• about
    • meet kelly
    • media & press
  • blog
  • events
  • resources
  • services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Lipstick & Ink®

Career, Wellness & Empowerment

  • career & business
    • corporate 9-5
    • solopreneurship
    • Shine On Series
  • mind body & soul
    • mental health
    • wellness
    • beauty
  • life
    • life lately
    • life changes
    • finances
  • realtalk
    • thoughts
  • travel

4 Reasons Why You Need a Business Card

March 19, 2019 by Kelly Nash Leave a Comment

When’s the last time you passed out a business card? Or a better question, do you have a business card to pass out and share?

I still remember when I got my first box of business cards placed on my desk at my first job. I opened the box and was elated to see my name and my title on those cards. I even went ahead and purchased a business card holder for them that I could carry around. I was so official!

But if I’m being honest, I didn’t really take advantage of actually using my business cards. The box of cards sat on my desk at work and my card holder was buried in a drawer at home. I seemed to always forget to carry them with me when I was out and about. This habit continued in my next two jobs and I kicked myself every time someone asked me, “do you have a business card?” I told myself each time that happened that I’d remember next time to put my card holder in my purse, but I either forgot or then convinced myself I didn’t need to add one more thing to my purse.

It wasn’t until I started Lipstick & Ink and created my own business cards and began passing them out that I began to take notice of their advantages. I get that in this ever growing technological world, it can be easy to say “let’s connect on LinkedIn” or “hey, what’s your Instagram handle?” And while that can work and can give you that instantaneous virtual connection, handing over a business card is infinitely more impactful. Why do I say that? Find out below!

4 Reasons Why You Need a Business Card Pinterest Pin

You Never Know Who You’ll Meet

You never know when you may meet someone new. That person could be the one to help you get a new job or opportunity. That person could connect you with someone they know who can help grow your network. That person could even be someone you yourself can help in some way. You could meet that person at the next event you attend or you may even meet them at the grocery store tomorrow! You just never know when that moment could present itself. 

It Gives a Powerful First Impression

And when that moment does come, handing over a business card rather than pulling out your phone to add their name and number to your Contacts is going to set you apart. Passing someone a business card automatically provides more of that personal touch and makes you appear more official and legitimate. It shows that you mean business and gives the impression that you are professional, intelligent and confident. It also proves that you know the importance of networking and making connections.

Think about it this way, say you meet someone tomorrow while you are out. The conversation then turns to how the two of you will connect to chat further. Would you be more impressed if he or she asked for your name and number to add to their phone or if they passed you their business card? 

It Establishes Your Brand

When you pass your business card to someone, it helps to establish your brand. It immediately gives an impression of not only who you are, but what your company or business encompasses. It’s the beginning of the person on the other end putting the pieces together to form their opinion and thoughts about who you are. That’s why it’s so important to be proud of the business card you pass over so you can feel confident when that time comes. You want to ensure your card speaks to your branding in terms of the font, the colors, the logo, and the graphics. It’s also important to take into account not just what the business card looks like, but also how it feels. Having a flimsy business card that could easily be crumpled is not going to leave a lasting impression.

Here are some tips for success:

  • On your business card, you could include things like:
    • Your company/brand name/affiliation logo
      • Note: if your card is just for personal branding purposes, look into creating your own logo with your name to add that personal touch
    • Who You Are
      • Your name
      • Your title
      • Your company/brand name/affiliation name (if applicable)
      • Social channel handles
    • Contact Information
      • Your phone number
      • Your email address
      • Your address (if applicable)
    • Your Work
      • Website
    • Your Offer
      • I.E. a discount code, link to a download, etc.
  • Get creative with the space constraints – if you can’t fit everything, decide what’s most important and remove the rest
  • Use colors and graphics that match and identify with your company/brand/affiliation
  • Make sure all fonts are legible and easy to read
  • Use special finishes where it makes sense like a thicker card stock and glossy finish

Lipstick & Ink business cards

It Helps Keep You Top of Mind

While connecting on LinkedIn is still valuable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will stay top of mind. The connection you made at the grocery store could have hundreds of connections that they follow on social media and as we all know, we don’t always see everyone’s updates, thanks to the algorithms. However, when you give someone your business card, they’re likely putting it in their purse, their wallet, or their pocket. And guess what? At some point, they’re going to empty those and they will find your business card. It’s like a reminder for them to follow up or to check out your website or to find you on social media.

I’ve personally found a lot of success in having business cards on me at all times nowadays. If you already have your own, I encourage you to use them – carry them with you and pass them out when an opportunity comes up. If you don’t have any yet, get on it! It doesn’t matter if you’re in college, in the workforce, or own your business, business cards are still as relevant and impactful as ever. Pink lipstick stain

Kelly, Founder of Lipstick & Ink
Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, speaker, career advisor, and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. In addition, she works full-time in technology as a Success Manager at Salesforce and has over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, SheFactor, and Six Degrees Society. She is also in the process of writing her first book.

You might also enjoy...

5 Steps to Build & Boost Your Personal BrandKelly sits holding a cup of coffee as she chats building and boosting your personal brand.
Career Development Check-In [Worksheet]Kelly updating her Career Development Check-In worksheet
Featuring Ashley Marie: Founder & Chief Snack Officer of B.T.R. BarAshley Marie, Founder of B.T.R. Bar
6 Ways to Stand Out in a Competitive Job MarketKelly brushes up on her thought leadership to stand out in the job market.
How To Balance A Side Business While Working A Full-Time Job
6 Tips to Help You Land That PromotionKelly writing in her notebook smiling, focusing on her career and promotion.
Record of Accomplishments and Feedback [Worksheet]Kelly documenting accomplishments & feedback
4 Ways to Stand Out in a Male-Dominated WorkplaceHow to Stand Out in a Male-Dominated Workplace
How I Secured Each of My Jobs in My CareerGirl Boss, pen, and black coffee.
How to Effectively Negotiate in Any SituationA handshake happens between two women following a hot topic negotiation.
Learning That I Am Remarkable, And So Are YouKelly Nash sits on her outdoor couch clutching a pillow.

Filed Under: career & business, corporate 9-5, solopreneurship Tagged With: business, career, corporate job, networking, personal branding, solopreneurship, workplace

About Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, speaker, career advisor, and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. In addition, she works full-time in technology as a Success Manager at Salesforce and has over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, SheFactor, and Six Degrees Society. She is also in the process of writing her first book.

Previous Post Featuring Margot Craig: Financial Advisor at Paradigm Wealth Management
Next Post 8 Qualities to Make a Powerful Impression in the Workplace

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HI THERE!

Kelly, Founder of Lipstick & Ink

Welcome to Lipstick & Ink®, your home for everything career, wellness and #realtalk inspired. I’m Kelly, a Chicago-based advertising tech professional, career advisor, writer, speaker, events host, and goal getter.

Whether we’re discussing career advancement, the job search or keeping our mental health in check, I encourage you to own your power and make your mark - one lipstick stain at a time.

Follow L&I

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

STAY IN TOUCH

Join the L&I e-mail list and get exclusive access to announcements, resources & special offers before anyone else!

currently trending

  • Kelly lounges on her outdoor couch, taking a break from the work day, thanks to her flexible schedule. Why A Flexible Schedule at Work Has Increased My Happiness
  • Friends gather together over a glass of wine but losing those friends could be imminent. Your Shrinking Friend Circle and Why It’s Okay
  • Kelly sits by the fire and Christmas tree. 7 Reasons Why Christmas is My Favorite Holiday
  • Lake Tekapo field of lupins South Island, New Zealand: A 10 Day Self-Drive Itinerary
  • Kelly & Adam stand in front of the Judson Heath Colonial Inn. Saugatuck, Michigan: A Blissful Weekend Getaway

Tags

beauty routine blogging burnout business career career advancement corporate job events feel better finances giving back goal-getters goals goal setting impact job interview job search life life changes life lately meet kelly mental health negotiating networking partnerships personal brand personal branding personal thoughts promotion realtalk reflections resources resume resume tips shine on shine on series sick side hustle solopreneurship travel volunteering wellness women who inspire work life balance workplace

LISTEN IN

The Sixth Degree Podcast

The SheFactor Podcast

SheFactor Podcast

lipstickandink

Kelly💋 Career Advisor & Writer
[𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝙱𝙻𝙾𝙶 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚃] 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥. While certainly an overused term, it’s definitely not overrated. Personal branding is more important than ever as it helps you to 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧, 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧. Regardless if you work in the corporate world or consider yourself an entrepreneur (or both!), knowing and cultivating your personal brand is essential.
⠀
Because here’s the thing – you already have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not. 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱. However, understanding the power of your brand can be difficult and requires self-awareness, intention, and action.
⠀
If you’re unsure or curious about how to get started with building and boosting your brand, I've developed a 5 step formula to do just that! You can read more about these 5 steps and your best path forward in L&I's newest blog post, found via the link in my bio!💋
3 years ago today, I pressed “Publish” on Lips 3 years ago today, I pressed “Publish” on Lipstick & Ink. Even though it was only a blog at the time, I was terrified to put myself out there. I worried about what people would think about me, wondered if my site was good enough, and questioned if what I was writing would even resonate or help others.
⠀
At the same time, it was exhilarating and freeing. I was finally writing again, something that had been a passion of mine since I was a kid. I was in my purpose, sharing my knowledge of how I had grown my career and guiding women on how they could do the same. And most of all, I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone, facing fears I had avoided for years.
⠀
Since February 22, 2018, I have grown more than I thought possible. From my blog to expanding to events to speaking to advising clients to writing my first book, I continue to find ways to grow L&I and make an impact. And I can feel in my bones this is only the beginning.

Through these last 3 years, if I could share one piece of advice as to what I’ve learned , it’s this: OWN YOUR POWER. Own the power of yours that’s generated from within, not outside of yourself. Your authentic power. Don’t give your power away. Don’t allow the thoughts of others to get in your way. Don’t compare yourself to others and wonder how you will measure up. Don’t hold back on what you want to do because you are concerned about how others are going to feel about it.
⠀
There is always a choice to make in terms of whether you decide to own your power or give it away. And these days, I choose my power. I choose me. My hope is that you too honor who you are and choose yourself. Because when you choose yourself, you set yourself free💋
We live in a world of 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 We live in a world of 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 - and let's be honest, we have gotten reaaal accustomed to it. So much so, that we may be easily disappointed when something doesn't immediately go our way - including when it comes to our careers. Whether it's seeking a promotion or landing a job at your dream company, we need to remember that it may take longer than we like or anticipate.
⠀
Most of the time, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚. This is why it's critical to ᴘʟᴀɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴇᴅ early on to begin preparing to reach your next career goal. For example:⠀
🌱 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Start making an effort to connect with your manager periodically to discuss your career growth. Voice that you are aiming for a promotion. Show to him/her that you take your professional development seriously by discussing your goals and ways you can start taking on additional responsibilities. Try and start taking on the work of the role above yours. Keep a track record of your accomplishments and feedback (L&I has a free template FYI under Resources in my bio!).⠀
🌱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆: Research the company and learn about their mission, corporate values, and their offerings. Take their available certifications if available to put on your resume. Reach out and build relationships over time with people that currently work there to understand the culture and to let them know you are interested in working for their company. Get your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile professionally reviewed. Tailor your resume and yes, even your cover letter for the job you ultimately apply for.
⠀
Both of these scenarios 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. But don't let that discourage you. What's something you're looking to accomplish in your career in the next 6 months? Don't delay - it's never too early to start preparing. Plant the seed now and watch yourself grow these next few months. Soon enough, after some hard work and patience, those 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 will come🌷💋
[𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗜𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁] Let's chat career conversations with your manager 🤓
⠀
How often are you having regular check-ins with your manager about your career development? At minimum, you should be meeting quarterly to review your performance and talk about your career progress. Don't wait until your annual performance review to do so! ❌ 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 and put time on the calendar to meet periodically throughout the year 🗓
⠀
Having these types of check-ins are essential to your professional success and it's important to go into them prepared with your own talking points. Enter the 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬-𝘐𝘯 worksheet ✔️This worksheet will help you to:⠀
➢ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 your manager that you take your career seriously and are willing to put your best foot forward⠀
➢ 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 on your goals and actions you're taking to get you to the next step in your career⠀
➢ 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 a productive conversation with your manager to discuss your wins, challenges, and what you want to work on in the months ahead⠀
➢ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 awareness to your work and a better opportunity to negotiate a promotion/raise/added benefits
⠀
Interested? 😏 Download the FREE worksheet via the link in my bio under 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚜 💋
I stand firmly by this career tip. Putting yoursel I stand firmly by this career tip. Putting yourself out there in the workplace and showcasing bits and pieces of who you are is critical to 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙.
⠀
When I first started my professional career, I thought that I had to be a "version" of who I was at work. That I needed to always keep things "professional" and that it was "inappropriate" to talk about my personal life. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴.
⠀
By intertwining my professional and personal brands into one, I've been able to 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺. Here are ways you can share more of who you are at work:⠀
✔ 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐨: Whether it’s an internal-facing bio that's visible to your co-workers or the “About” section on your LinkedIn, take advantage of it! Go beyond just what you do for the company and talk about things you do outside of work and what you're passionate about.⠀
✔ 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤: Those few minutes before a meeting begins are a great opportunity to get to know someone, ask questions, and share something about yourself.⠀
✔ 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐧: Zoom fatigue is real, but having your video on is a great way for someone to get to know you better beyond just your voice.⠀
✔ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Even with many of us working from home, you can still show a bit of your personal style whether it's a crisp blazer, a statement jewelry piece, or your favorite shade of lipstick.⠀
✔ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝: Tap into the groups within your company that interest you as it will allow you to meet more likeminded people and talk about things other than work.
⠀
Don't hold back in putting yourself out there and sharing more of who you are. 𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙔-𝙊-𝙐💋
✨ 𝙽𝙴𝚆 𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙵𝙴𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 ✨  Meet Brittney.
⠀
@bsoliver is a Nashville-based career and lifestyle freelance writer and content strategist. Over the past 3 years, Brittney has built her platform, @lemons_2_lemonade, to help young professionals turn their career obstacles around. Her platform is known for its networking mixers, which have brought over 2,000 professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives together to turn life’s lemons into lemonade.
⠀
I met Brittney at her Chicago mixer back in Fall 2019 and was so impressed with her story and what she was building with Lemons 2 Lemonade. I immediately signed up for her newsletter and followed her on all of her social channels, where we've been connecting ever since! We actually just wrapped up a #L2LChat of our own, where we chatted about the changing job landscape due to the pandemic.
⠀
What inspires me about Brittney is that she balances working full-time and freelance writing for publishers like Fast Company and ESSENCE. She’s  a thought-leader, having keynoted LinkedIn's first women of color conference in 2019 and was listed as Forbe's "Nine Black Women Leaders Dedicated to Empowering Others." Not only that, Brittney has so much heart for what she does and never gives up on herself. That was apparent to me after hearing her story of going on 100 interviews in an 8-month period.
⠀
In all sense of the word, Brittney is crushing any and all lemons she comes across. I can't wait to see how much more lemonade she makes this year. You can read our exclusive interview via the link in my bio!💋
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

COPYRIGHT © 2021. Emma Theme by Lovely Confetti · DMCA.com Protection Status

Lipstick & Ink uses cookies to improve your overall reading experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT