Business Cards: The Saga Continues

Written By Shannon Marshburn

​While going into part two of a business card blog, it really is safe to say that business cards are exciting to me. The challenge of putting a business’s worth of branding, identity, and individuality into a 3.5” by 2” space is such an exciting challenge. Bad design is expensive and good design can pay for itself in time. Bad design could cost you customers and be forgotten in someone's wallet, but good design will pull Its weight, get a buzz going and be remembered by investors.  

Enjoy The Process 
What is free time these days? I have been trying to find some of this free time people talk of, but I can't find any! You may be in the same boat and wonder, “how do I dedicate time to something as small as business cards, when every moment I have is so valuable?” My honest answer is that you will find the time if it’s something you enjoy. Block design time on your calendar so you can have fun and enjoy the design process. 
I wanted to create some personal cards for when I interviewed for tailoring jobs. I had an idea to use scrap clothing pattern paper, so this sent me on a spiraling adventure of creating my own paper! This is a big interest of mine, where I find areas in my life to create a circular economic system, so I loved making paper in my parent's basement at 11pm. It wasn’t work at that point, but more of a hobby and a love for the craft.  
You can do this with many areas of interest, try a wood business card with a stamp or laser engraved information for construction or wood workers out there. Work with computers? Embed thin pieces of mother boards in epoxy resin and use a vinyl decal for your information or embed a clear printed vinyl sheet with your information. These can be made at FedEx printing centers, as I have done it in the past! The picture below is an example of a resin "card" or in my case, my thesis portfolio.

Know Where To Share It  
These cards can be time consuming, so you won't be handing them out to everyone! Use these cards when you know an impression will be important. No, the card will not be the deciding factor, but it is imperative to stand out these days. It is similar to employers that spend six to seven seconds looking at your resume.* So grab that attention for as long as you can with the big money investors, and deal making connections! The work will be worth it.  
 
Incorporate The Passion For Your Business  
Bring the passion you have for your idea and work to all aspects of your business. The more excited I am about an idea, the more time and effort I will dedicate to it. If you don’t find it worth it to put time into a business card, then try to incorporate your passions into the process.  
 
Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and be creative with your team or with yourself to find new ways to represent your idea! If you have any questions, I am here to help you open up your creative side! 


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Employers spend six to seven seconds looking at your resume.* (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-long-do-employers-look-at-resumes)