A Primer for Professionals Custom Business Cards


Defined Tag: Custom Business Cards.

Custom business cards can be defined as "an imprinted advertising message of one's name, logo and type of business they are engaged in, on small pieces of stiff papers or thin pasteboards, usually rectangular in shape and measuring 3-4 inches long by 2 inches wide." Business cards (earlier known as calling cards) first appeared in China in the fifteenth century, and were introduced in Europe in the 17th century. Even though these older cards were generic in the nature of their design and served a purely perfunctory purpose i.e. leave behind contact information for later retrieval, they were extremely effective in getting lots of business for their namesakes.

The unassuming custom business cards are demanding more and more attention these days. These cards have exemplified every business that is conceivable by human intellect. In fact, custom business cards have become such an integral and personal part of doing business, we could conclude that these cards are a physical extension of our own egos. The people you meet may expect you to ask for their card and to offer yours. In countries where business cards are not de rigueur (a French expression that literally means "required by etiquette or usage or fashion"), people may not have one and may be embarrassed by the request. Many countries have precise protocols, including when to present the card, how, and to whom. In Japan, for example, the exchange of cards, or meishi, is an important formality and people may exchange cards more than once since the previous exchanges may not have made a sufficient impression.

Today, modern printing facilities provide the ability to create your own custom business cards at rock-bottom prices, from your laser or inkjet printer. If your business services several different industries, you could create a customized card for each industry, emphasizing specific services or benefits for each type of customer. You could also create different custom business cards emphasizing specific services for your business. For example, if you are an image consultant, you could have a card that highlights your general corporate design services and one that accentuates your designing skills.