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Colour
The psychology of colours is a topic many talk about yet completely ignore. But let’s face it, we’re drawn to colour, and as it affects the type of products we buy, so too does it impact whether or not someone will hold on to your card.
In fact, it’s been said that prospects will hold on to a colour card ten times longer than a standard one.
The most important factor to remember is that each colour subliminally effects us in different ways. So its crucial to get the right response from your customers, while still representing what your business is all about.
For example, in most of Jaguar’s marketing material, the colours black and silver feature heavily. The black is meant to represent sophistication while silver suggests prestige, and they’ve certainly done a great job considering their high income target audience.
According to Karen Haller, a colour and branding expert, red means power and passion, and can often times be linked with energy and excitement. The Virgin Group and Coca Cola are great examples of famous companies using the colour for their image. There’s also the red trademarked soles of Christian Louboutin’s shoes.
Haller suggests that green often attracts youngsters and those who love life alike. It is the colour of money, universal love and Mother Earth. These were some of the reasons why Starbucks chose its green logo colours, in order to appear young and Earth-friendly. Another example is Garnier Fruits, whose natural shampoo’s are cased in green bottles.
Blue is the colour of trust, integrity, and communication,” said Haller. But she warns firms that it’s important to pick the right kind of blue. Apparently, picking the wrong tone can make you appear cold, aloof and unapproachable . As it is also seen to be the colour of logic and communication, it is perhaps unsurprising that most major social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, have blue as their primary branding colours.
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Quality, luxury, royalty, and decadance all comes hand-in-hand with the colour purple. But this is a tricky colour, according to Haller. If done wrong, you can come across as tacky. Cadbury is a major example of purple done right.
The yellow used by McDonalds, for example, is the most visible colour in daylight, suggests Haller. This often makes it difficult to overlook. And much like the ‘M’ stands out against the sky, using this colour will surely make your card stand out from the rest.
More importantly, however, yellow represents happiness, optimism and friendliness .
It’s a fun colour, suggesting that you can gain a happy experience from the company.
Orange, in much the same light, suggests fun and games. It signifies playfulness, which is why it was the colour of choice for TV network Nickelodeon.
Brown is the colour of warmth, reliability and dependability. This is why, more often than not, several delivery companies use the colour.
If you’re going for sweet or sexy, the most lingerie companies try to portray, then pink is your colour. Of course, pink goes hand-in-hand with femininity, including love, nurture and care . Haller explains that light pink is often targeted at young girls.
Essential facts to include
Of course, when it comes to business cards, you want your company name to somehow stand out. And if you have a logo, now’s the time to add it in as well. This will get people associating brand name with brand image. But always keep it subtle, unless the point is for a it to be a key feature at the back.
But remember that you’re the one representing the company. Yours will be the face they remember when they first think of contacting your business. That means your details need to be on there, not the general company details. This could very well make people feel like they’ve been duped.
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Add your name and role within the company. You could, instead of title, briefly describe what you do there. Your work number should also never be forgotten, even if it’s in a minuscule font size. If you’re going to list a number, however, make sure that the phone in question is voicemail-enabled.
In terms of email, nothing is as unprofessional as adding your own gmail or hotmail account. You know the ones I mean, the ‘peanutbutt@gmail’ kind you created in high school or because your name was already taken and you didn’t want to type in all those dreaded numbers. Nowadays its easy to get your own custom URL.
Some even add their website address. In fact, it should be recommended. Don’t have one Add a social network handle so you become easier to find. Add your LinkedIn account instead, but Twitter handles do well too. This does, however, mean that you can’t be lazy on social media. You don’t want to have them follow you online only to find that you’re inactive.
Read more about how to get people to keep you business card.
Business card shapes
The more innovative, the better. Although a well thought out standard card does the trick, people will remember your card, even if they don’t need to use your business, if you’ve put thought into its shape and dimension. Show off your creative side!
Adding rounded corners to a standard sized card, according to allBcards, tells your customers and clients that you are open and friendly . They further suggest that this type of card works well with warm colours and Sans Serif fonts.
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Mini business cards are quite popular these days. Unusually, they are 2.75×1.0 mm. They are often found in promotional settings such as exhibitions.
Then comes the square. By using this kind of shape, you’ll have to carefully think about what information to add as your card will start looking way too crowded if you add the same amount if details you would on a standard size. What often helps is cutting your tagline, if you choose to add it, in half, or by making use of the border.
Circular cards are also a great way to stand out. They’re pretty unique and you can be extremely creative with them.
It is through the unconventional and well thought out shapes, however, that you will make the most impact. Are you selling cupcakes Then why not make a cupcake shaped card If you walk dogs, then what about a dog cut out
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You can even make it interactive. What about an origami business card, or one with pop-up functionality
For example, a divorce lawyer’s business card could have a perforated line through the middle so it becomes easy to tear in two. Simple but effective.
But remember that your card shape, much like the colour, sends a message. Don’t shape your card like a dog if you want to set a serious and professional tone, no matter how much you want it. The shape of your cards speaks volumes about your corporation’s attitude.
And make sure they can squeeze it into a wallet!
Getting people to keep your cards
At a networking event, or even in the general corporate world, it’s essential to remember that people receive cards on a daily basis. The easy part is to get them to take your card, but how do you get them to keep it
The easiest way to do this is by making your card have a functionality, or by having an incredible design. When it comes to the latter part, remember that business cards have two sides – splurge all you want on wow-factor graphics on the one side if need be. Remember: if it’s pretty, people will find themselves more reluctant to throw it away.
But what about when it comes to functionality
What about a QR code It’s pretty unique. This way you get to focus on design rather on what type of information to add. Most phone’s come with QR readers nowadays. By scanning the code, the persons details will automatically be added to your phone contacts.
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You can even be really fun and remove the paper element of your business card altogether. If you’re a beer company, then why not add your details to a metal ‘card’. This way you could create a bottle opener.
If you make cookies then add your details to, well, cookies (just remember that cookies can be eaten, and then your details are gone). You can even make it a USB so they can store information on it.
Or, be straight up and tell consumers to keep a hold of it. Have you ever gone to a coffee shop and been given a card where they give you a stamp every time you visit until you get one for free Let them earn a reward. Give them the same kind of incentive.
Tell them that your card, in a sense, will save them money. This can be in the form of a coupon. You can even add a unique code number to your card saying that if they type it into your site, they’ll be given some form of discount. If you do this, however, make sure that it’s not all just a sneaky ploy. You actually have to offer them what’s been said on the card.
You can even add useful information such as a calendar or store opening times.
And if you’re part of the fashion industry, then why not add scent to your cards
Planning an international business, export or partnering with overseas companies Then read on for more about global business card etiquette.
World-wide business
If you’re travelling the globe, there are a few things to remember.
Firstly, think really carefully about the colours you’re going to use. If you intend to do business with overseas companies, then you need to find out what colours mean to them as well. You could also consider making separate ones for the countries you visit. This will show how much effort you have gone to and adds a little personal touch to it.
For example, green represents high-tech in Japan, death in South America and luck in the Middle East. Red is good luck in China, a sign of danger in Europe, death in Turkey and mourning in the ivory Coast. Similarly, yellow is the colour of mourning in Mexico while being a sign of strength in Saudi Arabia.
However, it’s the etiquette in each of these countries that is absolutely key.
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In China, you present your own card before asking for someone else’s. It’s also proper to do so with both hands, with the text facing the person in question. It is also courtesy to actually take your time to study the card once you’ve received it. Never write on it!
It’s also important to highlight any important facts about your companies, such as whether you’re the oldest company, the greenest, the first to use any type of technology, etc.
Much like in China, it is only appropriate to ask for a card in Korea after presenting your own. But that’s where things get tricky. Hand it over with both hands, but then, upon receiving it with both hands as well, drop your left hand while the right presents the card. Business Cards Review then suggests that after the card is taken, take your left hand and grab your right arm above the wrist .
If you’re receiving a card from someone higher ranked thank you, then it’s essential to nod your thanks upon receiving one. It’s also considered rude if you study the card for too long.
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The handing over of business cards is seen as a type of ceremony in Japan. Everyone has their own business card, it’s that important. Business cards should always be received with both hands, but it’s ok to give with only one hand. And make sure your cards are in impeccable condition. That spare one you always have stuffed in your pocket Don’t give anyone that one.
They also put a lot of emphasis on status, so your business title is essential! And, if you’re about to have a meeting, place everyones business cards on the table as an indicator of which order everyone will be sitting in.
If you’re travelling to the Middle East, once again, present the card with your right hand. However, make sure you have a side translated into Arabic. This should be the side facing up when you hand it over.
When it comes to India, any degree or honour should be listed on your business card. Always use your right hand to receive and give business cards.
In South Africa, you hand your business card over with your right hand, where you should take the time to store any received card properly instead of cramming it into a pocket. X Print notes that cards should be in English on one side and your language on the other side . They also suggest that making a brief comment of their card is seen as appropriate behaviour.
In Columbia, make sure you present your card by holding it at one corner with your thumb and index finger. Don’t cover up any information when you hand it over.
In Western Europe it’s important to never merely put your cards out on a table for people to take. Always give hem out individually, and only to those you see as a potential client or contact.
Treat US clients like you would UK ones in terms of business cards. It’s quite an informal process and you can pocket it straight away.
