Business Card Printing - A Short Study

Business card printing can be one of the most crucial things you can do to support who you are, where you come from and what your company has to offer the average consumer. Whenever you run into an old friend or create a casual conversation with a new one, custom business card printing can be your partner in crime. Because of the influx in technology in recent years, it's easier - and cheaper - than ever to create your own order from home or on the go, wherever there is a computer and an internet connection. Here are a few things to get you started.

As far as the physical attributes of your cards, you'll want to select the right options for your needs. Paper stocks come in many different types including 12 and 14-point card stock. These provide a sturdier, crisper version than, say, a 100# gloss flyer. That's because business card printing needs to be able to withstand a fair amount of abuse when being transferred from place to place or housed in a wallet. For the most part, you'll be able to choose if you'd like a matte finish or even a completely plastic and translucent card at specialty printers.

Coatings are of major importance to the finishing touches of your order. These can make your cards shine like the sun and protect them from any moisture, scratching and smudges. They are a mark of a true professional because they make the whole thing look clean and brilliant. Pick from an aqueous or high gloss UV coating, the standards at most online print companies. Sometimes they will even be able to apply a laminated coating if you're looking for the ultimate in appeal.

Designing can be a huge issue too, especially if you're unaware of how to exactly go about doing it. There are online design templates for the person who likes to be able to do it on their own. These are a great idea because once your design is set up, all the printer has to do is send it through the press. The form comes in a print-ready state. Otherwise you can always hire their graphic designers to conceive something unique for you. This can include logos, designs, body copy and layout ideas. Plus, it's going to be a heck of a lot cheaper than hiring an external source to produce the same. You should always consider these kinds of options when you're looking to order business card printing.

Business Card Printing For The Active Traveler

Business card printing is perfect for the active traveler, whether you're a businessperson looking to establish more leads or a salesperson simply on the go. Custom business card printing is the only way to go when you want to distinguish your brand while out on the road. Online print companies provide fast service and consistent quality at incredibly low rates every day, making it an ideal option for anybody who's in a hurry. Here's a quick guide to the hotspots you don't want to miss when distributing your credentials.

Restaurants

While you're out on the road, you're going to be visiting a hefty amount of restaurants. Whenever you hand in the bill, slip your business cards into the inside flap. It might help you establish leads with every meal you consume. Plus, it gives you ample opportunity to converse with an individual or two, possibly the servers but perhaps another patron. Let them know what kind of business you're in with the help of online business card printing that's sure to be a conversation-starter and ender.

Hotels

Where will you be staying at for the majority of your time while traveling? Answer: in a place that likely will see lots of traffic from other travelers. Put your calling card on end tables, at the front desk, breakfast lines and inside newspapers for the unsuspecting reader. While you're there, you're bound to run into lots of diverse people. Make sure they know that they can call you for anything they need.

Airports

The hub for flying out and arriving at your destination, an airport is loaded with people that have nothing to do but wait. Fortunately, you can be there at the ready with business card printing tactics that might warrant you some of the biggest leads of your professional career. Give them to the barista at the coffee counter, the TSA staff, the baggage handlers and the people that cart riders around on electric vehicles. Anybody who is willing to listen to your offers could use a nice card in their pocket for future reference.

Conferences

Perhaps the main point of your travels is to actually do business in a big gathering place, like a convention center. If it takes you to large conferences where other business-minded individuals congregate, it's a great breeding ground for building contacts. Plus, you don't have to worry about establishing your identity in a place that might seem a little less receptive to your presence.