Effective business communication is, above all, a good cover letter. The first step to make ourselves known is always to reach out and offer our business card. We tell you how to use this underrated and yet very powerful tool:
1. Ensure legibility
Big, small, vertical, horizontal… whatever shape and size your business card is, make sure that it is readable. It is best to choose a clear, readable type of font that will help effective communication at a glance. Note that black print on white background is more readable than any other combination of colors.
2. Make a difference
Your business card is, to some extent, the impression your interlocutor will take home when your meeting is over. The more impact you can cause, the easier it will be to remember you and get in touch with you. Include some type of logo or detail that will make a difference.
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3. Highlight your name
Your name (and your organization’s) is the most important information on your card and should be reflected as such. Save the best spot for your name and make sure you write it in bigger letters than the rest of the information on the card.
4. Describe your business
A business card serves to effectively communicate the services offered by your business and, specifically, your role in the company. It is important, if space and design allow you to, that you include some kind of slogan or description of your business and a reason why they should contact you.
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5. Update your information
Contact information is vital in a business card. Do not forget to check whether your phone number, your email, your social profiles, QR codes, web page or any other contact information are fully updated.
6. Make sure they are well taken care of
Your business card speaks for you. Offering dirty, worn or crumpled cards creates a very bad first impression. Therefore, and in order to establish effective communication, all the information you include must prove that you are a true professional: take care of it and offer it with respect and courtesy to others.
7. Keep it in an accessible place
Keep your card in a readily accessible place so you can locate it at any time. Desperately looking for it in front of your interlocutor makes a bad impression, because it reflects certain neglect and disinterest.
8. Follow up
Finally, you cannot forget the follow-up after the exchange of a business card. Your true image will come from your involvement after the presentation meeting. Send an e-mail after the first meeting so they can locate you more easily, make a quick phone call or send a contact request on LinkedIn. Do not let your card end up at the bottom of the drawer of your best customer.
