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Which business card should I use?
I have been invited to various events due to my writing on my blog/site and thus I am in a 'conundrum' type situation. Do I present people I meet with my business card from my place of work or a personal business card?
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October 21, 2009 06:39 PM
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If you're worried about the conflict of interest between promoting your own writing vs. promoting your employer, why not present a generic card with your name, contact information and nothing else? If you have multiple cards, you may also be in a situation where you accidentally present the wrong one, so the generic solution is a great way to avoid that problem.
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October 21, 2009 06:44 PM
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I''d take a pragmatic point of view here and take both. When it comes down to giving them out decide why that person is interested in you. In most cases it is going to be in your blogging capacity, and so give them your blogging business card.
If on the other hand the person is interested in what you do for a living, or your company give them that card.
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If on the other hand the person is interested in what you do for a living, or your company give them that card.
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October 22, 2009 08:29 PM
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Consider what address you want the person you gave the info to to show up at unannounced.
And who will run across your info if it's dropped or misplaced. Someone else can turn around and hand out that same card to someone else that isn't you (unless your picture is on the card too). Some people take a business card instead of checking ID. It's a psychological thing.
I wore a work shirt with someone else's name tag on it one day. I went out to buy something and was asked to show ID. I showed them my PHOTO ID but I saw their eyes go to the name tag on my shirt. They refused to give me service because my name tag didn't match my PHOTO ID!
I laughed out loud and asked for their manager. I finally got service but it took some convincing.
If I need to have a personal card I use a POBox address (the kind that looks like a real street address, not a box) so I can get personal correspondence separate from work and I don't have random persons soliciting me at home.
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And who will run across your info if it's dropped or misplaced. Someone else can turn around and hand out that same card to someone else that isn't you (unless your picture is on the card too). Some people take a business card instead of checking ID. It's a psychological thing.
I wore a work shirt with someone else's name tag on it one day. I went out to buy something and was asked to show ID. I showed them my PHOTO ID but I saw their eyes go to the name tag on my shirt. They refused to give me service because my name tag didn't match my PHOTO ID!
I laughed out loud and asked for their manager. I finally got service but it took some convincing.
If I need to have a personal card I use a POBox address (the kind that looks like a real street address, not a box) so I can get personal correspondence separate from work and I don't have random persons soliciting me at home.
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October 23, 2009 01:33 AM
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There is no limit to the number of business cards someone can have.
Business cards are part of how you market yourself.
At these events what do you want to market? Your place of employment or your blog / website? The answer to this question will provide the answer to what your business card which you hand out at these events should say.
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Business cards are part of how you market yourself.
At these events what do you want to market? Your place of employment or your blog / website? The answer to this question will provide the answer to what your business card which you hand out at these events should say.
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October 23, 2009 02:09 AM
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I have a similar situation. I work for a company writing software, and I also do software development on the side. I have two different business cards - one provided by my regular full-time employer, and another for my side business. When I'm representing the company I work for, I use those cards. When I'm representing myself, or pursuing business for myself, I use my cards. You want to hand out cards that will provide you with the best return. You don't want to hand out cards that say you're an appliance salesman to people that may be looking for writers.
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October 23, 2009 02:35 AM
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I would suggest giving both your professional business card and your personal business card. If the person you are speaking with is interested in your professional work than adding in the personal business card will give you the appearance of absolute dedication. If the person is interested in your blog related work than they will appreciate the added level of professionalism with your job related business card.
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October 23, 2009 04:36 AM
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If the meeting's you're being invited to have nothing to do with your day-job, then use your personal business cards, but...
... Have a couple from your day-job cards just in case someone's interest meanders around to something that would be of benefit to your day-job employer, in which case give them the card from the day-job, and make sure your boss finds out you did something for the company.
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... Have a couple from your day-job cards just in case someone's interest meanders around to something that would be of benefit to your day-job employer, in which case give them the card from the day-job, and make sure your boss finds out you did something for the company.
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October 23, 2009 05:24 AM
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I suggest giving them your personal business card. Not only may it become a conflict of interest for your place of employment, but it could also open up further opportunities for you in the future. Stick with your personal card.
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October 23, 2009 09:00 AM
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Business card should be made from recycled paper. It should not have glossy finish as it consumes plastic. Also you can follow ideas that would help to survive planet. You can stick couple of seeds of air purifying plant like ocimum sanctum.
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July 13, 2011 12:42 PM
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You can find great business card templates that can be customized to suit your business needs at http://www.business-card-store.com
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