Career Coach: Make an Impression with Your Business Card

[1]

Last month I wrote about the importance of first impressions during the interview. But first impressions matter whenever you meet someone.

If you want to stay in touch, you must exchange contact information. The best way to do that is with a business card. You should have business cards and carry them all the time. You never know where or when you might meet someone. If you go to an industry related event — whether a party, a screening, a meeting or a user group — you should bring plenty of cards. Last summer I went to a wrap party for Barnyard [2] and thought I brought plenty of cards with me. I ran out and wrote my contact info on small bits of a memo pad I carried with me. I didn't have any cards left when I met the two producers and the director and production designer. Don't let this happen to you.

You don't need to spend a fortune on a business card. You can purchase business card blanks from an office supply store and print them yourself on your computer or you can order them from office supply stores or online.

Your business card makes a lasting impression especially if someone keeps it and refers to it again.

Keep the following guidelines in mind when designing your card:

The shape and layout should not distract from your contact info. I've received cards that were round or square, laminated, or made of plastic or metal. I prefer plain card stock with a matte finish so I can make notes on the back. If you want people to keep your card, make it a standard size so it can fit into a Rolodex or flat card system.

All contact info should be easy to find and read. The most important information to include on your card is your name, your phone number (with area code) and your email address and website if you have one. Your title or service and name of your company are the only other things you need on the card. The type font size should be at least 10 point.

Don't overcrowd your card with information. Balance type and open space. Don't cram as much copy as you can — the reader will see only a blur.

Logos should relate to your business and help people remember you. If you are a writer, you may want to have a symbol such as a pen or pencil. If you are an artist, you may want to include a graphic of your best work, but make sure it doesn't obscure any of the vital info. Bold type might help text stand out if printed over a graphic or photograph. Make sure the color you use for the type contrasts with the color in the photograph or graphic.

You may feel the need to demonstrate your artistic sense on your card. It's great to be creative, but don't make your name and contact information hard to read due to poor color and font choices or distracting artwork. Sharp color contrast makes text easier to read. Avoid pastels with light lettering.

Vertical layouts are popular and can be used to make your card stand out. The same rules of good contrast and clear visuals apply. The main problem with vertical cards is when they are stored in conventional business card filing systems, they will need to be read sideways. Opting for a standard-size horizontal business card is the best choice.

Don't forget the back of your card. It's a good spot for supporting information — recent projects, clients, publications, website info or art samples. Using the back doubles your available space and keeps the front from getting too congested.

As with all business transactions, the etiquette of exchanging business cards varies from country to country. In the U.S., business cards are exchanged casually and slipped into a pocket or purse. In Japan, this informality is considered ill-mannered. When dealing with people from other countries, study the manners of their homeland so that you don't make an inadvertent mistake.

Whatever your choices, make sure that your business cards make the right impression and be sure to carry plenty of them with you at all times.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a recruiter and career coach with clients in computer animation, visual effects and games. She speaks regularly at colleges and conferences including fmx in Stuttgart, Germany, and SIGGRAPH ‘06 in Boston and did not run out of cards at these events. A career coach since 1999, Thompson helps clients achieve their goals by developing strategic career plans and effective marketing materials. To request a one-on-one career coaching session or a speaking engagement, contact Pamela Thompson at PamRecruit@aol.com.