The other day I was at a networking event with other private practitioners. It was great; we got to meet, talk about what we do, and share some war stories.
Lots of things struck me that day. I was very impressed by the courage many of these folks had when transitioning from traditional employment to private practice. It was very cool to see the variety of niche markets these folks covered. For the most part, these folks were really on the ball.
The thing that really struck me, however, was that at least three of them didn’t have any business cards with them, and at least that many had computer-generated cards. One of these cards was smeared. Another had a typo. And another was off center with part of the email address cut off the bottom.
Really? I don’t care how great you are and how big your practice — you need a professional business card!
Your business card may be the first (or ONLY) thing somebody sees. It is a lasting memento of who you are and what you do. It is a resource from which you will get referrals. It is how people will remember you. It’s IMPORTANT!
There are so many opportunities for you to order really great and interesting business cards. If you haven’t already, check out VistaPrint.com. There (and other sites like it) you’ll find amazing options for business cards, matching stationary, invitations to your open house, and so much more.
Printing is a total write-off for your business. Enjoy the tax break while you present yourself to the world in a way that is professional and memorable!
I wholeheartedly agree!
Business cards are cheap in the grand scheme of things, and they can make such a HUGE impact, both positive and negative.
I wont deal with a person (regardless of profession) who has homemade cards, cards with typos, handwritten information or, worse, corrections.
I see it as a reflection of how they will treat me and my needs. If they are too cheap to try to at least APPEAR professional, then they are likely to be unprofessional in whatever they are trying to sell me too.
Thanks Deborah Legge PhD CRC LMHC nice site and some awesome articles, keep up the greatI was searching google and I found your website and it is very interesting, keep it up!website to my rss reader, excellent stuff. I Cannot get enough!
@Lindsay G – Woo hoo —– you made my day. I’m so glad you are getting something out of my work. Thanks Lindsay.