The Business Card

No advertising or networking method is more powerful and cost effective for the burdgeoning small business owner than  the business card.  

It’s a great ice breaker and conduit for face-to-face conversations about your business to potential customers. It’s an extremely portable advertisement for your business that people can take with them and keep in their wallets/purses.  Nothing is more basic than the business card, providing the most important information about your business and nothing more.  Finally, there’s no denying that it’s much cheaper than an ad in your local paper or phone book, saving you money in those critically cash-strapped first years of business.

So it goes without saying that the first thing any new small business owner should do is get some business cards made.  And that’s exactly what I’ve done.

However, before I could send my order to the printers, I needed to completed a few start-up steps so I’d have something to adorn the face of my card.  Namely a business name, website url, logo, and phone number. Now that those things are complete, I can proudly display all of that on my business card.  After all, this will be my primary advertising method for the next year or so as I try to build a small, part-time client list.

I’d like to share with you some of the things I took into consideration when designing my business card.  The most important thing to take from all this is that your card will be an extension of your business philosophy and image, so make sure to do them justice.

Information

First and foremost, you need to figure out what information to put on your business card.  This is a balancing act.  Although you want to tell your potential customers as much as you can about your business, you also don’t want to clutter the card with too much information.

First and foremost you should list all the ways that customers can contact you.  I think it’s a mistake to list only your phone number or only your email address, list both.  I personally don’t understand why people still list their fax number.  Does anyone fax anymore?  Finally, it’s probably a good idea to throw in your website URL, that’s where people can go if they’re interested in finding out more information than the card provides.

Next, you want to include your name.  This personalizes the card and gives the card that human element.  It makes the receiver feel “special”, like they are receiving a personal invitation from you to contact your business.  This is what separates the business card from traditional ads.

Of course, don’t forget your business name and logo.  These keep your company brand in the minds of your potential customers, helping them remember your business.

So far all of these things are pretty obvious.  What about extra information like a run-down of your services, the area you service, your motto, your specials, etc? Well, this is all purely optional and it’s up to you if you feel you’ll need to include any of this stuff.  My advice, and this is what I tried to follow with my own card, is to keep things short and simple.  Give just enough information so people know what you’re about and then they can refer to your website for specifics.  Nothing is worse than a cluttered business card.

Layout

By layout, I’m not only thinking about on what part of the card you put certain information, but also what colors and font you use.  This is a matter of personal preference and there are an infinite number of possible ways to lay out your card.  But here are some personal guidelines I tried to follow:

1. White Space is OK- Don’t feel like you have to fill every square inch of the card with info.  Cluttered cards not only look bad, but it’s hard for your customer to find the information they need.
2. Keep Things Consistent - Try to stick to two or three colors and fonts on the card.  If everything is the same color, that’s boring.  The opposite is if you make every line of text a different color and font which will begin to look unorganized and chaotic.
3. Consolidate Similar Info-  It’s probably a good idea to keep all your contact info together on the card.  If your website is in one corner, email in a another, and phone in yet another, your customer might miss the info they’re looking for and move on to the next card in their stack.

Appearance

Finally, there’s the overall appearance.  These are some questions you’ll probably want to ask yourself before ordering your cards.

Glossy or matte?- This is a matter of preference, but I personally prefer matte finish for two reasons: 1) I like being able to write extra info on a business card if I need to and it’s much easier to write on a matte finished card.  2) Glossy finish just looks less professional to me for some reason.  But you may find you like glossy finish better.  It certainly makes the colors pop out a little more if that’s your goal.  Take a look at some business cards that you’ve received in the past and see which finish you prefer.

White Background? - My personal preference on this one is to keep the card white.  Again, I think it’s not only more professional looking, but it allows your logo and text pop out and be the focus of attention.

Flare? - Some printing companies offer options such as foil printing and raised lettering.  I think options are nice if you can afford them.  But don’t break the bank on such things that probably don’t make a huge difference in the long run.  Concentrate more on making the things that cost the least look the best.  And keep in mind that even with these fancy features, moderation is important.  Unless, of course, you’re promoting a night club in which case the more glitter the better!

Info on the back? - Most printing companies also allow you to have something printed on the back of the card for an extra fee.  This is a perfect opportunity to add a little extra something that you couldn’t put on the front face of the card.  You can include a complete list of your services, client testimonials and media quotes, or include a coupon or discount for people who present the card to you during service, which is the route I’ve taken.

Traditional or funky? -Lets face it, business cards are boring.  Some people choose to take the business card to the next level by breaking the mold and offering alternatives to the rectangular peice of card stock we’ve all come to know.  Here are some of the more creative examples I’ve encountered on the web:

http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/09/20/creative-business-cards-that-make-you-look-twice/

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/50-awesome-and-creative-business-cards/

http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2009/01/22/30-memorable-and-creative-business-cards/

Now, while these business cards may be awesome to look at, and no doubt memorable, I wouldn’t use them for my business.  First of all, I normally put business cards in my wallet when I receive them.  If the card is oddly shaped or too bulky, it may end up in my pocket and eventually lost.  Secondly, the cost to benefit ratio for these cards is very questionable.  Yeah, you may gain the attention of a few more people, but are they going to translate into new customers? And are those new customers going to make up the difference in the amount of money you spent to have these custom cards created?  Maybe.  But I’d rather rely on my good service and personable approach to gain new customers at first…both are free.

Show us the Money!

Gmail now knows who you want to e-mail!

Gmail can now figure out if you're trying to start up another conversation thread with people you've recently been talking to, saving you some time on starting a new message thread, or simply using a reply all on an old one. (Credit: Google)

Google's Gmail Labshas just rolled out a useful, but mildly creepy feature that gives you suggestions on who you should e-mail based on previous conversations. So, if you've had threads going with a group of people, it will recommend some of those folks once you've added at least two addresses in the recipients field. Best part is, they don't even have to be in a group of contacts you've created in Gmail's contacts manager. I got this to work to an almost uncanny level. It handles things like family members without a hitch, but where it gets useful is in pulling up people you've recently been corresponding with and giving you a one-click link that adds them to the message. Short of organizing these people to a group (in which you may need to add or delete someone on a per-message basis), or doing a reply-all on an old message, this is a really fast way to get another thread started with the same group. Now all Gmail needs is a quick way to take these contacts and add them to a sending group without leaving the message, something that can only be done in Gmail's contact manager.

How to keep fit?

Instructions Step1: We should keep a balanced diet and that is to say, we should not have too much intake of animal fat, but more vegetables and fruits. Step2: If one wants to keep fit, he must give up the habits that damage his health. Eg, quit smoking, drinking too much wine, staying up late... Step3: Regular physical exercise is essential for a healthy mind and body.In the morning, you can get up early, go outdoors, breathe the fresh air, and do physical exercises. Running and swimming are extremely helpful to keep one fit. If you are a busy person and have no special time allocated to do these things, there are still some ways useful for to keep fit. The easiest way is to walk to your office instead of riding a bike or taking a bus. Step4: You also have to take a routine physical check-up. Your doctor will know the condition of your body most clearly, and he will give you the most valuable advice to keep fit. You should always try to make yourself happy. If you feel happy, you can eat well, sleep well, and your body is sure to be in an excellent condition.

Blogger simplifies posting via SMS and e-mail

Last month Google released a less complicated way of linking up your phone with one or more of your Blogger blogs as part of its Blogger in Draft program. It put the settings to post to a specific blog through your phone or e-mail next to each blog's title inside of the dashboard using small and simple icons. And as of today the change is now live to everyone.

The most important part of this seemingly minor update is that it takes two sets of settings that were previously tucked away and puts them front and center. Posting via SMS or MMS message can be set up in about 30 seconds if you have your phone handy, and you don't even have to leave the dashboard to do it. The same goes for creating a special e-mail address to post to each blog--something which was also, previously hidden away from non-savvy users.

While sending a post to Blogger through your phone is nothing new, Google clearly wants to make the process a little easier. Putting the icons and setup tools right there in front of you is a good start. The one big caveat that remains is that posting through SMS still only works in the US, so if you're a Blogger user from another country you're stuck having to use your phone's e-mail app--meaning you need a data plan.

There's also the continuing matter of a lack of an official, native Blogger application for mobile phones. WordPress and MovableType have had free mobile applications out for some time now--including some snazzy ones for the iPhone. These make it simple to work on and post entries locally, as well as edit and moderate posts while on the go. SMS and e-mail are nice, but at this point in the game a dedicated application would be a nice touch. Those with an iPhone and who are willing to part with $3 can have it with this app called BlogPress which also posts to WordPress, TypePad, Live Journal and others.

Here's the original demo on how to post from your phone from last October:

5 Overlooked Characteristics Of A Successful Computer Consultant

Lets face it, there are a lot of “computer guys” out there.  It’s no secret that the IT industry is growing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.  The demand is there and the money is good.

However, not every computer guy is created equal.  Just because you have a degree related to computers, you solve all your friend’s computer problems in less than 15 minutes, and you can hack into the pentagon, doesn’t mean you’re cut out to start your own computer repair business.

Since starting my business, many customers I service seem to be relieved when they realize that I’m not out to make a quick buck, and that I can speak to them about their computer in terms that they can understand and relate to.  Some have even related to me the pains they’ve experienced at the hands of some other computer guys that they’ve worked with in the past.  Couple these experiences with the fact that, through interviews on this website and other encounters with successful computer techs, I’ve noticed that there are some characteristics that make certain independent computer consultants really stand out among the competition.

There are many obvious traits that one must posses in order to be a successful independent computer consultant.  You must have people skills, business savvy, and broad technical knowledge.  But that’s just the beginning.

Be a Teacher - It’s one thing to show up at a customer’s home, fix their computer problem, collect your check, and take off.  It’s another level entirely when you take a moment to explain to them what went wrong and how they can prevent it in the future.   Most service calls you make should be accompanied by some form of training for the user.   This will help instill a sense of trust with your customers, not only will they feel like you truly have their best interest at heart, but they’ll be excited about the extra bonus they’re getting with their service.

Don’t pass up opportunities to teach your customer how to do different things with their computer.  Make it free of charge at first.  Then, when you feel you’re comfortable in the role of trainer, start offering classes in things like how to use the latest version of windows, or how to back up data.

Have The Patience of a Saint -  Computers are frustrating pieces of machinery.  Add frustrated customers who wouldn’t know a a right-click from a hole-in-the-wall, multiply by the amount of technical knowledge you posses, and you have the formula for a bitter and jaded computer tech.  You’re going to see the same problems over and over again, from the same customers over and over again, and it’s going to wear you down.

It’s important to keep perspective on things when you’re in the trenches.  You’ve got to constantly tell yourself that if it weren’t for these issues, you wouldn’t be in business.  Always greet customers with a smile and always take the time to listen to what they have to say.  Don’t interrupt them or correct them.  Think about how you’re going to explain an issue and stop yourself when you feel like you’re getting too technical.  It’s little things like this that make a big impact on customers.

Many company IT guys don’t understand the importance of patience because their corporate customers have no choice but to turn to them when a computer issue arises.  Once the customer is given a choice, they’ll choose a tech that makes them feel comfortable and one that doesn’t talk down to them.  Learn to be that tech.

Never Stop Learning - The single most important trait for a computer technician to have is a desire to never stop learning.  I concur 100%.  The computer industry grows fast and furious and you’re going to need to constantly sharpen your skills as a tech in order to stay on top.

Many computer techs learn what they need to learn in school and then they seem to feel like they’ll be able to keep up with technology simply by tapping into their previous educational well.  That may help you sustain a competent level of troubleshooting ability, but you’ll soon see your businesses effectiveness dwindle.

I say keep learning.  Subscribe to industry forums and blogs.  Read the latest tech literature.  Re-certify yourself every few years.  Network with other technicians and take time to “talk shop”.  None of these are a silver bullet that will keep you ahead of the game.  They must all be a constant part of your life in order to ensure your continued effectiveness.

Learn To Take Time Off - This might seem like a no brainier.  In fact, the reason why many quit their job to start their own business is so that they can be afforded the freedom to take time off whenever they choose.  But in my experience,this is one of the most overlooked traits on the list.  When working for yourself, you don’t have the luxury of allotted vacation time or sick leave. It’s easy to get caught up in your work.  If you don’t plan properly, you’ll soon find that you can’t afford to take time off.  That time you’re away will be lost profit.

You have to make sure you save and plan for an expected, or unexpected, temporary hiatus.  In fact, I would argue that it’s necessary to take some time off every year to unwind and decompress.  I know a few independent computer consultants who have left the game because they got burned out.  Avoid burn out and stay in the game for the long haul by making yourself take time off.

Experiment Wisely - I see two types of people that don’t make it too far in computer consulting:  those who stubbornly stick to the same old methods of doing things, and those that experiment so wildly, they loose focus.  Since there is already a strong push towards experimentation in business these days, I’m going to stick with the other extreme.

Beware the trappings of over-experimentation.  This is when those super-driven highly motivated techs out there feel like they have to constantly try all of the latest trends in marketing and computer repair.  This is fine, to a certain extent.  When you never stick with what works, you miss out on the value of experimentation.  Wise experimentation means making sure you’re constantly gathering metrics when you try a new tactic to see if the methods you’re using are helping to improve your situation.  If so, great, keep them up.  If not, move on to the next one.  I’ve been surprised by how many people I’ve seen who just bounce from one thing to the next, never taking the time to focus and refine the things that work.

Many of your competitors are probably lacking these skills, but if you hone them, you’ll to gain an edge over those other computer guys in your neighborhood.  Concentrate on being a friendly neighborhood computer guy, not jut the typical jaded computer tech that everyone dreads, and you’ll be one step ahead of most of your competition.