Business Cards 101
“You never have a second chance to make a first impression.” I can’t remember who had this sage but practical piece of advice, but nothing could be more true in today’s electronic workplace. With website page views clocking in at 1.8 seconds and a “twit” on Twitter limited to 140 characters, you’ve got to make a strong positive impression from the get-go.
With your social and business network persona on display 24/7, one might ask if the business card is still relevant? Thank you, it is! In fact, we are seeing a resurgence in consumer demand for tastefully designed calling cards and business cards. Despite the down economy, customers at Therese Saint Clair are trading in their fast-print cards for more distinctive business cards. Business professionals recognize that their non-descript business cards just may not make it to their recipient’s Rolodex. Maybe it makes sense to invest in a little image-building. One way of doing so is to have an elegant business card printed on fine paper stock.
While Crane & Co. has long been the company of choice for fine business stationery, many other companies are now introducing their own distinct lines of business stationery. William Arthur has a good selection of business cards printed on 96# paper stock to go along with a growing selection of fine stationery. Smock Paper has a stylish but somewhat pricey line of letterpress business cards printed on bamboo paper. Lallie and Encore have some great designs for truly distinctive business cards.
If you feel your stationery is not making that right “first impression” then perhaps a visit to a Stationers Guild member store is in order. There you can work with experienced stationers to custom design a business card of your choice.