If you use your business cards to promote your business, a little injection of humour applied to the design will make them much more memorable and attractive (unless you are an undertaker). In most cases a clever business card design will make you seem more approachable and likeable, especially if yours is a small business you can show your individuality.

Here are some examples of how clever designs have been applied for different professions and as a result have even ended up promoting these businesses on the internet as they have gone viral!

The most obvious one: Graphic designers and other creative guys showing off their skill on their own business cards:

These cards speak for themselves (click on image to see larger version):

Clever business card designs for lawyers and counsellors:

One of my favourite designs must be this divorce lawyer’s business card, which provides the divorcing couple with an amicable 50/50 deal (at least as far as the business card is concerned)! And here a post marriage counselling card that promises to heal the rift. You could either just tear your own business cards to shreds to achieve this effect and stick them back together – or simply print the image to achieve the optical effect.

A funny business card design for this shop:

This second hand shop card design is not only very creative, but also environmentally friendly and unforgettable! Printing double sided business cards is inexpensive, so this and similar creative design ideas are not difficult to realise.

Even in medical profession you get creative business card designs:

Dentist, doctors and physiotherapists all have come up with funny designs vying customers their way. The hole in the tooth disappears when this dentist’s telephone number becomes visible. Very clever stuff! This is another example of a dentist whose business card will leave you with a good impression of what he is about!
Thanks to the creativity of their business card designers, this orthodontist handed out promotional pacifiers with his business cards.
And then this personal trainer has you working out before you can even given him a call!

Unless humour is really out of place, a genuinely funny business card will give you an edge on your competitors. I believe that for most lines of business it is possible to come up with a clever and creative idea. It really pays off to take the time and think about it.

It has become a common practice to exchange your business cards with people you meet or to pass on to someone who you would like to meet, although in the UK it is not considered rude if you don’t have a card to hand over, it is definitely more professional if you do.

Remember a business card is as much as a first impression as you are, but will last longer than your presence with your clients and contacts. It says a lot about you and your business; you want it to do so in a professional, engaging and useful way.

What should you have on your business card?

You should have your full name, title, full address including postcode, telephone numbers, fax number, email address and if you have one - your twitter address.
Also, if you have any honours don’t be shy to show them off.
Not everyone can tell your profession just by the name of your business or your title, so if in doubt put it on your card, tell them you are professional deep tissue sports masseur or a chauffeur.

If your profession has many parts to it you can always use the reverse of the card to give more information, however try not to make it too busy as a busy business card can look unprofessional and cheap.

Pictures are fine, just as long as you remember these are business cards and not flyers or leaflets, the idea of the business card is the first contact, your brochure or website can have the nice photos.

How your card should look
The appearance and style of your business card is key, only a cheap suit looks worse than a cheap business card.

Other Tips
If you want to design your own business card, don’t try and design in Microsoft Word, get the correct design programmes such as Photoshop, Illustrator or Indesign or use some design online templates, alternately you can pay between £20.00 - £40.00 and have it done by an expert. Solopress also offer some free business card designs.

If you are printing your cards on your home printer, make sure you buy decent quality business card paper and don’t use less than 300gsm, it looks bad when passing over a flimsy, faded business card that has been cut using fabric scissors. Cards printed on less than 300gsm are not robust enough and will dog ear very easily.

Business card size
A perfect size for your business cards is 85 x 55mm (credit card size), These will fit into all business card holders, wallets, purses & pockets. Think have you ever had a very funky but over large/ small card that does not fit into your Rollodex or business card case, because it does not have standard business card dimensions - what do you do with t it keep it or discard?

How many business cards should I order?
It’s a saying you have heard many times before, but it’s true. It’s better to have too many than run out.
Always order more than you need, most of the time the difference in cost is minimal, that’s not the case however when you have to reorder 6 months later.

How many should I carry?
If you think 10 is enough take 30, it’s always best to have a stash, they don’t take up much room so don’t leave yourself short.

Neither had I, but now I am in the know.
So, “konichiwa” dear visitor!

It seems that in Japan the practice of exchanging business cards is not just simply important, but there even is an etiquette to it. In Japan, your business card represents your social status. Important knowledge in an increasingly globalised world.

I have found some instruction videos online that teach the novice how to exchange the card. Unless a business card has been exchanged, no business can take place. And if the card is exchanged badly, well you can imagine what that means for the ensuing business relationship.

Here is one of these instruction videos:

Business card etiquette starts with the layout of the actual business card itself, which should be printed in Japanese on one side and in English on the other.

So here you go, this is what you have to bear in mind:

1. First of all the handover: You use both hands to exchange the business card and you do this with the Japanese side of your business card pointing up.

2. Secondly you need to know your social status in comparison to the social status of your opposite as this will establish how deeply and how long you should bow for. Factors that have an influence on your status include age, nationality, your sex and employments status. Also, if you have made the decision that you are lower in ranking, you should make the innitial step and offer your card first.

3. When it is your turn to receive the business card, you should bow even lower and for longer. Same as when handing it over, you receive the business card with both hands and say “Hajimemashite”, which means “Nice to meet you”.

4. Next you are expected to spend some time looking at the card. Try to remember the name of the giver in connection with his face. This is the best time to do this and he will probably remember you.

5. And finally: Treat the business card that you have been given as a piece of art. Do not write on it and store it safely in your bespoke business card holder. “Wakarimasuka?”

But on a lighter note, even the Japanese themselves see the funny side of this strict set of rules as this bit of Rakugo comedy shows:

“Sayonara!” Hope you found this post instructive!

I believe that business cards have an important role to play, both in private and in business circles, as after all, they represent an introduction to who you are and what you stand for! Business cards represent part of our identity!

To demonstrate what I mean, here is an example: For me there are few TV scenes as memorable (especially ones that involve business cards!) as the “American Psycho” business card scene – the high flying investment banking executives of this New York company comparing their not so cheap business cards! In my opinion, this scene showcases a prime example of fine acting, something I am not so surprised about seen that it comes from Christian Bale.

If you don’t know what I am talking about, just check it out for yourself (click on the image below):

If you want to find some nice design ideas on the web you do not have to go far. The title of this website for example was taken from the above mentioned film scene: “It even has a watermark“. They understand the importance of image and have therefore dedicated their website to the display of a variety of exciting business cards. You can check out their various sections ranging from creative to custom business cards. And if you have a business card design that you yourself are proud of – why not upload it and add to the collection?

If you are not a design aficionado and just a mere mortal, I believe that this is a good place to start and look for some inspiration before you decide on your next business card design! In our custom business card section you can upload your own creative artwork and be your own designer! Try it out – just decide between gloss, silk or pulp material and add your own artwork- an easy way to get completely individual and cheap business cards!

But do you have to spend a lot of money to get a product that looks good? Not all of us are investment bankers - and even investment bankers are selling their posh pads and toning down their business cards! Of course there are limits to what you can do with a certain budget but we believe that business cards from Solopress will make you look good for less and not just image is important – your wallet is too!