Networking Super Tool
For those of you reading this taking the IMC class, you might see Business Cards as only for extra credit, but there's plenty of uses for them, the main one being for Networking. When I took the class I didn't realize its importance as I figured I had to have a business to carry a business card, but that couldn't be more wrong.
All of you have your own personal brand and a business cards are an effective and quick way to share your personal brand with recruiters or anybody you want to network with. The goal of a business card is to be a physical reminder for who you are as names are often forgotten the moment you finish a conversation when networking, but having an effective business card increases the chances of you leaving a greater impact.
The Elements of a Business Card
1. Your Name
2. Contact Information (Phone Number, Email, website)
3. Your Brand Elements (Logos, colors, tagline)
You need all 3 of those things to create a business card, but what sets an effective business card apart with a bland one, is how you tie your brand elements to the card. This is where you get creative.
Get Creative
Although it's not perfect, my own business card, on the picture to the right was made starting off from a Canva Template. Some key things you should notice about my card, although pretty simple, I incorporated my Logo, brand colors, and my tagline from my Creative brief and website into the card. You don't want your card to be basic black Arial Font on a white background, you want to differentiate and add your brand elements.
Being creative is essential as it creates brand repetition, and the more you incorporate your brand elements, the more people who you network with will start to remember and associate the elements with you. Imagine a hiring recruiter after a career fair carrying a stack of business cards from all the people who they've met. Your card is going to be in that pile, but the more creative your card is, the more eye catching it will be. An eye catching business card is a good thing as it'll make people look at it, meaning looking at your name and contact information.
The Ultimate Goal
After reading this I hope you choose to make your own business card, or reflect on one you've already made, but remember this. A business card helps brings confidence. As you grow your own brand, you start to grow your own confidence in your professional skills, and a business card is a great tool to boost your professional image.
