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Business Cards

Archive for May, 2009

Craziest Business Card Yet: Meat Business Card

meat-biz-cardsOn this site we’ve gone over and highlighted a great deal of very interesting, very creative and extremely unique business card ideas.  We’ve gone over everything from plain cards with great design to wacky designs and even using strange materials to make your cards.  Today, however, I think we have quite possibly the oddest and most creative one yet.

That’s right, a bold claim, but considering the fact that today’s unique business card design is printed on something edible, yes EDIBLE, I think it’s a claim that won’t have trouble staying true.  Granted paper is “edible,” it’s not edible like meat, and folks, these business cards are printed on MEAT.  Yes, meat, as in beef jerky style meat.  The cards have to be vaccuum packed in order to actually last long enough to hand out, and your contact details are actually seared onto the slice with a 150 watt CO2 laser.  Wow.

So if you’re in the market for a business card that will absolutely set you apart, this might be the way to get it.  Word is they aren’t for sale yet, but if you check their website, they might be soon.  Check out the crazy video below, and enjoy your weekend!

2601mainonp

Popularity: 10% [?]

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Rounded Corner Business Cards

It’s sometimes a challenge to figure out a way to make your business card stand out, without making it so far out that it’s impractical to use (and to store) and without adding significantly to the cost.

rc_imgOne way to do so is to round the corners on your business cards – this is a really great idea, in my opinion!

Very few cards are printed this way, which means that YOUR business cards can stand out from your competitor’s cards.

The area which is cut off the card is minimal – you can still include just about any information or text you’d like on your business card.

The card is still the standard size, which means it will fit in business card holders and cases with no problem.

You can round the corners of existing cards or have them printed with rounded corners at the design/printing stage.

In stationery or hobby stores you can find little squeeze-type gadgets that snip rounded corners on paper – these work, but there’s a knack to getting a clean cut, you have to squeeze quite hard, and your hands will tire quickly – you’ll ruin quite a few cards in the process.  I don’t recommend this idea unless you’re rounding the corners of just a few cards on an occasional basis.

You CAN find companies that print rounded corner business cards; one of the best is OvernightPrints.com.  It’s quite economical too; they only charge $2 per 100 cards for the rounded corners option at the time of this writing.

Rounded corner business cards can be a very effective and economical choice when you want to differentiate yourself – why not give them a try when you order business cards next time?

Popularity: 2% [?]

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A Few Crazy Business Card Designs To Inspire You

It’s Wednesday my friends, which means we’re officially halfway to the weekend!  That said, we thought today you could use a few more out of the ordinary business card designs that should help you get out of the creative rut and start designing business cards that will completely set you apart from the rest of the crowd.

Today, we have three new designs that could come in handy for an opthamologist, a gambler or card dealer or even a magician, and maybe someone who owns a hobby shop.  Granted, these awesome designs could be used for just about any profession as they are just plain cool.

eyeglasses-card

First up we have the “crazy eyeglasses” business card.  Looks like these are not only an extremely unique shape, but they bring back some of that vintage charm that old joke shops and prank gifts always bring.  I can picture an eye doctor, a sunglasses company, or just about anyone that wants an awesome, vintage design for their card.

playing-card

Second up, we have the playing card business card that looks like it was printed literally on an old playing card from some casino.  Printing your contact information inside the Queen’s sash is an amazingly creative way to get your information out while keeping your business card as unique and graphically pleasing as possible.  Can you imagine the impression it’d make if a Las Vegas Card Dealer, or graphic designer gave you their card and it looked like this?  Instant great first impression.russian-doll

Last, but not least, we have a design that we just fell in love with instantly.  The Russian Doll business card employs something that very few business cards we’ve seen have:  Folds.  By using a folding design and shapes that get progressively shorter, it actually creates a business card that looks exactly like those crazy Russian dolls that fit inside each other.  The great thing about the folding design, is that in the same small size of a business card, you can pull it and expand it to show a great deal more information.  Collapsible is key!

There you have it!  Inspiration for your Wednesday.

Popularity: 14% [?]

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Business Cards Plus… ACTIONS

We’ve talked about the importance of having a nice business card case (to protect your cards and to attract attention.)  We’ve talked about making sure you use positive, friendly, appropriate words in your conversation as you exchange cards.

Another “plus” to consider is the ACTIONS that go along with the business card exchange.

bcexchangeYes, there IS more to it than thrusting a card at someone!  At least, if you really want to stand out and make a positive first impression.

At the very least, smile, shake hands, and look the other person in the eye when you exchange business cards.

An easy way to add value to your card is to treat it as if it’s valuable – by handing it to your prospect with TWO HANDS.   Make a presentation out of it!  And turn the card face up, oriented towards the person receiving it, so that it’s easy to read.

Another similar approach is to hold out your card to the other person – then pull it back.  As if you were down to your very last card, and you weren’t SURE you wanted to give it to this particular person.  (You know human nature.  If someone believes something is in short supply, they want it!  In this case, it’s your card.)

And don’t forget that the actions that are part of receiving someone else’s card are important too.

When someone gives you their card, take a moment or two and LOOK at it.  Turn it over.  Make a comment.  Tuck it away CAREFULLY in a safe place.  The care with which you handle that card makes a powerful subconscious statement to your prospect about the care with which you’ll handle his or her business.

When you surround your business card with a sturdy case, appropriate words, and memorable actions, you really add value and make a great first impression!

Popularity: 1% [?]

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Happy Memorial Day from BusinessCardsLand and OvernightPrints.com

memorial-dayHello and Happy Memorial Day!  Today, something a little different from BusinessCardsLand.com as we want to take a brief moment to wish you and all of yours a very Happy Memorial Day.  No crazy business cards today, no tips or samples, we here at BusinessCardsLand.com and OvernightPrints.com just want to remind you to take a moment today to really say Thank You and remember all of the brave men and women that help keep this country safe.

It doesn’t cost anything, but it makes a world of difference.  We’re safe because of the bravery of others and that is something we should never take for granted.

So, from all of us,  Happy Memorial Day, we’ll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early!

Popularity: 1% [?]

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A Business Card Catapult? Believe it!

It’s Friday and as you well know by now, we’re ready to say goodbye for the weekend and get you out into the warm weather!  That said, this fine Friday we have one of the more creative uses and designs for a business card we’ve seen in a long, long time.  This design might be the only business card we’ve ever seen that can both entertain you and annoy others at the very same time.

Considering it can do all that AND help advertise your business, that’s really quite impressive.  So, without further ado, watch the video below, and see if you can’t come up with your own wildly impressive, uniquely creative design.  Who knows, maybe next week we’ll be featuring a video of your Business Card Cannon or Trebuchet?

We hope so!  If you do have any great videos, don’t hesitate to send them in, we’d love to feature them on our site for you!

Popularity: 4% [?]

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Business Cards Plus… WORDS

Today’s post is about another “add-on” to a business card exchange.  It’s seldom considered but it certainly should be – and it’s the VERBAL aspect of the exchange, the words that you use to accompany your card.

Remember, it’s not JUST the business card that makes the impression on your contact.  When you’re handing a card to someone in person, there are other factors that influence how well it’s received.

You can completely ruin a great business card by accompanying it with an inappropriate choice of language!

Never EVER accompany your card with controversial or inappropriate comments.  That includes swear words, sexual innuendo or off-color jokes, wisecracks about religion or politics (including office politics), ethnic jokes, or any type of derogatory comment.

Save those kinds of comments for people who know you really well (if you use them at all.)  Instead, adopt a positive, upbeat, and pleasant manner when you exchange business cards:

* Offer a compliment along with your card.  There’s usually something nice you can say!  (Although I admit, you have to work harder to find something positive with certain people or companies…)

* Admire their business card – comment on the logo or the guarantee – and ask for another one to give to a friend.

* Give a brief, PREPARED commercial about your product or service.  Something that you’ve practiced and can deliver comfortably.

* And a comment such as “I appreciate the chance to earn your business” is ALWAYS in good taste.

And make sure to speak clearly, avoid industry jargon unless you are certain it’s going to be understood, and yes, don’t forget to listen as well as talk!

Popularity: 1% [?]

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From Wood to Toe Tags: Unique Cards For Your Inspiration

Monday we were happy to highlight three more business cards that, as mentioned, further raised the bar on just how creative people can get when it comes to designing that little piece of paper that often serves as the first handshake between you and a potential customer, client or business partner.

Today, we have three more ideas that should get those wheels in your head spinning and help you create a business card that people won’t soon forget.  Remember, your business cards don’t always have to be funny shapes, strange sizes or made of odd materials, sometimes the best business card for You is the most simple.  We just love showing you how other people are pushing the creative limits and coming up with some ideas that surprise even us.

radio

First up we have a simple, but effective business card for a Radio Presenter.  By fashioning it like an old-school microphone, it quickly says not only what they do, but SHOWS you too.  Simple, effective and quite stylish.

toe-tag

Second up, we have a bit of a morbid idea, but nevertheless, given the right industry this could be an absoulte hit.  The card is designed and filled out to look exactly like an old, vintage toe-tag from some mortuary and its effect is amazing.

wood

Last, but certainly not least as it’s probably the hardest to create, find and purchase, is the wooden card.  This card, is for someone who works in wood products and as such is completely spot on.  What better way to show what industry you are in than by printing your cards ON that medium.  Wow.  I imagine these are hard to come by and if you do find someone that makes them they probably cost a small fortune, but as far as standing out, this one is hard to beat.

Hopefully these ideas inspired you!  Now head over and start designing your own!

Popularity: 7% [?]

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Business Cards Plus… Cases

Complete this sentence:

Wrapping paper is to a gift as a ____ is to a business card.

If you guessed “business card case”, you’re absolutely right!

coach-business-card-holderWrapping paper adds a layer of protection to a gift that’s being given and also heightens anticipation within the recipient – and the same is true of a business card that’s tucked into a business card case.

With business cards, the protective aspect of having a business card case is actually more important than the anticipatory aspect.  Whether your personal focus is protection or esthetics doesn’t matter – if you use business cards, you absolutely must have a business card case.

Here’s why.

Business card cases keep your cards clean, crisp, and easy to find.  No one wants to receive a dingy, crumpled business card – and it’s certainly embarrassing to fumble around for a business card to hand that hot new prospect and come up empty-handed.

That’s reason enough to use a business card case.

But card cases also make subtle statements about you and your business that can make a difference in how you’re perceived as well.

The fact that you treat your CARD seriously enough to protect it also gives a perceptive prospect the impression that you take your BUSINESS seriously.  And if you take the concept of using business card cases a step further by tucking other people’s cards into sturdy cases, you’re also implying that you’re going to take care of their business like you took care of their card.

catsdogscardcaseAnd business card cases can be excellent conversation-starters as well, since there are so many fun, unusual and trendy cases available.  Whether you love sports, cartoons, pets or politics, there’s a business card case for you.

So if you’re not using a business card case to protect your cards, make it a priority to get one right away!

Popularity: 1% [?]

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3 More Mind-Blowingly Creative Business Cards

On this blog already, we’ve featured some of the most creative and unique business cards I’ve ever seen.  Each week, however, I stumble across even more creative ideas that make the previous week’s ideas look downright simple.  Considering the fact that ALL the unique business cards on this site that have been featured are unbelievably creative, that’s saying something.

lens-cards

Today, I have 3 more business card designs that continue to raise the bar and push the envelope for exactly what is possible when designing what will be your card, and your personal brand.  First up, and as a photographer I am particularly interested in this one, we have the camera lens shaped business card.  Instead of using focal lengths on the lens, it’s a phone number.  Genius, sheer genius.

lego

Second up, we have amazing Lego Business Cards.  Technically these are business “people” as they are actual Lego people printed with each person’s information.  If you’re in the toy industry or any industry that deals with children, these are amazingly creative and would be such a welcome change from the traditional card.  You’re not working in a traditional industry, why not flaunt it?!

coffee

Last, but certainly not least, are the coffee business cards.  Let’s face it, with how popular Starbucks is today, it’s hard to get ahead if you’re a coffee business owner, unless of course you’re supplying the beans.  That said, a quick way to set YOUR business apart is by offering up a creative, coffee cup shaped business card.  Talk about your instant impression.

There you have it, three more ideas that should get your creative juices flowing and help you to design something that perfectly sums up YOUR brand.  You only get one chance to make a great first impression, better make it last!  Remember, it doesn’t have to be all odd shapes and giant cards, OvernightPrints.com can help you make beautiful cards, with minimal effort!

Popularity: 12% [?]

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