Have you ever been to a networking meeting and been given a business card printed on a home printer, on flimsy card, with perforations around the edge? What was the first thought that crossed your mind? This person is new in business and possibly a bit "green"? This person is a cheapskate (be honest!)?
 
A business card isn't just a piece of card with your information on it, it is a highly important document which speaks volumes about you, your company and even your values.

In some countries, the business card is treated as if it were a prized possession, only to be given to the highly favoured. In Japan for instance, the card (or meshi) is handed over with great ceremony, with both hands and with the name facing the person receiving so that it can be read.
 
Obviously in the UK, such ceremony would seem be a bit odd, but there are things you can check to make sure your card is taken back to the receivers office and kept for a day when they might need your assistance, rather than being thrown straight in the bin.
 
Paper quality
If your card is of the home made paper type, or even digitally printed at local copy shop, the chances are that it will feel flimsy and therefore create the impression of low value. It is highly likely that a card like this will end up in the bin.
 
Ink
Do your cards smudge when you rub them? Some print companies charge extra for a machine seal while others don't. It's worth asking your printer if they do it as standard. If not, you will have to request it and pay a premium (or chose another printer!) If the ink comes off on a persons' fingers when they look at your card they will probably bin it.
 
Message
OK, this is the important bit. Does your card tell people what you do? Time and time again I am given cards that say "Joe Bloggs Consulting" and nothing else. The giver may tell you what it is they do, but when you get back to the office, with a handful of cards, it's highly likely that you won't remember what it was they did, making the card a prime candidate for the bin.
 
Image
What does your card look like. Is it professionally designed or knocked together in 5 minutes on a word processor? If the latter, that lack of attention to appearance will show. A good business card should reflect what you do. If you are a high quality home stylist, then you need a card that shows you have taste and flair. If your card doesn't match how you see your business, then it's time to find a designer who can help you achieve that.
 
Font size
While many business cards fall foul of the not enough information problem, others fall into the opposite camp; too much! If your card is crammed full of lists of everything you do, in a font that you'd need a magnifying glass to read, then it's definitely time for a rationalisation. Think about the things your potential clients need to know and make it succinct. Most importantly always ensure all your contact details are there, a card which doesn't tell the holder what they need to know most will most certainly end up in the bin !
 
As the old adage goes; you only get one chance to make a first impression, and your business card is very often the only thing that people have to remember you by after that first meeting. So take your business card out and view it in the same way a stranger would, and decide, is my card a winner or a binner? 

Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at this blog with some truly amazing cards!