Personal Branding Toolkit - Part 1 Business Cards - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Toolkit - Part 1 Business Cards - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career This is the first post in a series dedicated to YOUR personal branding toolkit. Dont leave home without it! Your personal branding toolkit 1) Business cards 2) Portfolios 3) Resumes 4) Cover letters Business Cards A 3.372.125 inch card displaying information about you, your business or both. Ive seen many business cards in the past decade of my life and most dont do people justice. They are always stale and dont capitalize on personal branding. Have you ever gone to a conference, a networking event, a business dinner or an job interview, where the business cards were just another piece of paper and so last century? Here is what happens when you receive 50 business cards in a single night of networking: You cant match any names with faces, so you forget everyone. You are so overwhelmed that you dont know who to follow-up with first and end up not touching base with any of your new contacts. You have spent so much time connecting with many different people that youve neglected to build a stronger relationship with a select few. You toss them in your card holder, under your bed, within your sofa or ontop of your TV. Your branded business card How to create a business card that SCREAMS BRAND ME! Before you read this, realize that you have to mentally throw out all the business cards youve ever seen because most of them are just plain terrible. Your business card is not only how you can make a statement but leave a lasting memory. 1) Name: Use your full name that you want people to call you. You dont have to use your legal name and dont use a nickname. 2) Personal picture: Every business card should contain your face. Its rare to see someones picture on their business card. I never forget a face, do you? I dont care if I pick up 1,000 business cards from an event, I will certainly remember yours if you have your picture on it. A picture isnt just about being memorable, its also important because it shows personality. Its your chance to smile, have a goofy face or look angry. Let your brand shine through! 3) Logo: Whether you have a personal or corporate logo, it has to be included on your branded business card. A logo is the best visual for branding. I dont see many business cards that dont include this crucial element. Example logos 4) Contact information: You dont have to include your address, phone number, fax number or email address. Cards that have all of this information are usually the worst because there is no white space and its crowded and confusing. Take it from me, just use your preferred method of contact. You can drop everything and only include Google Me, like Scott Monty did when I first met him. 5) URL(s): This is the perfect time to include a link to your blog, LinkedIn account or any other website that best represents your brand. Its almost like saying for more information that is not included on this business card, please see these websites. Dont include more than 2 or people wont know what to do. 6) Material: Apart from common business cards made of paper/card there are also special business cards made from plastic (frosted translucent, crystal clear, white or metallic). You can even use metal, rubberized cards, magnets or wood. You are guaranteed to stand out if you dont use the regular material. 7) Product snapshots: If you sell a certain product, like an iPod, a car or even a house, then take a snapshot and put it in your business card. Instead of having to explain your business on your card, make it simple by using a graphic. 8 ) Font: The typeface you use is very important for your personal brand. Here is a selection of fonts you can use. 9) Personal brand statement: This is yet another place to put your personal brand statement. Remember, this statement includes what youre the best at and the audience you serve. Its personal positioning for the 21st century.