So, you’re thinking of ordering business cards from a business card printing company for that upcoming networking event. Whether you’re a contract professional, business owner, or a charity organizer, you need to pass out business cards in order to get noticed. Networking events can be professional, social, or both.

Many people have questions about networking and it’s important to learn about the subject if you wish to connect with others. So here are nine FAQs about networking:

1. What is networking, exactly?

Networking can cover a lot of ground. Essentially, it’s the act of two or more professionals making connections. People get to know other businesses and professionals in order to exchange information and services.

2. When is it done?

Whenever you meet with somebody who can help your business, you are networking. You can help each other out with work, referrals, services, and so forth. Networking events are held all the time. When attending an event, introduce yourself to others and give them your business card. Interact with others and get to know them. If they need help, offer your assistance.

3. Where is it done?

Networking events are being scheduled all the time in every city around the world. As mentioned above, all it takes is a few people to get together. Some networking can also be done online via video chat, Skype or chat rooms.

4. I really don’t know anybody, so how can I network?

You can get to know people through networking. It allows you to meet others and make contacts. There are a lot of referral recommendations at networking events. As you get to know more people, they will provide you with referrals. In time, you will be able to give referrals as well.

5. Where can I learn about networking events?

Sites like Facebook and Yelp are great places to start. You can search for events by topic or location. When you find an event that you would like to attend, you’ll be provided with all the details, including contact information and the physical address of the facility.

6. What if I already have a lot of work on my hands?

You should still be on the lookout for prospects and referrals. You never want to miss out on a networking event. There are always professionals and businesses you can connect with: bloggers, flyer printing companies, web developers, SEO experts, and so on.

7. What if I’m looking for a new job?

As long as you can provide testimonials regarding your quality performance, you should be able to find job leads at networking events.

8. I’m too shy to approach people. What should I do?

You’re not alone. A lot of people are shy when they first attend networking events. For the first couple of events, bring along a friend or associate who has good communication skills. Observe their behavior and try to emulate them.

9. How can I get people interested enough to respond to my calls or messages?

Since most people are busy, they won’t have time to respond to all of their messages. You need to get them to want to respond to you. You can do this by leaving upbeat and intriguing voicemail messages. When sending emails, come up with something witty for the subject line. Think outside the box.

9 Frequently Asked Questions About Networking is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

Physical marketing campaigns are great, but business card printing will only get you so far in the digital age. You also need to do some online networking with other professionals and organisations. Internet technology has opened up a new medium of networking and marketing. However, if done incorrectly or insufficiently, online networking won’t produce any positive results at all.

If you’re not seeing the results you want, then you need to revamp your strategy. So here are seven steps to effective online networking:

1. Use Time-Saving Tools Such As An RSS Reader

With so much content on networking sites and blogs, how can you sort the relevant information from the irrelevant information? How can you read information from multiple websites without having to visit each and every one? A tool such as an RSS reader allows you to scan updates. It can also be used to bring feeds from around the world wide web to your profile page.

2. Create Social Marketing Profiles

Create profiles on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus.  Since everybody uses social networking sites these days, you can easily network with others. Keep your personal profile separate from your business profile.

3. Do Appropriate Research

There are networking groups for every industry and niche imaginable. Look for groups and forums that match your interests. Read what others are saying in their posts and comments. What kind of ventures are they interested in? Are they looking for the types of services you offer? You can learn a lot about the state of your industry by reading what other people have to say.

4. Start Joining Groups

Join groups that are involved in your niche. Experts recommend joining at least three different online groups. At least one of the groups should cover a range of topics and services, like flyer printing, accounting, internet advertising, and so on. You may even want to start your own group if you find there is not one covering topics you are interested in.

5. Start Participating In Discussions

Groups and message forums can have thousands of members. When you participate in discussions, your messages can potentially be seen by thousands of members. Whenever somebody asks a question, you can share your expertise on the subject matter. If you write quality posts, other members will start to take notice.

6. Establish A Daily Routine

It’s really easy to become distracted when visiting social networking sites. There are tons of games and off-topic posts. When you go to Facebook with the intention of networking, you don’t want to end up playing Zoo World or Farmville. You must establish a disciplined routine. Force yourself to spend at least two hours a day doing some sort of work: make posts, do research, read what others are saying and advertise.

7. Share The Workload

Don’t push yourself too hard. As your company begins to grow, you will need some help. You will no longer be able to spend just a couple of hours a day on your networking strategy. It’s okay to hire others to post on forums and blogs for you.

If you follow these steps, you’ll find success with online networking. Good luck!

7 Steps to Effective Online Networking is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

The business card and brochure printing industry is very lucrative. Millions of business cards are printed out every year for professionals, companies, organizations and churches. How can you get your cards and brochures to stand out amongst millions of others?

Here are eleven ideas for creating unique business cards:

1. Go 3D

3D business cards will definitely stand out. Some printing companies have a special printing process for custom 3D or holographic cards. They look great with virtual layers of depth. Animated cards can show a full range of detailed animations and special effects.

2. Cartoon Style

These are really fun cards! Add a cartoon character to the design. Cute examples include animals such as dancing pigs and smiling fish. If you’re a professional contract worker, you could turn yourself into a cartoon character.

3. Unique Printing

Business card printing can be very innovative. Your cards can be made into something useful, such as a coaster or notepad. The recipients will want to hang onto them rather than throw them away. They’ll keep the card on their coffee table or desk and whenever they look at them, they’ll be reminded of your business.

4. Add Photos

Add some lovely visuals to your business cards. You can add a personalized touch to them. Add anything from a picture of yourself to beautiful scenery. Use pictures that are relevant to your company or profession.

5. Add Texture

Your cards should not only have a nice look, but a nice feel as well. Business cards can be texturized out of cotton, wood, velvet, and even metal. Textured backgrounds are appropriate for every profession or industry.

6. Make Them Edible

Sure, they’re perishable, but people will still take the time to look at them before eating them. You can send in your business card layout to a company that offers this service. The artists will create the layout onto a cookie or chocolate card. Very unique!

7. Make Them “Plantable”

Plantable business cards will leave a lasting impression on your recipients. They are made out of “seed paper”. Just stick them in soil and wait for flowers or veggies to sprout.

8. Badges

If you turn your business cards into badges, people will definitely take notice. If they are pretty, some people might even wear them. There’s enough room for a photo or cartoon character along with your company information.

9. Paper Bag Business Cards

These thick business cards have an opening in which you can put small items like lollies.

10. Games

Keep things entertaining by making business cards with games. For instance, you could add a small game like Naughts and Crosses on the back of each card. Or how about a complicated maze?

11. Envelopes

Make the cards look like an envelope. Put a nice little message inside. If you can’t afford the paper bag cards, then these make a great alternative. Put a small letter or some coupons inside of each envelope.

These will cost more than typical cards, but the people you give them to will take notice. The investment will be worth every cent.

11 Design Ideas That Will Make Your Business Cards Stand Out is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

Handing out business cards is a great way to advertise and market your business. You may have a small booklet printing business or you could represent a major IT services firm, but when handing out business cards the same rules apply to big and small alike.

But how do you know that your business cards are not being thrown in the trashcan as you leave? Here are seven rules for handing out your business cards:

1. Presentation is Key

Your business card needs to be neat looking with absolutely no folds or tears. Your business cards speak volumes about you so keep them in mint condition.

When ordering your cards from a business card printing company, make sure they use an easy to read dark font. When you receive your order, quickly check every card to make sure there are no ink blotches or stains of any kind.

2. Timing is Everything

Wait for the right time to hand out your business card. The perfect time is always near the end of the conversation when you have gained the person’s confidence. Never hand your card over after just meeting someone, you have to gain their trust and form some kind of a connection before taking that step.

3. Hand Out One Business Card

Too many businessmen make the mistake of handing out multiple cards. Their reasoning is that the individual with five cards will spread them around to his co-workers. But what is a lot more likely is they will throw the whole batch in the bin as soon as you are out of sight. So don’t overload your business associates with your business cards, just give them the one card.

4. Give Your Friends a Business Card or Two

Many people are reluctant to give their friends a business card. They feel as if they are crossing some sort of invisible boundary between business and personal friendship. This is quite unreasonable because if anyone is going to promote your business, it is your friends. For example, if you are a plumber and one of your friends overhears an acquaintance saying that they need to find a plumber to install a new bathroom, you can be sure that they will hand over your business card.

5. Always Have Your Cards With You

Always have a batch of cards with you everywhere you go. Do not place them in your back pocket since they could fold and crease. It is better to have a small business card case that will keep them crease-free.

6. Reciprocate

When a person asks for your card in a meeting or during a networking event, it is considered polite to ask for their card in return.

7. Online Business Cards

Online business cards are an innovative way to connect with businesspeople around the world. Simply send them along with all of your emails.

Every businessperson needs their business cards. With these seven rules you are sure to make many fruitful business connections. Good luck!

Seven Rules for Handing Out Your Business Cards is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

In a world where everyone is online and we don’t even use a phonebook anymore, you might be under the impression that business card printing and booklet printing are no longer necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because we now have so many avenues on which we can be found such as Facebook, Twitter, our blogs, our websites, our home, business and mobile phones, we have even more need for compact ways of giving this information to people we meet in a hurry. The average business card these days has no less than about 5 different methods of contact written on it, and gives clients and associates a range of options when the time comes to get in touch. But how do you make a business card that sticks in someone’s mind? This article gives you tips and advice on how to make sure your business card is a memorable one.

Colours

Plain white was once the stock-standard look for business cards, so much so that they were barely distinguishable from each other in a punter’s wallet. This is not good news if you’re looking to be remembered. These days, business cards can come in any colour, or variety of colours, that your heart desires, so be bold and choose something that folks will remember.

Design

Branding business cards with your logo is a must. Make sure that your logo is incorporated in a way that merges well with the card’s overall layout, without obscuring the information you need to get across. Always make business cards double sided; when it comes to someone sifting through their wallet to try to find you, it’s a good idea to be able to be found quickly, before they find the card of a competitor! Sometimes this can mean the difference between making a sale or not.

Outside the Square

What about a round business card? A triangular one? Who says all business cards have to be the same size and shape? A lot of companies are also starting to hand out virtual business cards, tiny CDs that upload information right onto a PC. Of course, with this kind of gimmick, you run the risk of a client throwing it in their desk drawer without ever uploading it, but it certainly makes an impact if used.

Quality

In a world where your options for making a statement are limited, quality speaks louder than gimmicks. Choose a business card printing company that uses only the highest quality inks and paper. Make sure that the small details are taken care of and the printing is not going to smudge or fade. If you’re not remembered for anything else, being remembered for quality is beneficial to any business.
A potential client will only take away with them two things you leave behind after a meeting; your business card and your first impression. Make both of them memorable.

How To Make a Memorable Business Card is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

Business cards have been in use as part of traditional business practice for some time. Despite the speed of cultural and technological change in recent times, the business card is still an important item for conducting business. Companies involved in book printing will often also be also to assist with business card design and printing.

Getting To Know Each Other
Exchanging business cards with new or potential business partners or associates forms an essential part of
traditional business practice. When meeting in person, a business card in some ways forms part of a self introduction. Someone might not be so bold as to explicitly tout their position in a firm verbally, but a business card, by providing an individual’s formal title and department can help the recipient understand their associate’s role and standing in a firm.

A business card usually provides all manner of contact details, from contact phone and fax numbers, an email address, website address as well as physical address. Providing all these comprehensive details can convey openness and maybe even eagerness to a potential commitment for future business or association with the recipient.

In the heat of deal making, certain minor aspects can easily be forgotten or overlooked. The business card, with all possible contact details (phone, email, fax, website etc) puts the person back in the picture. If one is embarrassed to phone, the answer might be on a website. For some, using email initially can be less daunting than communicating over the phone with new contacts.

Friendly Reminder
Sometimes one needs a service or product unexpectedly, such as with a plumber. Despite the prevalence of information via the internet and phone books, the business card is a quick reference material. A positive initial meeting or association with the business card owner can give them the upper hand or inside running in securing one’s business.

Importance Of Design
In addition to providing essential contact details, good business cards can give a strong early impression of a company, and help establish the company’s brand and values. More reserved fonts and plainer colouring can suggest tradition and following established values. Colorful and eye catching business card designs may suggest a company that is cutting edge and standing out from the rest.

Storage Cases
Over a career one can receive and end up storing a great many business cards. Networking is often important in business, and one may not know when an old contact may need to be contacted again. If another colleague or business associate is seeking a contact with a particular skill or business, having details of past contacts in the form of well organised business cards is very handy for quick reference and referral. This is where business card storage cases are useful.

Business cards remain important as an integral part of business etiquette. Naturally the practical side of business card exchange – provision of contact details – still remains very valid and essential today. Design of business cards help represent a company’s values. Designs can be harmonised with other promotional materials, so when any brochure printing is requested, business card layout can also be assessed.

The Continued Importance Of Business Cards is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

Your business card is one of the most effective ways of getting your name out there. It’s arguably the best marketing tool there is. Able to be slipped into letters or handed over casually, a business card will always be widely accepted. Your business card is the window into you, your business, what you sell and how well you sell it. All of this needs to be clear and straightforward on your card so quality is an important factor when it comes to business card design. Cutting corners in this area will make you seem unprofessional immediately. So, to help you and your business run smoothly, here’s 7 tips for designing your business cards:

1. Quality stock. Use good quality, thick card stock for your business cards. Business card printing services will be able to tell you which is the best stock to use. Go with their recommendation. Your card should be solid, with sharp corners, appropriately glossy and able to hold the ink well.
2. Logo. Use a professional designer to create your logo if you haven’t already. Never under any circumstances should you use a clipart picture for your logo or for any graphics anywhere on your business card. Your logo is important and should make you stand out above your competition, so having a professional design and produce is properly is your first step to proper branding.
3. Have a catchphrase or slogan. Your customers will remember you all the better if something stands out in their mind. If it’s not clear what you and your business does from the name alone, a witty or catchy slogan is a must.
4. Colour. Using colour in your business card will highlight it amongst the rest. Business card colour printing is, as a rule, more expensive than black and white. But effective use of colour will make the business card all the more attractive to your potential clients. Bright or solid colours work well, but try not to saturate the card with colour, generally one quarter of the card in colour is attractive, and usually not more than half. Using colours in combination with black and white is very effective.
5. Including your details. Your website is a must on your business card, but also include your email address. If your worried about your email address being out in the public arena, have a separate one set up just for your business card enquiries.
6. Text and font. Your business card’s purpose is, above all else, to promote you and your business. Potential clients need to be able to read it without straining or having to reach for a magnifying glass. Insist on an easy-to-read font and font size. Shy away from novelty fonts and never ever use Comic Sans.
7. Standing out. Consider the limitations of business card printing and design, then try and break them. Thinking outside the square with your business card design will show your customers that you think outside the square in other areas too. Think about designing the card vertically, or some people have even added a game or a crossword to their cards.

Using your imagination is key. Think about business cards you’ve seen in the past. Good quality emanates off a solid card with clean looking text and graphics — flimsy cardboard and visible ink-jet printer lines look anything but professional. Your business card could be the biggest little investment you’ll ever make.

7 Tips for Designing your own Business Cards is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

The more eye-catching a logo, the better the chances of people remembering it. A carefully designed letterhead with the logo in a prominent place is a sure fired success and will stand out prominently as soon as your customer has received the letter. There is much to think about in letterhead printing with not only the placement of your logo but the use of other design tools.

Find a reputable printing company either locally or through the internet and have them show you existing designs and logo uses. The printers can help with graphics and choices of colours.

Here are nine different ideas for using your logo.

1. Placement

It is important to think about where the logo will be placed. If you have seen the stationery that your competitors use aim for something different to the rivals so your design stands out as an original concept.

2. Bold colours

Take advantage of all the different colours available and go for bold tones. If your existing logo has pale shades look at contrasting colours for the background or surrounds to highlight your image.

3. Striking designs

Graphic designers have spent years studying and perfecting their craft, so take their ideas on board and let them produce a striking design for you. Most printing companies will either have designers on staff.

4. Left or right margin

Using the logo in the left margin can work well if it is aligned with other details. The right margin would normally be left for the content of the letter but this doesn’t mean you have to stick with tradition. The use of a solid border could be printed as a guide for the typist. This theme could be continued for use with your business cards printing.

5. Top or bottom

Some letterheads have the company details across the top with the logo placed in a bottom margin and others are the very opposite. Experiment with a blank sheet of paper and see which works best given the amount of detail you want to include.

6. Centred or cornered

Protocols for letterheads were set many years ago but are continually changing. Fifty years ago, having the company details centred across the top was an accepted standard. In recent years with the introduction of electronically produced designs the choices have increased.

7. Embossed look

Having the logo embossed will give a finish that says style and sophistication.

8. Large font

Using large font for letters and other characters will help your logo to become a recognised feature of your company.

9. Contrasting backgrounds

The variety of paper available for letterheads ranges from light weight matt finish to thick and glossy. If the paper has a contrasting colour to your logo this will help to highlight the design.

Logos can be used on any printed material used in the operations of your business, for letterheads and envelopes and internal use note and memo pads. Once you have decided on the design for using your logo on your letterhead, carry the theme through to all your stationery lines.

The 9 Best Ways to Use Logos on your Stationery is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

A promotional campaign will work best for your business if you use top quality printed materials. Even business cards can help you stand out from the competition and is a form of advertising that has been proven over time. There are many forms of promotional material from the humble business card to full size colour photo posters.

Here are seven of the best materials to use when planning a promotional campaign. The campaign may be as simple as getting your information to as many customers and potential customers as possible or a public display at a trade exhibition.

• Business Cards

Hand out your business card at every opportunity to promote your business, goods or services. Make sure the card is of a high standard and the end result is a polished finish. Having the card designed and printed by professional printers will help portray an image that reflects the quality of your products.

• Stationery Lines

If you have a logo, brand name or other motif that represents your business, continue the theme from the business card to all your stationery lines. This form of advertising is almost an ongoing promotional campaign that takes your name to the public every time you send an invoice or fill an order. Letter heads and matching envelopes work well provided they are not printed on flimsy paper that is of too light a weight.

• Stickers and Labels

Stickers are fabulous as hand outs for trade displays and exhibitions. Sizes vary from stickers for children’s school books to bumper stickers printed using water and UV resistant adhesives making them ideal for outdoor use as well.

• Note Books

Note book printing using your logo is a simple form of advertising that works. Have a stack of notebooks on your counter to tuck in to a large order or use them at workshops for note taking.

• Brochures

Full coloured brochures are a successful way of promoting your business and goods for sale. Let customers know about an upcoming sale or advertise specials and sales items. Use the brochures in store or as part of a letter box drop to reach customers who haven’t heard about you yet.

• Flyers

Flyers are a cheaper alternative to the colour brochure with their use of a smaller piece of paper or card. Have both sides printed if the budget allows to get as much information as possible to your customers.

• Posters

The use of posters in your store or at display centres will go a long way in promoting your business. If the design of a poster is in bold colours it can catch a person’s eye from a long way and draw them in to your display.

Consider a selection of your promotional materials to be included in a bag for participants of a workshop or seminar to take with them. This way your brand and the event will be remembered long after the session is over.

Best 7 Materials to use in a Promotional Campaign is a post from: Dark Horse Articles

The business card is often viewed as a first impression about you, your business and its products and services. Make sure that impression will be a lasting and favourable one by creating a card that matches your character. Business cards printing is always best left to a printing company for a polished and professional finish. Printing your own cards may not result in the quality look you are after.

To stand out from the competition it is necessary to know how they present their companies by way of logos and brand name themes. Check colour schemes and look for something unique in a design that is completely different to your rivals.

The following gives some of the best tips to produce a card that will stand out from your competitors and some ideas for when and how to use your cards.

Quality Finish

Nothing stands out more than a card that is cheaply made with a shabby look on flimsy paper. Do it yourself kits with the perforated edges and smudged ink tell your customers and potential clients that your work could be as second class as your cards.

Aim instead for a professional finish on high quality card of reasonable weight. Glossy finishes attract attention from the start and portray an image of sophistication.

Bold Design and Colours

Put some thought into designs that are unique and original. Make your card different to competitors with the use of images that reflect the nature of your business or products. Decide on simple or elaborate designs depending on the message you are trying to convey.

Experiment with different types of fonts and be creative with the use of colours, not just for the ink but the background as well. Multi coloured cards that reflect your business can look most stunning when used in contrast to the tones of print. Using a business card color printing service will take the card to a higher standard.

Professional Touch

Commission a printer to add that professional touch at every stage of production. Start with an idea for design, colour and font types and discuss this with a printing company. They will have graphic designers and people on staff ready to improve on your theme. Discuss your ideal outcome of the finished product to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Uses for Business Cards

Use your business card at every opportunity as an introduction to your products or services. Include in orders and staple to invoices. Local stores will gladly let you leave a stack on their shop counters. Remember to take plenty to trade displays or exhibitions.

Even though it seems the world is fully electronic, there will always be a time and place to hand over a business card. Create a work of art or make a simple statement with your card that reflects your company and individual character.

4 Best Tips to Make Your Business Cards Better Than the Competition is a post from: Dark Horse Articles