5 Business Card Blunders to Avoid

Ever look at someone’s business card and immediately know you’re not interested? Maybe they could help you but something about their card just turns you off. You don’t want to be in the same boat but it’s possible your business card isn’t doing the trick either.  A business card is like a website, you have 5-7 seconds to grab someone’s attention. Don’t you want to make a positive memorable impression? You can start by avoiding these blunders:

1. Laminated Business Cards. I learned a long time ago that when you’re at a networking event you write information on the back of your business card. I’ll never forget a card I was given and I really wanted to follow up with them on the conversation but the back of their card was laminated so I couldn’t write on it. At the end of the night I barely remembered the details of our conversation because I couldn’t write on it. I followed up with the individual but it was a generic message. Can you imagine how much more impactful it would have been if I could have referenced our conversation? If you like the coated look then go for it but don’t laminate the back too.
2. Obvious Errors. Let’s say there’s been an error on your business card and you use them anyway. Nothing sends a worse message than not having a professional card and having to apologize for an error. Double and triple check your cards before you confirm your order and worse case if you don’t have one then collect others, take notes on the back of the card and email people reminding them of your meeting. You don’t want people to think you’re sloppy and unprofessional.
3. Personal email address. Let’s face it, if you’re in business then you need to have a business email address. GreatMom4ever@…..com isn’t going to cut it. Make sure you have a professional email address. People will see you as a serious business person when you have an email that includes your name and your website domain.
4. Not taking advantage of the back of the business card. One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the back of the card. It’s not offering an invitation to come check out your website. d in and flatter you. Where you are may be temporary but remember that taking pride in how you look is a true self-esteem builder.
5. Homemade business card. Have you seen the cards that look like they were made at home? A surefire way of becoming forgettable is to have a business card that looks homemade. Business cards don’t have to be expensive. You can get them through companies like www.Vistaprint.com or your local print shop. It’s worth the investment to make a good lasting impression.

When it comes to business cards you want to have a nice logo, font size, email address, website, contact number and of course your name and title. I also recommend that you have a call to action on your card. Use the back of the card to invite people to take advantage of a FREE offer you may have on your website. This encourages people to opt into your contact list and continues your connection well beyond one conversation.

What’s the biggest business card blunder you’ve noticed? What turns you off when you see other people’s cards? What impresses you?