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I go through business cards pretty quickly. Whenever I go to a networking event, a conference or just run into somebody at the store, there’s a good chance I’m handing out business cards. My cards have my name, some contact information and at least a hint of what I do — I actually have multiple sets of business cards at a time, based on what kind of work I’m currently focused on finding.
I mention this because I think you, as a freelance writer, should also have business cards. Before you start thinking that business cards and other marketing materials are too expensive, take a look at UPrinting. That link will take you to a special offer for 1,000 free business cards. I suggest trying them out: after all, it’s free until March 31st!
While I have seen business cards listing ten different ways of getting in tough with an individual, I don’t think it’s worth weighing a card down like that. You definitely need your name and your email address on your card — but it’s not necessary to even list your telephone number if that isn’t the way you prefer to communicate with clients.
For writers, I also recommend listing your website — especially if you have a link to your clips and past work clearly displayed on the front page of your site. Most potential clients will want to at least look at a few examples of your work before moving forward with hiring you, so make it easy for them to do so.
Honestly, I hand my business cards out like candy. I get plenty of responses from them and even when I pay for my cards, I find it well worth my while to hand them out to anyone who expresses an interest in my work. When I’m working on a particular project, I will sometimes seek out certain people to give my card to at events, but I generally don’t worry too much about whose hands I get my cards into.
Do your business cards include your picture, Thursday, similar to the one you have above? That's a must.
Ari,
I've never been a big fan of including my photo on my my business cards. I actually have huge stacks of business cards that I've collected from the various people I've swapped cards with and photos are exceedingly rare on them.
I'm curious why you say it's a 'must' — could you elaborate?
Let me respond with a question: If you're not a fan of your photo, then why am I staring at your photo next to your comment response? You could opt for a black avatar , after all.
If you're suggesting freelance writers--or anyone--create business cards with contact information, especially for passing them out at conferences and gatherings, wouldn't you want to advise those professionals to include something for others to remember them?
If I exchange 50 cards with people over the course of an evening, how am I to remember who's who? We're a visual society and faces help. That's why auto salesman and real estate agents use their mug shots. I do, too. So should you. Be remembered, especially in a social media world.
I haven't been on large/big time business transaction. I only give my contact number to businessmen/prospective partners with good connections.
I use the mini cards you can get through Flickr (the service s called MOO). They are about 2/3 the height of regular business cards and you can have whatever photos from your stream you desire printed on the back.
I have found that the different form factor combined with pictures I am in on the back produce a much higher level of recognition after the fact.
Face shot = Good
Unique Cards = Good
It depends on your profession, but I'm starting to lean towards including a picture, especially if you're active on Twitter for business. Ari's right that his help to recognize people, something that's Very important if you're trying to establish YOU as a brand. Key point is to use good judgment and taste. You want people to remember you for you, not for handing them a card that appears tacky or makes you look desperate.
btw; You can follow me on Twitter at: twitter.com/nealwiser
I agree with Ari that a picture is a must. I used to think it was cheesy, after all isn't that what realtors and lawyers do? But, since I too hand out biz cards like candy and collect them like parking tickets, I've found that I often forget who is who. At a networking event I meet so many new people that putting the face with the name is tough. I usually remember the conversation attached to a face rather than a card. So now I put my picture on all of my cards, or at least some picture to help them stand out and remember me. Of course, I use Moo mini-cards so that also helps them stand out. I also include my site, phone, email and Twitter. No point in making contact difficult right?
@mdurwin
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