There’s a whole study of psychology around the value and importance of making a good first impression. These impressions cannot be more important than in our professional lives. How we present ourselves to people influences how they perceive our abilities to effectively do our work and the quality of services that we offer to them. On a daily basis, most people make sure that their hair is perfect, brush their teeth, get manicures, put on makeup, and clothing all on point but do not think about the piece of them that is taken away from that first impression, the business card. The business card is the piece of the interaction that leaves your control and is given to the prospective client; it needs to be just as polished and put together as you were in that initial meeting.
With digital being so noisy these days, you need to stand out from the boring days of the standard business card. In today’s standards there are many different sizes, textures, paper stocks, styles that can be used to make you stand out to simply hand someone your business card shows a lack of creativity and purpose in the cards. While there are many online companies out there that will print cards for discounted prices it is always good to go with a printer that you have developed a relationship with. This person is the best person to help you make the concept of your marketing materials a reality and is able to produce the kind of cards that they think will represent your company style through their expertise that will make you stand out from the crowd.
In my business, I am going to make sure that I take the time to look the part and polished when I meet with potential and existing clients. Why would I leave anything to chance? My business card is my literal calling card; it needs to represent what I do just as much as I do. My advice is to reach out to your printer that knows your style. Talk with them; tell them what you are looking to do and the image that you want presented for you and your company. They will be able to guide you through the new world of business cards and at the budget you have to spend. Square, rectangle, plastic, transparent, weight of paper, painted edges, etc.; they will work together with you to help present the best image you can.
On a side note, not every printer can do every style, so ask them, they can always point you in the right direction as we all work together.