direct representation of you and your company. It can go a long way in creating a long-lasting first impression. Alternatively, it can also help make you completely forgettable. What does your business card say about you? Does it make a bold, impressive statement? Or does it simply get lost in the shuffle?

Our partners at Quill Office Supplies have a few recommendations to help you make your business cards wow potential customers, vendors and contacts.

• A business card must provide all of your key contact information. Be sure to include all of the following:

o Business name

o Your name and title

o Your phone number

o Your fax number

o Your email address

o Your company's website address

• Remember, a business card can do more than just provide contact information. It can also be a valuable (but inexpensive) advertising tool for your business. Don't waste the opportunity to spread your brand image. Work in your logo, your company colors, and any other distinguishing features that make your brand stand out from the competition. Be sure that the overall look matches that of other company materials, such as letterhead and brochures.

• Allow your card to reflect the nature of your business. For example, if you work in a creative industry, you'll want an artistic, modern feel to your card. Those in conservative, corporate atmospheres should stick to sophisticated, traditional layouts.

• Make it useful! The more useful your card, the more likely that people will hang on to it. You have a lot of available space on the back of the card, so why not add a special coupon or some kind of important information? Hotels will often add little maps to the backs of employee cards, which certainly inspire their clientele to keep the cards close.

• Consider adding your photo to your card. If you're looking to make a personal connection with people, this is a great way to help them remember you. You can also use images of a product or service to help make your card more eye-catching.

• To really make your card stand out, consider using a unique material that will make it not only look different, but feel different as well. Occasionally, you'll see cards made of metal, wood or magnets. Some are unusual shapes or include embossing. Once again, just make sure that the materials used help convey your overall brand and message.

• Don't underestimate the importance of quality. While printing business cards at home is a viable option, it likely won't provide you with the level of quality you would want to represent yourself and your business. Using a professional printing company will help ensure high quality (and it doesn't have to break the bank, either).

Let the experts at Quill help you create custom business cards that meet your unique needs. You can choose a standard design, create your own, or send your ideas and concepts to their design team and let them do the work for you. In fact, you can use Quill to coordinate all of your office materials to reflect your brand. From stationery to stamps, they can customize virtually anything your business needs!