4 Reasons Why Business Cards Are Still Effective

In today's times, everything seems to be switching to digital, such as emails. While this can be an advantage, there are some items that need to remain in print like business cards. There are many different advantages that come with having a professional business card. At Lake of the Ozarks' best printing company, we can create business cards for your business that can make you stand out from the competition. Business cards are a great tool to use while networking. While this may seem like an "old school" technique, business cards work, and here are a few reasons why they are still relevant. 

1. They're Personal

While inserting someone's contact information directly into your phone while you're with them may seem like a time saver, it gives you no interaction with them. One part of networking is making a genuine connection. Yes, digital contact information is easy and convenient, but handing someone your business card gives you time to actually talk to them. In addition, if you exchange business cards, you can write on the business card to give yourself reminders on where you met them and what you talked about, which makes contacting them later a little easier. 

2. They're Effective

While modern day advertising, such as email marketing, social media and paid advertising, are all great ways to get your business' name out there, nothing beats an in-person meeting. You could run into a potential lead anywhere and anytime - happy hour, trade shows, airport, so it is important to be prepared i.e. have a business card. It is always a good idea to have a few business cards in your wallet, purse, pocket or laptop bag. 

3. It Makes A Great First Impression

A business card is a lot more than exchanging your contact information. It is a person's first impression of your business, and you want it to be memorable. If you are potentially doing business with someone, you want them to have a certain image of you and your business. Do you want them to think that you are professional, reliable and organized? If you have an effective business card that is made right, it can pass on that message. 

4. It Makes You Prepared

A potential lead could happen anywhere, so you want to be prepared. If you are doing business someone, do you want them to write their name and number on a napkin, or do you want them to hand you a professional business card? Being prepared is important, especially when it comes to business interactions. 

Have Your Business Cards Printed By Smart Postal Centers

Having a professional business card is an important part of running your business. You want to make sure that you are prepared for meeting potential leads. The best printing company at the Lake of the Ozarks can make sure that your business cards look and feel professional by printing them on high-quality material. If you are needing new business cards for your company, give Smart Postal Centers a call at 573-348-3100, or stop by our store in Osage Beach. 

Smart Postal Centers - Here for all your packing, shipping, copying and printing needs!

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www.SmartPostalCenters.com

Tim@SmartPostalCenters.com

4320 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065

573-348-3100

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Business Card Etiquette For Doing Business in Foreign Countries

Presenting your business card portrays you as a professional, and is a representation of your business. When doing business in other countries, there are different ways to exchange business cards, and handing them out should be done in the correct manner. A business card is an internationally recognized method of offering a fellow businessperson your contact details. Therefore, if you travel overseas on business a lot, you should have a printer at the Lake of the Ozarks print you a good business card supply. Smart Postal Centers is your full-service printing center for high-quality business cards at the Lake of the Ozarks.

General Guidelines

If you are traveling to a country whose main language is not English, you should have one side translated into the language of the country you are visiting, if possible. Always present the card with the foreign version side up, not the English side. This shows you are serious about doing business there. In many countries, it is considered disrespectful to put the card you were just offered immediately into your pocket. You should look at it for a few moments and clarify any information on it before putting it away. Study foreign customs of the country you are visiting to be prepared. Here are some more examples of business card etiquette in various countries:

The Middle East

Business cards are often given to everyone you meet. It is wise to have one side of your card translated into Arabic, but if you do that be sure to check the translation. Always present and accept business cards with your right hand or both hands, but never with just solely your left. 

India

Put any university degrees or honors on your business cards, as India places a great deal of emphasis on academic achievement. Always use your right hand when offering your business card. If the local dialect is Hindi, then you may not need to print one side of the card in that language because most business people who speak Hindi can also speak English.

China

Present your business card before asking for another person's card. Hold out your card with both hands and text facing the other party when you present it to them. Study the business card when you receive one and comment before putting the card away. Never write on the card in the person's presence. Find out the specific dialect of the people you will be meeting, whether Cantonese, Mandarin, etc. and have the card translated to correspond to the region of China they are from. The script for the characters should be Simplified Chinese, as that is the most commonly used script today in most parts of China. Gold is a lucky color in China and any gold print or embossing expresses fortune. Highlight any pertinent information on the card, such as the year your business was established. Your title should be displayed prominently as well. 

Japan

Giving and receiving business cards in Japan is quite ceremonial. Business cards are not just for business interactions, but also for personal relationships. Nearly everyone, whether business or personal, from the time they are a student and onward has their own cards. Make sure your business and title are prominently printed on the card. Status is important to the Japanese so present your business card to the highest ranked person first. When accepting another person's card, hold out both hands. Do not write on another person's business card or fold it. In a meeting, it is respectful to keep all the cards in front of you.

Have Your Business Cards Printed at Smart Postal Centers

Business cards are an essential part of doing business throughout the world. When traveling overseas, it is critical to know the customs of the country you are doing business with, and it is important to find out all you can about proper etiquette there. Get high-quality business cards and other marketing materials to take with you overseas at your Lake of the Ozarks printer. Smart Postal Centers has a full graphics department to assist you with your professional image. Call us at (573) 348-3100 and let us help you make a good first impression when traveling abroad.

Smart Postal Centers -  Here for all your packing, shipping, copying, and printing needs! 

Contact Us
www.SmartPostalCenters.com
Tim@SmartPostalCenters.com
4320 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-3100
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Make a Great First Impression with Your Business Cards

Business cards are one of the first marketing tools used for self-promotion, and have been used for many centuries. In 17th century Europe, an individual's success or failure in society often depended on how well they promoted themselves. Business cards are still necessary today to make a connection, even with vast Internet access and smart phones. To leave a memorable first impression, your business cards should be printed on premium card stock with high quality graphics and readable text. To make your business cards stand out, Smart Postal Centers can help. We offer color printing at the Lake of the Ozarks and full graphics capabilities. Here is a list of reasons why business cards are effective for business and you should keep a handful of them at all times:

Business Cards Are the First Impression of Your Brand

The purpose of business cards are to share your name, numbers, email address, and other contact information with business prospects. Another reason to have a quality business card is to create a memorable impression of your brand. You should express the tone of your company through your business cards.  A unique business card can create conversation and may stay in a person's pocket longer.

Business Cards Allow Follow Up

Business cards are a personal way to encourage people to follow up with you. When offering a
product or service, this could be your opportunity to make a sale. Handing your business card to a prospective client will look more professional than reaching for a pen and paper. Typing contact details in a mobile phone or tablet is more impersonal and not all people are comfortable with it. Engaging in conversation and making eye contact is how a real relationship begins. This becomes a perfect opportunity to offer your business card to the person.

Business Cards Show You Are A Professional

Presenting your business card when meeting with people, whether at scheduled meetings or in unplanned situations shows you are a professional. Printing business cards for your business and carrying them with you indicates you are prepared. This can send a message to the prospective client that you operate your business with the same organization.

Business Cards Are A Good Referral Tool

Networking events are common among business owners and having a good supply of business cards can bring you referrals. Your business card should not only list all of your contact information, but also information about the company or your skills. This allows people to follow up with you regarding possible business opportunities. If the card gets passed along, the extra detail will make a difference to the person that you initially gave the card to. They may know someone in their network that could use your service.

Let Smart Postal Centers Create Your Business Cards

You can meet a potential business prospect at a tradeshow, charity fundraiser, or even at the grocery store. By arming yourself with business cards at all times, you shouldn't miss an opportunity to make a valuable business connection. Smart Postal Centers can handle the printing for a large or small business. If you are a new business or company looking for a re-design of your current business card, let our design team help you today!

Smart Postal Centers -  Here for all your packing, shipping, copying, and printing needs! 

Contact Us
www.SmartPostalCenters.com
Tim@SmartPostalCenters.com
4320 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-348-3100
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