There was a time when I didn’t like bringing calling cards (or business cards) to events and meet ups. I tried to avoid giving away my contact information to random people to avoid being contacted by annoying or stalker-y people. But I have realized that having a business card handy is advisable for people who freelance like me, or who like networking with a lot of people. After all, I get a lot of opportunities just by giving away my card and making that distinct impression on people when I give away my card.

My new set of calling cards is by April of Artisan Design Studio. I had her print a two-sided card for me.

On one side are my credentials as a member of Junior Chamber International Davaoeña Daba Daba along with my relevant contact information, my photo, and our organization’s website. It uses a generic JCI business card template.

On the flip side, I have a bit of my credentials as a professional blogger, as a social media consultant and marketing officer, and as a lifestyle columnist. Under each specialization, I put in the organization where I am associated with and the link to that organization’s blog or website.

I put in my personal blog, Life with Ria, because this is my main blog and where they can find more information about me, my other blogs, and the services I offer. I would have wanted to list down my major blogs but that would have crowded the space and confused the person reading the card.

I told April to give my card a clean but feminine look so she added the borders which added a bit of personality to the card. I like it because it’s feminine without being too bold or too girly.

If, like me, you attend events and conferences where there’s too many people giving away business cards, it’s important to stand out and be remembered by doing any or all of these things:

1. Introduce yourself confidently. Confidence usually conveys expertise and being skilled. Being confident will tell your potential client that you know that you are good at what you do and you can help him improve his business. Not false humility please. However, always remember that there’s a fine line between being confident and being arrogant.
2. Have catchphrase, personal branding, or tagline. And make sure this branding is consistent in the way you style yourself and in your business card. Mine are professional multi-tasker, I do Facebook for a living, and Diyosa Blogger depending on who I am talking to. Having one will make you memorable to a person that you have just met.
3. Mention a unique feature of your card when you’re giving it out. I usually say “Obviously I love purple and pink.” When your acquaintance looks over a bunch of cards he got, he will have a distinct memory of you when he sees your card again.
4. Mention some of the remarkable or major organizations you are part of either when introducing yourself or in your card. If you’re giving it to someone who is familiar with your organization, he will immediately think that you are trust-worthy or that you are credible. And if he is or was a member of that organization, he will immediately feel comfortable with you. Just make sure your organization is a reputable or credible one.
5. Include your photo or tagline in your business card. This way your acquaintance will be able to associate your business card with you as a person. And if he sees you again, he will (hopefully) remember you and your card.

It’s useless having a business card if you don’t have the guts to talk to people. If you’re shy to give out your card straight out, ask for the person’s card and give your card in return.

Yes, there will be times when you regret you ever gave your card to that seemingly nice person who turns out to be a spammer or a weirdo. But generally, you will benefit from making a good impression and handing out your cards especially during conventions and events.

So have your business card ready all the time. You never know when you’ll meet your next big client or business partner. Get ready to make a good and lasting impression with your introduction and your card.

Artisan Design Studio is located beside Yellow Hauz along V. Mapa (near corner Mabini Street), Davao City. They are open Monday to Saturdays, 9 am – 6 pm. For inquiries, send them an email at info@designsofartisan.com or like them on FB at this LINK.

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