Business Cards

Information to Include On Your Business Card
There is no set rule as to what you should have on your card, your intent should be to make it easy for someone to reach you as you consider which elements are most appropriate for you.

The Basics
  • Name (first and last)
  • Phone Number(s)
  • Email(s)
  • Fax

Other Content
  • Title
  • Website URL
  • Logo
  • Degrees/Certifications (e.g., PhD)
  • Tagline or the Value Proposition you bring to a company (e.g., Profitable Solutions for Small Businesses)
  • LinkedIn URL Address-This can be found at "Profile", "Edit Profile". Modify  your public URL to reflects your name and is not comprised with a mishmash of numbers
  • (e.g. www.linkedin.com/in/yourname instead of  www.linkedin.com/in/4532name589)
  • Key Skills-Consider adding a few key skills that you would bring to an employer
  • Head Shot

Designing Your Business Cards
  • Fonts should be readable - style and size - with your name being the most prominent. You are selling "you" after all! Sometimes fancy or italicized fonts are difficult to read with a small typeface. And, a white font on a dark background may bleed making it illegible-a larger font and gloss coating will often take care of this. It should be readable to scanners.
  • Style and logo should be tasteful and relevant to the image you wish to project.
  • Stand Out  Don't be afraid to use colors, different fonts,  to differentiate yourself. Your card should stand out in a pack just like you!
  • One or Two Sides are perfectly acceptable.
  • White Space is encouraged to allow you/recipient to write a note on the card.
  • Gloss or Non-gloss is a personal choice. It is recommended that one side be non-glossy as pens often will not work on a gloss surface.
  • Printed vs. DIY  There are many places that print quality business cards such as VistaPrint, Staples, and online merchants. You can do it yourself, however, you may look less polished if you don't have a quality printer or have perforations around the card edges.
  • Don't Over Think It.  While important to put some thought into a card that reflects you, the image you wish to project, and communicate key information, do not overthink it. Having a card in hand is better than none. You can always print a limited number to get started.

Sharing Your Cards Tips
  • Keep Them With You  There is nothing more awkward than being asked for your card and not having one or having one that is wrinkled and beat up. Store your cards in a leather case for presentation. And, make sure you have some in your car, your bag, your office. You never know when opportunity will present itself!
  • Multiple cards might be necessary as you may wish to convey different information to different audiences and in different situations.
  • Distribute with Intent. Use discretion. Don't hand them out like coupons and to everyone you meet, they'll just be thrown in the trash. Be purposeful. Ask permission to share your card with the recipient. Know the purpose and identify the desired outcome.
  • Show Respect in giving and receiving cards. In some cultures, the exchanging of cards is valued ritual.
    • When giving your card, turn it so the recipient can read your information. You may ask them if they would like you to jot a piece of information on it on the back such as what you talked about, or a reminder about your information.
    • When you receive a card, take a moment to look at it, offer a comment such as "Oh, you do digital marketing?",  and intentionally put the card away in a respectful manner (rather than stuffing it in your bag quickly). Always thank them.

Where to Order Business CardsThere are a number of places you where you can order pre-designed or custom make business cards. (PSG does not endorse particular merchants).
Contact Us

psgofmercercounty@gmail.com