In today’s digital world, it’s easy to assume business cards have fallen out of favor. But in the business of consulting, your business, nothing couldn’t be further from the truth. You business card is a great way to introduce yourself to prospective clients as well as those you will be networking with. They can be handed out in person when you’re at an event or they can accompany a mailing to prospective clients. A quality business card makes you look (and feel) professional and provides all the information recipients need to find out more about you including quick directions to your powerful website. As a freelance broker or sponsored agent, you will quickly learn how your business card and website often work hand in hand to generate an unlimited quantity of sales qualified leads.
When designing your card, pay attention to…
Size and Background. We recommended using the standard design for U.S. business cards (3.5 in. by 2 in) so your card can be easily stored in wallets and business cardholders. Whether you are designing your card as an Agent or Freelance Professional, we highly recommend a plain white background with black text. This is a “professional” business vocation so avoid bright colors and designs.
Basic Contact Text. There are a few things every business card should feature, and in a particular order: Company name is followed by your first and last name, job title, and your contact details (phone number, email, web address, social handles).
Your Services. Whether you are designing your card as an part-time Agent or a professional freelance consultant, your business card is a very powerful networking tool and it’s very important to list your services. Properly designed and because of your unique business services, your card is the perfect ice breaker when you meet a bank lending officer or local accounting professional.
Stock Texture. Don’t underestimate how a business card feels. If your selection of stock is too thin and flimsy, your card can feel cheap and leave your customer with the wrong impression. You want to choose a quality paper stock. Also, consider what finish your card should have. A high-gloss finish results in a shiny look and feel, a matte finish has a slight sheen and is softer, while an uncoated finish uses the paper’s natural texture.
Two Sample Business Cards
When you hand out you business card, you obviously are introducing yourself. However even more important to your business, you are introducing your services. And, because the services provided by agents and freelance industry brokers and significantly different, the cards are a bit different as well.
Sponsored Agents. Your business is 100% focused on factoring and should reference factoring-only products. They should reference accounts receivable factoring, purchase order finance, export trade finance, and payroll finance. These are the products featured on your WordPress Landing Page. Also, we recommend you say something about financing startups. For example…
As an agent, one of your primary targets for new clients will be “payroll” and newer companies as you network. Small companies that provide services to larger companies are your “low hanging fruit”. Your networking opportunities are typically informal. You are much more likely to get a great prospect or lead from enjoying a football game at a local sports bar than from attending an enormous international expo. Focus on your solutions on payroll and startup financing.
Freelance Consultants. For freelance career-oriented consultants, you will not only be handing out your business cards at formal networking events, you will also be including them with mailers and direct marketing campaigns. As it relates to networking, you will want to quickly “impress” bank lending officers and accounting professionals with your knowledge. We recommend, for example, always include forfaiting or something similar on your card. Most bankers and career accounting professionals will know what factoring is. Almost no one you meet will have ever heard of forfaiting and that is a great ice-breaker when you field the answer to the question…“What is forfaiting?” It will immediately go a long way to establish your credentials as an “expert” in alternative commercial finance. See the example below.
Your business cards are often just the right catalyst to motivate a prospective client or future referral source to visit your website and download your FREE offer. Never attend any event without a good supply of business cards and it’s a very good idea to keep an additional supply in your car. You’ll never know when that well-designed business card results in a $1,000 a month factoring commission simply because you did forget to have it when the opportunity presents itself.
