Alister Cameron did a post about his first business card which took me down memory lane. My first card came out of a MyCard machine at our local shopping centre. Pop in 4 x $2 coins, punch in the details and out popped 40 business cards – black print on white card. Expensive way to get cards I guess but that was in 1994 and I was just starting out, not even sure what I was going to call my business nor had I really defined what I was going to do. So I just had cards with my name and my contact details on it. I didn’t even know if I’d go through all the cards – little did I know!
My next card (sample below) was designed on my computer with Microsoft clipart and very basic information. I’d learnt not to put my home address on the cards by then so I didn’t get uninvited visitors. I like to know when my clients are coming to visit – at a time that suits me. Pretty shocking hey? The card I mean. I’m glad the success of my business wasn’t dependent on the look of my business cards back then. They were purely just a way to give contact details to people. I did understand the power of networking even in those days and this was pre-internet so cards were very important for providing contact information.
Don’t underestimate the value of business cards. They should be carried with you every where you go. You can come across clients and contacts in the most unexpected places – even funerals, but that’s a story for another day. Better yet, come to a seminar where I’m speaking and you’ll get to hear that story then!
I have 3 cards these days – one for my VA business, one for my coaching practice and another for my speaking profile. I carry them all with me and give out whichever one is appropriate for the hat I’m wearing at the time. I find this better for not confusing the person who receives the card, rather then promoting everything on the one card. But that’s my personal preference.
The card below is due for an update – my mobile number is no longer active and I’m breaking in a new logo for my business. That will happen soon!
In the meantime if you’re looking for some ideas for your next business card, why not get a copy of “It’s in the Cards” by Ivan Misner (founder of BNI).
virtual assistant, business cards, business networking
Kathie is the former owner of VA Directory and is former past President of the Australian VA Association. She founded the Virtual Assistant industry in Australia in the mid 90s, having already been operating a home-based secretarial service. Today the VA industry covers a multitude of office-based services for clients worldwide.
Debra Barber says
One day a fortnight I try to attend a mothers group that has quite a few members although most I haven’t really had the opportunity to get to know yet.
Anyway, yesterday I was tossing up whether to go or to stay home and get some more marketing done and make a few more calls. I decided to take my little one out for a walk (the venue is only down the road) and get away from my computer for a couple of hours. Just thought that it would do me some good.
Only four ladies (including me) turned up, plus the facilitator and her student helper. As it was a small group we were all sitting around a small table filling everyone in on how we had been and what we had been up to. It came to me and I just mentioned that all was going well and I had been extremely busy trying to bring in clients for my business. When asked what it was that I did, I only mentioned that I did admin & secretarial support work from home, a virtual assistant.
Well, how glad am I that I mentioned that!!!! Turns out the facilitator needs a few things done but doesn’t have the skills so she is going to call me to organise the work!!!! 🙂 (Always handy to have your business cards with you!)
I just wanted to share that and say that you really can never tell where you will meet your next client! A mothers group was the last place I thought I would pick up a new client. It surely brightened my day!
Cheers,
Debra Barber
Online Personal Assistants
Kathie Thomas says
You never know when you need those cards – thanks for sharing with us Debra. And congratulations!
Laurie says
I just got my first set of business cards in the mail this week and it was so exciting! I gave some to DH to hand out when appropriate, have a stack in my purse, some in the car, some in the stroller – hey you never know when they’ll be handy!!
Ivan Misner says
Thanks for your comments about my book Kathie. It is appreciated.
All the best.
Dr. Ivan Misner
Founder
BNI
Kathie Thomas says
How lovely of you to drop by Ivan. I remember when we met when you were in Melbourne a few years ago. Trust you and your family are keeping well. I’m coming over your side of the world next year speaking at a conference in Canada.
Ronnelle Melwood says
Hi Kathie,
Reading this blog brought a smile to my face; i’m a virtual newbie and just received my “professional” business cards today – a small thril! I emphasize professional because I went to a networking event a few weeks ago with some very homemade looking cards – quite embarassing! But rather than go w/nothing – I used those cards and vowed never again! Thank you for sharing your growth experience!
Kathie Thomas says
Thanks Ronnelle. Yes, computers and technology have come a long, long way in the 14 years I’ve been in business, but so has everything else. And homemade cards still look homemade. At least professional cards don’t cost a great deal these days and there are so many places to get them done in quick time. Thanks for adding your experience!
Melodieann Whiteley says
My first business card was also one that I printed myself – complete with the perforated edges! I still have a few that I keep to remind me just how far I’ve come. I am so glad that someone taught me the value of a professional looking, well-designed card. I, too, have different cards for each of my businesses and I never leave home without them. Thanks for the lesson, Kathie!
Beverly Mahone says
My business cards were always very nice while I was in Corporate America. It was, indeed, my calling card as a journalist. But I remember my first business cards were ones my husband created for me on the computer. I still have one card from EVERY job I’ve ever had and it’s funny to see how “cheesy” my first business cards as an author looked. Your business card speaks for you and should reflect who you are. So many of them don’t.
PopArtDiva says
As a graphic designer this post brought back tons of memories, both personal and professional.
I remember making my very first “business card” at age 10 to sell my “coloring books”. I had drawn some pictures, my father had “mimeographed” them (to you younger readers memeographing was before even Xerox copiers!). I then stapled them together and sold them to my little neighborhood friends (my first clients!) for ten cents, lol. Yes, I was a little entrpreneur-ette!
My next cards were at age 18 for my fledgling graphics business – they were light grey, purple and magenta and had my signature as my logo – my flair and love for bright colors making its mark very early in my professional life.
I have spent exactly 40 years as a professional artist as of this year and have designed thousands of business cards, logos and brands in my career. This quote says it all “A picture is worth a thousand words” – your logo (ie your business card) IS the first thing people will associate with you. Make sure it’s the branding you want and need!
Terri aka PopArtDiva
Graphica Studios – Established 1976
Kathie Thomas says
Hi Terri, I imagine everything you do is very colourful, from what I’ve seen of what you do. I expect your path was mapped out for you from a very young age. Thanks for sharing here and congratulations on the 40 years! That’s quite an achievement.
Claudia Meydrech, CN says
Kathie,
I was thinking of another “first” when reading this…my first newsletters. They were typed on an electric typewriter with a ribbon that my Grandfather gave me, that was about 23 years ago. How things have changed! Technology has made it wonderful for woman who want to work at home and look as professional as they are!
Claudia, the Happy Nutritionist
Dr. Sally Witt says
Kathie,
Good solid advice for people starting out, and then a nice surprise at the end when you mentioned Dr. Ivan Misner and his book. That was a treat. I see that he noticed and left you a note as well.
He is so nice, and an inspiring man.
I look forward to our interview on my Tuesday afternoon, early Wed morning for you!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drsallywitt/2008/09/09/Dr-Sally-Witt-interviews-Kathie-Thomas
Have a great week!
Sally
rod says
After reading all of the VA sites, I still don’t know where to start. I just don’t want to give money to this organization and still be without clients. Most promise to provide me with customers and/or clients.
I have a strong Administrative background and technical skills.
Basically, I am just looking to get start and to electrify my clients.
In fact, if anyone needs help with a project I am available.
I would appreciate some straight talk and/or advice.
Kathie Thomas says
Rod, why don’t you just join the chat forums connected with some of these networks? That way you can get a feel for the culture of the group, how it works and get first hand knowledge of the value of paid memberships from existing members? Many of the networks have discussion forums attached – there’s one linked at this blog.
Denise Willms says
Thank you for sharing those fun stories about your business cards, Kathie!
When I started my VA business, I was spending a lot of time learning from the VAs at VAnetworking.com. Their advice was to get your business cards done right, and not print your own. But I thought, “Who’s gonna know?” So I ignored the advice, used a template I found and printed my own.
At my first networking meeting, I proudly brought out my cards, but when I saw everyone else’s, I quickly put them back in my purse and pretended to have mislaid them somewhere. I was too embarrassed to let anyone see!
I did learn my lesson though.