I am often reminded of how disconnected our thoughts of business are from reality. We tend to internalize one thing as really important and for the audience it's completely invisible. My website has been worked on for a few months and there's not yet traffic (development and word of mouth takes time). As the sole voice of a business strategy it's these things that are important in creating a great experience for all my clients. That satisfaction is what sells and creates relationships, not slick advertising or marketing.
Even so, it's perplexing how often I run into an older player in the business field and receive their card. The proportion of these important vehicles of communication that are flimsy, cheap and produced without much thought is startling. We've always followed the maxim that first impressions are important. In fact, as part of the business creed this flows from everything about product messaging to style of dress. Why then would one sell themselves short with a horrible business card? If you are a serious individual it actually serves as an extension of the thought placed into marketing. My clothes may not be the most expensive but what I offer with communications is top-notch and very professional.
When did we begin to superimpose one as more important than the other?
Please, put back the stock paper that will "save money" and invest where it matters. Why have a very expensive website and yet my first impression looks as though my 9 year old neice might have been creative director?
