The Style Review: Creating Your Own Business Cards

Creating your own business card is easy as typing your name and information. There are several programs that help design personalized business cards and many work with the software programs that you currently have on your computer. Typically, the only thing you need to purchase is the business card stock on which the cards are printed. Here is a summary of what you need to make Your own business card.
1. Start by making sure that your computer system has a word processing software program installed on it. Most commonly, this will be Microsoft word. It is also helpful if you have an Internet connection to download any templates and instructions that may be found on the card stock manufacturer's website.
2. Select a card stock you would like to print on. They come in different colors, textured finishes and weights; which measures the thickness of the actual card itself. Most card stock comes in sheets that contain perforated cards you tear off. Most sheets contain about 10 perforated cards.
3. Once you decide on the information you would like printed on the card, look on the card stock packaging for a stock number. Go to the manufacturers website (this information is usually found on the packaging) and enter the stock number of the card stock you purchased. Select a template to works with your word processing program. Download the template and click open.
4. Begin typing your information. When you have all the information you would like on the card, load the card stock into your printer by following the directional arrows on the edge of the card stock. The template will usually fill in each individual card area by itself. If not, select business card print from the properties menu of your printer.
Printing your own cards is usually a process of trial and error, so it is usually best to practice of plain paper first, so as not to waste card stock.

Double sided business cards are best for individuals and businesses with more than one primary service or function. They are also very good for people who need to be more specific when giving information to potential clients or customers. For example, a custom antique shop may have their basic information on the front of the card and a list of antique types or craftsmen on the back of the card. A lawyer may present his contact information on the front of their card and reserve the back side for types of litigation they specialize in. A restaurant may reserve the back of their cards for menu information or hours of operation. A franchise owner or area manager may list various locations or directions on the back of their card and display their basic company information on the front. The most important thing to remember about double sided cards is that when handing them to someone, especially a potential client or customer, it is important to hand them the card with the primary information or the front side of the card facing up. Your name and/or your company name are the most important first impression when someone looks at your cards. Because of the complexity and amount of type involved in double sided cards, it is not recommended that you print them yourself on a home printer. Check with your local card printer and inquire about double sided card pricing.

Some of the best business card ideas come from either practicality or necessity. Business cards should reflect the business or the profession of the individual who's name is printed on them. A display of individuality is great when it's still inside the boarders of accepted business practices and techniques.
Here are the 3 best business card ideas for professionals and entrepreneurs.
1. Engraving. This is, was and always will be the top of the line in personalized stationery. The only disadvantages are the cost, which is higher than regular printing, and the fact that someone may not actually recognize how sophisticated and impressive an engraved card is. For that reason, engraved cards should be reserved for those who have a clientele who would acknowledge how smart a card of that type is.
2. Graphics. People are very visual. They tend to remember logos more so than names or numbers. This is mostly done on a unconscious level. A cool graphic on the front or back puts a recognizable symbol next to your contact information. As long as its appropriate, the more eye catching it is, the better. If you can afford it, try a second or third ink color (not recommended for engraving due to the cost).
3. Glossy. This type of card is more modern and stylish, so it should reflect a stylish and trendy business or professional. It does have it's disadvantages; the most obvious one is that you can't write on it. It's also considered inappropriate for a professional such as a doctor or lawyer, who typically carry a more traditional business card. Glossy cards work best for designers, artists and freelancers.