Today I had a friend ask me to help him choose a personal business card design.  I was happy to oblige, but realized this was a great time to get him thinking about personal branding.

Business cards are one of the most important connections to your brand.  The Japanese have a cherished etiquette and respect for giving and receiving cards.  Whenever we network, “do you have a card?” is almost always uttered before meeting’s end.  Think of all the times you’ve gone looking for someone’s card to track down an opportunity or referral.  Cards are the lifeblood to your business or brand.

However, it’s never been more important to consider WHAT your card looks like and HOW it represents you.  Everything from your card’s colors, to the font, text size and what the card is actually made of – are all equally important and should be carefully assessed.

Simply being “professional” is no longer enough.  Personal businesses and the rise of individual brands have flooded the market with competition – you need to stand out.  Your card should reflect your personality, your goals, your interests, your selling points, your creativity – it should be a small consolidated reflection of YOU.

For example, I did a google search and found this card belonging to one Andy Wilson:

What does this card say about Mr. Wilson?  In short, that he’s a boring, black and white individual who likely has no particular personality or creativity and just sort of goes with the flow (in this case, whatever Microsoft tells him).  This is not an individual I would higher for any of my projects.

But what about the actual function?  Cards are meant to convey tangible information as well – specifically your name and contact information.  Why then would you make that information microscopic?!  Often times I’m sitting at arms length from a newly acquired stack of cards, and its annoying to have to hold the damn thing up close to my face just to read it.  Microsoft, and by association Andy Wilson, apparently aren’t anxious for you to contact them.

Does your existing business card look like Andy’s?  If so, start thinking about what you can do to change it.  Here is a great list of innovative and unique business cards to help inspire you.