Business Cards - what details do you need??

I was at a Business Growth Show recently (aka networking) and as I was going around the room talking to all the people there and swapping business cards, I was asked by six people on the trot where my company was based after they thoroughly analysed my card observing that our company address isn't on our business card. By the sixth person I chuckled and asked if one expects to find the business address on a business card, with a stern face, the lady simply looked at me and said 'yes' - so this got me wondering what is essential to a business card?

Pictured to the right is the front and back of my business card and they have the information I consider vital. Company Name, Contact name, Various Contact details (e-mail, phone, mobile and web) plus a list of services, then on the other side a sales/marketing opportunity, we have a logo and strap line which summarises the services we offer. I do know of a business who simply has the company name, logo and web address on it, the original reason for this was that the business card owner was travelling around Asia and needed a business card he could easily hand out regardless of where he was and now he tells me it means that the only people who contact him are people genuinely interested in doing business with him - great idea.

But as I said, it got me thinking to what was vital and what wasn't and I even went through the hundreds of cards I have to see if I was in the minority by not including my business address and amazingly it turns out that the split is about 50-50 - Now I personally think that if your business, service or product is limited by location then including your address is certainly wise, for example a plumber based in Manchester isn't likely to take on work in Cardiff (though his business card is also unlikely to make it to Cardiff, but I hope this helps you understand my thinking) so having an address or area on the card would make sense. Our business is web based so we can work with anyone anywhere as is the wonder of the web so I see no reason to include the business address on the card.

The one major annoyance of mine when it comes to business cards are those who only use one side, I was taught this on a sales course I was once sent on, why only use half of your advertising space? You would never pay for a full page advert and only send in half an add, or pay for a timed advertising slot on the radio or tv and again only fill half of it, so when ordering a business card why only use one side? I realise that it costs more to have both sides printed, but not twice as much so it really is worth the extra expenditure. It is also said that your business card should stand out from the others, be memorable and make it clear what you offer.

I think all of the above are key to a business card and if you have any ides on what else should be included I'd love to hear your comments. I know one man in America thinks he has the ultimate business card - hit play below and enjoy then let me know what you think - but please keep it polite.