Think your home-made business cards are “good enough”? Think again! Home-made products fool no one. It really does matter – your business card or brochure doesn’t just represent you, it represents your business.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression – trite but true. In business, image and people’s perceptions either contribute to or contaminate the success of your business. Today, we are bombarded with thousands of messages and advertisements on a daily basis through television, radio, the internet, mail, message boards, flyers, etc. We are more likely to tune out than tune in. Networking and face-to-face contacts are one of the most effective ways to get your message and information out and continue to be powerful marketing tools. You are more likely to read a brochure someone personally hands you than an anonymous mailing.

If You Aren’t Managing Your Professional Image, Others Are.

Harvard Business School Professor Laura Morgan Roberts says, “People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character and commitment.” Roberts recommends, “Ask yourself – What do I want my clients to say about me when I’m not in the room? The description is your desired professional image.”

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make are home-made business cards and brochures. Nothing says “amateur” quite like the home-made business card. If image is everything in business, networking is like a series of mini job interviews. Are you showing up in flip flops or a suit?

Make an Impression Without Saying a Word.

Imagine being introduced to a company executive you’ve been trying to reach for months. You have a great conversation, he’s very interested and asks for your business card. You whip out your card. Now – what kind of an impression will it make? Does it say polished? Professional? Competent? Or does it say cheap? Amateur? You’re not ready for the big leagues? In business, image is everything. Quality, professionally designed and printed materials are a wise investment that leave a positive impression. What are your promotional products saying about you? It’s a question worth considering.

A professional company like Second Gear Printing & Promotions can help create a custom logo and/or business card to uniquely represent your business. With over 40 years of combined experience in marketing and design, Second Gear Printing & Promotions has created advertising campaigns and graphic designs for hundreds of companies. Previous clients include Holiday Inn, Weight Watchers, YMCA, Powerhouse Gym, Arrigo Dodge/Chrysler Jeep, WRMB Moody Broadcasting Network, Re/Max, Churches, Schools and numerous businesses of all shapes, sizes and budgets.

Article courtesy of Second Gear Printing & Promotions