Business Card Etiquette for New Entrepreneurs

Business cards are still an essential tool these days, despite it feeling like everything is online. For the new entrepreneur, they’re incredibly powerful. You can easily illustrate your brand style, vision, and information on a tiny card, and let people know how to find you.

You’ll find that you use your business cards far more than you first anticipated! From networking breakfasts to meeting people on the train, you never know when you’ll bump into a potential new customer.

However, there are ways to make sure that your business card isn’t discarded the moment you turn away. Follow these tips to guarantee that your new contacts hold on to your business card – and contact you in the future.

1. Make Your Business Card Stand Out

So many people go for a plain business card, because it’s easy and simple to create. However, your card is the best way to emulate your brand style!

A luxury weight card will help people to take notice: a thick paper stock, such as 450gsm, feels hefty in the hand and gives a touch of class. You can also add other tactile elements to keep it in hands for longer, such as rounded corners and spot UV highlights, which create a texture that begs to be handled. 

2. Try Something Different

If you really want to go the extra mile, take a look at some of the more interesting business card options out there. They’re going to be far, far more expensive of course – but it could mean the difference in landing your dream client!

From thin, carved wooden business cards, to clear acrylic, to lace-like cut-outs, there are tons of unusual business card options that’ll make people stop and take note.

3. Include Everything You Need – But No More

Even if you go for a folded business card, remember that less is more! These small cards aren’t designed to hold a lot of information, and it can be difficult for people to find the details they need in a hurry, such as your phone number, if there’s a lot of clutter on your business card.

Instead, simply include your essential business details: name, job title, company, website, email, and phone number. You could choose to include a Twitter handle if you’d like, but only if it won’t make the space on your card feel cramped.

4. Don’t Be Scared To Offer Your Card Up First

There always a weird, slightly awkward moment, when it comes to handing over your business card. Do you wait for them to do it? Do you do it first? Will that make you seem pushy? No!

If you’re meeting a potential new client, the best time to hand over your card is just after your handshake. Chances are they already have your details, as you’ve arranged a meeting with them, but it’s good manners to provide them anyway.

If you’re handing your card to someone you’ve just met, wait until the conversation comes to a natural point to do so. For example, if you provide a service, and your new contact is complaining that they can’t find a good supplier of that service – hand it over! If there’s no natural time in a conversation, wait until your parting words, and pass your card across with a handshake.