This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Some think that business cards are old news, for people in more senior roles, or that no one uses them anymore. But a business card can be such an important tool for your career. Let’s explore the benefits of printed business cards.
How business cards can set you apart
The business card is an essential piece of kit in your professional toolbox. Think of it as an extension of how you want to present yourself: the packaging of your ‘professional product’! What could be nicer than being able to share contact details and your personal branding all at once?
If you’re in an industry that involves community building, client relationships, or recruitment, having a business card can also help spread the word about your services. Aldrich & Co’s Managing Director Emily Aldrich says that a business card she shared in a chance meeting ended up with that person passing her card on to a friend looking for a new job. “That friend has since been in touch about a career change, and we’ve been able to help her navigate the market!”
What happens when you don’t have a business card
Think about the last time you verbally exchanged contact details. You probably had to write that contact’s phone number down, or get out your phone and type it, or perhaps you just connected on LinkedIn and left it at that. The connection often ends there, lost in the sheer number of friends and acquaintances you’ve logged over the years!
Now compare that to handing someone a business card and receiving one in return. These exchanges offer a personal touch that reinforces the importance of the interaction and makes it more likely that you’ll start a meaningful conversation beyond that first meeting.
What to include on your business card
Your name and at least one method of contacting you (preferably email and phone number) are essential. Your job title might be valuable, or if you are looking for work opportunities, consider a title that reflects your skillset (so, rather than Project Manager at Google, you might say Communicator and Group Motivator). Selecting a title based on strengths also reduces the chances of you having to reprint your business cards regularly.
Just make sure that your title makes it clear what you do! Try to avoid cutesy or potentially boastful phrasing like “unicorn” and “rockstar” unless it really fits your personal branding.
Some people choose to put their headshot and mailing address. These are ‘nice to haves’ and are dependent on the design you choose and how much space is available to you.
Why your business card’s design is important
Graphic designers will tell you how essential it is to get the right brand look for a company, from the font type to the brand colours. The same is true for your business card! Think of it as your professional brand space.
For flexible options, we love the British company Moo.com. They offer lots of beautiful design templates and take the stress out of making sure everything looks right. Have a look for a template that best represents who you are and, if you’re unsure where to start, this introduction to brand colours will help you determine how colours can set the mood for your professional brand.
How to keep other people’s business cards
If you have been handed a physical business card, don’t make the mistake of transmitting its information to your digital devices and throwing the card away. Even if numbers and addresses change, personal experiences and histories won’t: Emily Aldrich says, “I have business cards going back 40 years! They hold a lot of memories, and I always recommend dating them when you get one, together with a note about where you met the person.”
Buy yourself a Rolodex, and add every business card you receive to it. Over the years, you’ll have a great bank of people and professional memories that will likely be useful in many more ways than online platforms!
*
We are a London-based recruiter, and we regularly post updates on jobs in London and our top tips for nailing the interview. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram and say ‘hi’ when you get a moment. We always love to hear from motivated candidates.