Business Cards
Surprise, surprise, my question is about business cards.
I've been getting input some different sources before I decide on a final layout. One thing I keep hearing is that it MUST be a double sided card.
I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I've always found double-sided business cards a tad tacky. Reeks of crass overexposure. It's the mark of an amateur.
Maybe I'm just a business card snob. If you've ever seen that scene in "American Psycho", you've seen conversations that I've had with people. Business cards should reflect sophistication, refinement... class. As in Business, not promotion.
I understand they are meant to raise awareness and promote your business, but business cards to me have always held a certain value. When you pass your card to someone, you're assuring them that you're a professional who can solve their problems... you're not in their face saying "HEY... SELL ME YOUR HOUSE!!!" When someone suggested to me that I print ORANGE business cards with "WE BUY HOUSES!" plastered all over both sides, I felt ill.
Maybe I'm off target on this, but I don't think so. I'm stepping off the soap box now, fell free to step up. Thanks, I'm looking forward to your responses.
PS: I just remembered this 5 seconds after I posted . After I see how things go, I will probably incorporate myself. I would still like to use my company name (which will be my inc. name) on my current business cards when I get started. Can I just leave the "Inc." out of the company title on these cards and then reprint them with "inc." after I incorporate? I suppose I could use my business title on the cards and do business in another name until I incorporate. I just don't want to go through with the filing process until i know for sure it's worth it and the business will be there. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated.[ Edited by HOLLERatG on Date 01/25/2004 ]
Hi:
I know how you feel, I have been struggling with this issue as well. WHat has helped me is to consider the audience that I will be giving these cards to. If you are giving them to future business partners, lenders, lawyers etc than you want to show credibility and gain their trust. In this case I believe that a one-sided traditional, professional business card will do the trick. However, when you are dealing with sellers, you want what is going to get their attention. If you plan to give these out in your target neighborhoods, you have to remember that you want it to stand out among other 'junk' that people may have. In this case, I don't think the common card with I Buy Houses is such a bad idea........Of course, I am suggesting that you make two batches of cards, but I think it is worth the cost.
Let me know if this makes any sense all of you, because I have been wrestling for quite some time now. I know people are going to say: 'it doesn't matter as long as you get them out there or 'don't get caught up in paralysis by analysis' but I think taking a moment to consider image is a moment worth taking....
[ Edited by results_one on Date 01/25/2004 ]
[ Edited by results_one on Date 01/25/2004 ][ Edited by results_one on Date 01/25/2004 ]
That's an interesting point, results. I'll let it simmer.
As a former business card designer, I'd have to completely agree with you. Funny about the orange business card. I know of a local investor that has exactly that card. Must have read the same book.
Your card should have your name, contact number(s), and what you do clearly printed and in readable fonts. Personally, I think the back should be left blank just because people generally will use it to write things down, and that alone will keep it in their pocket a bit longer.
As far as targeting your market goes, it needs to be considered. But I wouldn't use a doubled-sided or flip type card to try to explain what you do. IF you want to give more detail, you can make simple flyers or tri-folds that will do that at a cheaper cost.
Roger
Im currently using two business cards. I have one card on 80lb textured ivory colored stock with a soft copper foil border, company name, house logo, embossed, thermography, etc. I put the basic phone info, etc in ink so it can be changed without cutting a new foil dye. I then have the mass production I pay cash for houses cards from vista print. I use the nice ones in professional situations the others in mass mailings, etc. I have used the nice ones in mass mailings but did not see any change in response so I save them for professional situations. I pay $.52 a piece for my nice cards compared to $.04 for the cheap ones.
This may sound off, but I actually have 3 sets of cards. Their use depends on the venue or party to whom I am handing them. "Sophistication" when necessary, "Joe Next Door", and "Drop in the fishbowl" are the 3 kinds I use. [ Edited by norrist on Date 01/25/2004 ]
When I first started out, I used business cards I made from a computer. I tried different ones to see which ones worked for me. Right now I have three types of cards with me at all times. I have used these ones for the last six years (2004 being seventh year) without having to change. Try different ones until the right one comes along, this is a process.
[addsig]
Tinman has the right idea. I use clean edge compter business card forms that I can change on a whim. Have 3 different cards that i use according to the situation. While not quite as nice as raised ink printed cards, they are easy to change until I find the format that works best. Then just take them to a printer and have better ones printed. Really it's probably more important to get them in the right hands.
I also print tent cards for counter tops and half page posters to put up on bulleten boards, then evaluate the responses and change easily if needed.
The most important thing in my mind is to target your market and then get them to your market.
Orange is fine if it gets the job done and he is getting them out there while we all sit around "finding the perfect card"
Pick something and go with it, you can always change it and at even $70 per 1000 which is what i pay for a highly sophisticated card (I use both sides) if I change it three times a year that is no big deal.
Best of Luck and get them out there!
I read a book about graphic design (that's the extent of my clout) and It would definitely agree that printing on the back is a no no. I actually was handed a card by a realtor/investor that was printed up one side and down the other. it was much more like a brag card than a business card. It was awful. The trick is you want to tell them enough to get them interested but not satisfied. if your card completely satisfies their curiosity they won't call you. I think you should put:
1 What you do
2 A few (3-4) benefits to working with you
3 one or two forms of contacting you.
I recently ordered cards (vistaprint) and resisted putting any website (once again it gives too much information) or email (what if I don't check my email for a couple days) all it has is my cell phone number. Honestly less is more. You want nothing more than to talk to your potential clients in person (or on the phone) If you tell them everything on your card why should they bother calling? I mean after all you only do foreclosures. I just need to sell cause I am moving. You probably can't help me."Yes but what if they aren't good prospects?" Then make them good prospects. When they see how great a deal you offer them hopefully you can turn some of them into good prospects.
Disclaimer: you need to decide what works for you. I think that what I have said makes good sense, but I haven't done any scientific research to prove it. But what experience I have in marketing agrees with what I have said.
_________________
"If you are not Networking you may soon be Not Working" -Denis Waitley-
[ Edited by jpchapboy on Date 01/26/2004 ]
I could never get to understand how the orange or bright green business cards can have positive effect on sellers or on anyone for that effect. If someone give's me such "flashy" business card, I would consider him inconsiderably tasteless and would most probably not do the business with. Unless he offers me a deal with considerable Below my price, which is not likely. What happened with good taste and class?
norrist up there migh have the point [ Edited by omega1 on Date 01/28/2004 ]
i'm no biz card designer, but i like to think i have a bit of style, as well as people skills. so i tend to care not what the card gives off in a biz sense, i want the card to reflect me and my personality. so i have a colorful card with regular black arial font - but the design on the card are my "colorful" personality! hahaha. and it actually has not one pic of real a home or anything. just says my name, "real estate investor", a phone #, address and email address - all in lower case fonts (another of my traits) and it's single sided - except for the "vista print" logo on the back which made them free! <IMG SRC="images/forum/smilies/icon_lol.gif">
oh, and i only order 250 at a time, so i can change info/wording often to see what worked best.[ Edited by jackman on Date 01/28/2004 ]
Good to see so many responses. Looks like the single-siders are in the lead.
... and down the stretch they come!
Using the back side of the card is not a bad idea if is done in stile. Instead of listing benefits that everyone does, I like to announce my voicemail recorded message so back there it goes something like this:
1(888) -555-1212
24/7 Voice Recorded Message
People are:
1) Intrigued to call to hear what you got to say
2) Know that no one would pick up the phone, which makes them
comfortable calling even several time before they decide to
take the action of leaving the message.
Could someone read my initial post and give me some advice on the Inc. issue? I'd appreciate it very much. Thanks.
I can see where 2 or three different cards might work, one for prospecting (buying), one for selling, and one for rentals if thats what you do.
Here's a good question to throw in here, has anyone used a CD business card Obviously in mass it would be a crazy idea but having some available might not be too bad Has anyone used and if so how;d it go
I wouldn't put a business name on your card unless you a)have a dba license for that name, or b)are incorp,LLC, as that business name.
If you've got a dba, then put the name on if you want. I wouldn't attach the "inc" to the name, though.
To think about: Your business name may already be taken by another dba, corp, whatever. While it's slim, you might be changing it, so I wouldn't buy too many cards upfront until you have some name protection.
Roger
Currently, my business, Turn-Key Properties is a dba. I had to go to the county courthouse and look in five big books before I could register my "trade name". I have also registered it with the state and ask that the name be held so that no one else in the state takes it in case I want to incorporate later. You may want to do all of that before you get too far. Then design your cards knowing that you will be able to use the name if you incorporate later. My business card has my trade name on it. If I ever do form the LLC then I will add the letters LLC to the card. That simple.
I designed my card myself and I love it. It's stylish and not overcrowded. Makes a statement and looks professional. I have two different types. One for when I'm selling or listing real estate. The other is for giving to contractors etc. for my rehabbing biz.
I agree about not putting the Inc on your business cards. Although, I am new to REI, I co-own a business with my husband and we incorporated last year. It was very easy to do a name search...we did it online. When you incorporate you have to use an original name. That way there aren't two companies with the same name in the same state. You have to trademark (or in REI it would probably be a servicemark ) your name to use it nationwide and that costs a lot of money.
Anyway, the point was we started as a sole proprietorship and registered with the Secretary of State and kept the same name after incoroprating. We don't have the Inc/Corp on our business cards b/c we didn't want to sound corporate. I don't think it is required to use the full legal name except on legal documents.
Check to see if your name is available and then print your business cards w/o the Inc on it. No one ever remembers if a company is LLC or Inc or whatever. Think of Coca Cola or Wendy's. Their signs don't say Inc.
Just giving my two cents. Hope it helps!
I utilize two cards.
I utilize a full engraved card on parchment It has my name in script on the middle portion. A telephone number and the simple underline of what I do.
Real Estate Investment
I use this card when I am trying to impress some attorney, or a head waiter or a barman. Occasionaly when I make an office call and the receptionest has a sneer on her face and is looking me up and down as if wanting to call a cop.
I use it almost as a personal card, you know when you have to make a duty call and you want them to be out. Why this is perfect, the maid excepts it sticks it in the little silver dish and I hear back from them or not depending on our relationship.
I have another a Vista special. No No do not let them put their little logo on the back, give them a few bucks not to do so.
This card is subdued but decorative, It has my company name at the top.
Lucius Foster & Associates and under that my message. We can solve the problem.
Then in the middle of the card my name
Lucius F. Foster III and under that my title Estate Agent - Consultant.
On the lower right my tele number my fax num and my E.Mail number.
As I said it is subdued brown bleeding to a picture of a clock. No not a regular clock, a stop clock. You see, time it is a fleeting and On the target (2/3 rule of composition) I spot the clock which pulls the eye to my name.
Now those are the two I use.
The parchment paper, the Engraved Script.
The other card, a non threatening color a mild brown, the symbol of time and enough information to reach me.
They work. of course I have a problem with my bookie, never know what card to give him. A bit embarrasing to be rousting among the cards while he stands there covered in gold chains and pointy shoes and slippery hair. Ah well I tried.
Conforming. Lucius
You've asked above:
Can I just leave the "Inc." out of the company title on these cards and then reprint them with "inc." after I incorporate?
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If you are planing to incorporate soon just print your business cards including Inc and in time they would not be deceptive, (if this is what you worry about) or just leave the company structure memo out all together. Many recognizable companies and associations do that for many different reasons. If they can't why cant you?
I use bold colored business cards which fold. I have them printed in orange,yellow,green and pink. I use seperate cards for buying and selling. What you are trying to do is convince the person to call you first. Your most important message is that you can solve their problem.
I'm going to start off by DBA 'ing my business name, with eyes on eventual incorporation. I'll leave the inc. part off of my logo, cards, website... etc. Keep it where it belongs, on the legal documents. I don't think it's 100% to have Inc. in your name for promotional purposes.
Thanks for the input, guys. Dy-no-mite!