A heartfelt thanks to all for the feedback regarding business card design. I heard form 10+ persons between the comments and direct e-mails. It may not be the most riveting topic but I do think the old, paper, “calling card” is still an important branding/marketing device and it’s only the second time since I started my practice that I’ve actually ordered new cards so it was kinda fun. Interestingly, for a few years there it really didn’t seem like I went through too many cards, but recently with a semi-regular speaking engagement(s) and a weekly breakfast marketing meeting I’ve been running through the card supplies more quickly.
I ended up ordering through uPrinting.com and was quite satisfied. Frankly, I looked at some local businesses but the easy-to-use online design is just critical versus the need to call or go somewhere in-person, get proofs back, ect.
Some comments on the feedback I got…
Too much information? I heard that from a few commenters but mostly kept the practice area listing. Bottom-line, I still get the calls/confusion from clients about what it is I really do and I hear lots of other lawyers that do too. Plus, it’s always amazing the people who got your name/card at some event years ago and lo-and-behold suddenly need legal services, find my card, and I’d like that person to know what I do.
Personal photograph. To some extent this was just the “picture is worth a thousand words” mindset. I see someone on TV or in a picture I feel like I know her better than just hearing a voice on the phone. And might that familiarity help my retention prospects? Lastly, I’ve been meeting with some other professionals of late (Realtor, insurance guy, financial planner, ect.) and seeing some of their picture cards and I simply liked them. Why don’t more lawyers do it? Is it perceived unsophisticated or something?
2-Sided. As a general statement, why waste half the card when there’s so much you could potentially do on the back…the possibilities are endless. Specific to me, my thinking on the 2-sided cards is hopefully it’s a net positive. Granted the Solo in Chicago stuff is more aspirational than real right now but I do speak fairly regularly at different lawyer events. My card gets in the hands of mainly 2 groups: other lawyers and potential clients. Lawyers in a sense are the audience who might solicit my services as a speaker/consultant so I want the 2-sides for them. As for clients I’d expect their reaction to be either who cares or wow, this guy is really top notch if he’s sought after for conferences/consulting.
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I agree that business cards are one still one of the most valuable branding/marketing tools in our arsenal. And, like any tool, I think that there are ways to make better use of them that are often forgotten or ignored.
Many people think that just having a business card with their name, phone number, and business title on it is enough–but there is so much more that business cards can accomplish. I once met someone who didn’t currently have a job but was actively attempting to find one. She’d printed an abridged version of her resume on the back of her card so that anyone who received one would be able to look at it and see what her experience was and what she might bring to their company.
If your business card is too simple, people are unlikely to remember who you are or what you do, and therefore far less likely to contact you.
I was at a networking event this morning and saw what I think was the first other lawyer with a photo on her biz card.
Worth reading, thx