Best Practices in Event Planning

Business cards continue to be one of the most effective marketing tools for professionals. While networking at every event from large conferences to small meetings to weddings, you come into contact with prospective clients, exhibitors, speakers, caterers and many other industry professionals. Your business cards are your number one tool to pass out so colleagues can contact you and follow up with your conversations.

Are you using your business cards to your full advantage? Review this list to make sure you aren't wasting any opportunities:

How's the paper? Be sure your business card will hold up well. This is especially important if your budget only allows for you to print at home. Replace that old copy paper with sturdy card stock. And don't even consider cutting with anything other than a paper cutter. No uneven edges!

Are you listing all the ways to reach you? Today, just about everyone has a Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn profile. Be sure to list these on your business card and take full advantage of their power! But don't focus on listing just your social media connections. Include your mailing address as well so your clients don't need to hunt for that when it comes time to mail you paperwork or payment.

Can people actually read it? Sure, you want to get all your important information on there. But if you have to shrink your font down to an 8-point size to do that, you may need to make some adjustments. Don't make people squint to read it!

Are you lacking a design or using a poor design? You may think simple means professional, but think about it. Your card is representing your business and you to all of your prospective clients 24/7. Choose a design that is professional and impressive to pique their interest. You don't want to be the one with the boring business card...remember that "WOW" factor! 

Don't be vague. A generic department name or title doesn't really leave an impression. You may be one in a stack of several business cards that someone collected at an event and you want to be sure they remember you by your specifics. Let them know what makes you different.

Lastly, if you are involved with more than one company, use a separate business card for each. You want to give each business the attention it deserves. Just consider your target audience when deciding which set to pack.