Should I Use My Picture on my Business Card?
Joe asks, “I’m having my business cards designed and the guy at the business card printer asked if I wanted my picture on the business card. Originally I told him no, but now I see a lot of people with their pictures on their business cards, what do I do?”
The first question I asked Joe in response was about what industry he was in. He told me he was a freelance architect.
Joe, here is my response…
Most of the times, unless you are in direct sales I would not recommend business cards. In a sales environment your face is important if people are going to remember you. However, your indsutry, especially since you freelance, you are also selling, but you’re selling yourself.
If you meet a lot of people, especially business owners, I would recommend that you do use a picture on your business card.
Joe, make sure that you get a professional picture taken. Please DO NOT take your own picture, or have your wife take it. You aren’t a professional photographer. Just go down to the mall or photo studio wearing professional business attire, probably a suit for you, and tell them you need a picture for a business card and website. It should only take 15 minutes and should cost you less than $50 to get them printed and on a CD.
Thanks for the question Joe!
Plumber Business Cards
I don’t know about you, but whenever I have needed a plumber, it was usually an emergency. This emergency was caused by a broken pipe, overflowed toilet or another plumbing disaster.
Because of the nature of plumbers, your business cards should always say something that lets people know you make emergency house calls at any time.
This is especially important if the other plumbers in the area only work 8-5. By taking a few late night calls per month you will not only make friends but you will also make some extra money.
When a plumbing disaster strikes, people are willing to pay extra as long as you can get it fixed quick. Make sure you put that on your business cards.
Also, if you have any special services you provide, make sure you list those on your business cards as well!
Substitute Teacher Business Cards
If you are a substitute teacher, you know that finding that next sub job can sometimes be difficult. Maybe you get a phone call, maybe not.
Well if you are a substitute teacher in a district that uses an automated system and allows teachers to chose their sub, then this is for you.
Create some basic business cards and try to add one of the following lines to them and see how much additional business you receive.
1. BA in Education
2. Substitute teacher for 8 years
3. 28 year teacher, now retired
Of course you would need to make sure these are true statements, and don’t forget to leave your substitute number, or whatever system you school district uses!
Freelance Writer Business Cards
If you are a freelance writer, you know that getting editors to appreciate your work can be a tough business. However, the following tips might be able to get your work in front of my editors!
Try the following on your business cards:
1. Add URL’s to stories of interest.
If you wrote a really popular article last year, put that on the back of your business cards. Obviously don’t put the whole article, just the title and the magazine it was featured in. If it was featured on a website, put the address of the site it was on.
2. Show your website address.
You do have a website right? If not, you’re way behind the times and need to get started! Wordpress is a free blog platform that is easy to use, even for the novice. Make posts is easy and can highlight any part of your career you want. You show potential employers only what you want them to see.
3. Do something different.
I have met about 10 freelance writers, all of them say the same thing. It usually goes like this, “I can write on any subject. I prefer to write about this and that, but am flexible.” Boring.
Make yourself stand out by saying something like, “I can write the best articles about aircraft because I was a pilot, went to aircraft technician school, and have been writing in that industry for 10 years.”
That will make you stand out much more, and set you apart.
Hopefully you’ll be able to use those 3 tips to not only increase your business, but also get you writing about your favorite subjects!
Massage Therapist Business Cards
Being a massage therapist has it’s benefits. Most of the time you can work from home, or at least set your own schedule. This method of work also has downsides, clientele can be hard to find…
With a few changes to your business cards, finding clients will be easier.
1. Add pressure points with pictures to the back of your business cards. This will let people know where their pressure points are.
2. Add your prices to the back of your business cards. Pricing take the mystery out of your massage business and will make people more likely to call.
3. Use a coupon code. If you say, “Mention coupon code ‘April 2007′ and get 10% off!” You’ll be able to instantly know what kind of return you’re getting for your business cards.
Try those tips and let me know if you need more!