The Ultimate Guide to Creating Namecards & Business Cards

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With a title like that, you can be rest assured I will share as much as I can on the topic of namecards, from form to function, in this one article. Let’s start.

FORM

1. Material: Choose mat lamination or flat finishing. Glossy laminated namecards are not suitable because 1) When kept in a namecard holder or wallet, the plastic will stick to the surface 2) It is difficult to write anything on a glossy surface and 3) The shine can be rather distracting and look amateurish.
2. Corners: Opt for rounded corners if your namecard’s leverage will not be compromised by roundish corners. Roundish and curved corners serve to inform your recipient that you gave a thought towards the experience of holding your card and not having the sharp ends hurt their fingers in the process. However, if your organization’s all about leverage or has to convey that serious-like tone, sharp corners are alright.
3. Size: There used to be a time when there was only one standard size for name cards. However now you can find name cards which are 1) smaller in overall dimension, both height and width or 2) narrower. The rule of thumb is if you decide to get different on size, make sure your offering conveys that “differential” feeling as well. Unexciting offerings on quirky sized namecards spell amateurish, once again.
4. Colour: The best practices for namecards include leaving blank white space for the recipient to be able to mark off his own notes about you and your offering, if need be. Of course, make sure your colour fits with your corporate colours. When using picture software, select colours based on the colour index and code and NOT by eye when designing name cards. Colour also plays a part in the focal point of your card. Where the colour is strong, ensure that it is on the are of your card you wish to receive most attention.
5. Number of sides: It’s okay to print on both sides. However keep the most important points of your card (who you are, what you do, why you matter and how do I contact you) infront, as a user placing your cards in a holder will likely only the front. If anything, the back space can serve as a value added space, for maps or even a mini catalogue.
6. Photograph of yourself: A photograph of yourself would automatically make the card more personal. This can be of an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the body you are presenting and the purpose behind the networking. If you decide to place a photograph, make sure that the photo does not degrade the standard of your card. Not to say that your face isn’t nice, but it is nice to some and definitely not to others. People are people, and will form perceptions on first impressions. Keep this in mind when deciding to put a photo of yourself. My advice is to be strategic on this one, and avoid a self photograph if you’re 1) not famous enough 2) not in a service oriented business 3) are not comfortable with the whole idea in the first place.
   
7. X-Factor: Ensure that your namecard has an x-factor. It could be the design, the simplicity or just something different which makes your card interesting. I remember a CNN namecard which I picked up, and it’s perhaps the only namecard I’ve ever had in which I looked at it for more than 5 minutes. There was a picture of a silver globe which was slightly bloated and 3D like on the card, with the words CNN plus other details in red and silver shiny and smooth characters. It conveyed the niche that CNN was.

FUNCTION

1. The focal point: The function of the point of attraction of the front of your namecard is one and only one thing… to get the recipient to continue to look at the rest of your namecard. Really.
2. The theme: To assist in building impression and positive perceptions which are consistent with your other materials. The theme of your card must communicate what you are about at the end of the day.
3. Front side: Primary function is to answer this question successfully: “What exactly are you about”. Secondary function is to get the user to be willing to show others your namecard.
4. Overall: To get the user to keep your namecard in the first place alongside other treasured cards, and not discard them away somewhere. Getting them to contact you would depend on “The X-Factor”, mentioned in point 6 above.

10 Dos And Don’ts

1. Do carry your namecards everywhere you go.
2. Do keep your namecards updated, and inform recipients when there is a change in detail.
3. Do encourage the person to contact you when giving your namecard.
4. Do smile and shake the person’s hands after giving your card.
5. Do insist on an exchange. If the person does not have one, request for a contact.
6. Do prepare to substantiate whatever you put on the namecard, especially when questioned by the recipient.
7. Do be proud of your namecard. Don’t act all shy.
8. Don’t give more than one namecard about yourself to the same person at the same time. Be targeted.
9. However you can give one namecard about yourself, listing all the stuff you do on that one namecard.
10. Do know that the trend now is for your namecard to link to a website. Hence… do get a site too.

Wishing you success in networking with your namecards.

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