From Playing Card to Business Card
Posted on Nov 12, 2008 under silk flowers | 13 Comments
Without the development of the printing press in 1445 the
Renaissance may never have happened, and Johann Gutenberg the
inventor certainly did not know he was sowing the seeds of the
business card entrepreneur’s bonanza we have today. What
civilisation gained from Gutenberg’s invention is incalculable.
Visting Cards
Visiting cards (also known as calling cards) first appeared in
China in the 15th century, and the earliest European form of
visiting cards appeared in France in the 17th century during the
reign of Louis XIV – “Le Roi Soleil”. They were normal playing
cards on which visitors wrote their signatures, promissory notes
and other messages. The cards were just a little smaller than
the size of a man’s hand. As time went by, these visiting cards
further developed into greeting and other cards.
The business card evolved from the Visiting card over time, but
through it’s evolution it’s purpose remains the same.
Trade Cards
Trade cards, another early form of the Business card, existed in
England around the same time. Trade cards were used as a form of
advertising and sometimes contained a map directing potential
customers to merchant stores, as there was no form of street
numbering system at the time.
Other printing materials, such as newspapers, has not yet caught
on as a vehicle for business marketing, so the earliest Trade
cards were printed and issued using a letterpress method.
However, copperplate engraving became the most popular method of
producing the cards by the 18th century, and up to the 19th
century, Trade cards were printed using a single colour
(monotone). But as businesses thrived throughout the Industrial
Revolution, so did the production and distribution of Trade
cards.
Lithography
Around 1830, lithography using several colours became an
established method in Europe and was the primary method for
printing cards. As printing techniques became increasingly
advanced, Trade cards became more elaborate, with pictures and
full colour designs. Since colour images were not widely
available, these cards became collector’s items, and as the
hobby elevated, many tobacco companies put the sporting
celebrities on one side and photos with text about their
products on the reverse. This was the start of the modern day
trading cards. Meanwhile, Visiting Cards arrived in Europe
around the middle of the 1800′s.
Calling Cards arrived
Visiting Cards, or “Calling Cards” as they became known, were
essential to the 19th century middle classes. The initial
letters on personal Visiting “Calling Cards” denote French words:
p. f. – congratulations (pour feliciter) p. r. – expressing
one’s thanks (pour remercier) – even if one is presented with
flowers
p. c. – mourning expression (pour condolence) p. f. N. A – Happy
New Year (pour feliciter Nouvel An) p. p. c. – meaning to take
leave (pour prendre conge) p. p. – if you want to be introduced
to anybody, send your visiting card (pour presenter)
Soon, the Business card evolved from a fusion of traditional
trade cards and visiting cards. A distinction between “business”
and “visiting” cards quickly developed with the ornate Visiting
card serving social obligations only, whilst Business cards on
the other hand, were used solely for promoting business. It was
considered to be in very poor taste to use a Business card when
making a social call.
These days, the modern business card is used primarily for the
purpose of promoting a business, but it also serves as a calling
card.
First Salesman’s Business card
Whilst Visiting Cards were at first the domain of the upper
classes, and trade cards were made to advertise and promote
particular firms, the salesman who did the footwork calling on
prospective clients needed a means to exchange information in a
simple, concise manner. To fill this void the Business card was
introduced with address or telephone contact information in
fancy printing and graphics.
Today, the salesman’s Business card takes on many forms,
including custom die cut shapes and sizes, with glossy coatings
and top quality photo graphics.
Business Card Printers Turn to Plastic
Known for their durability, plastic business cards were
manufactured using a variety of plastic substrates, including
but not limited to: Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyester and
synthetic Papers.
20th century advances in printing technologies and synthetic
materials made it possible to print liquid inks onto plastics.
In addition to the wide range of commercial applications of this
technology.
Today in the 21st century the more adventurous entrepreneur
Business card printer has developed an array of sophisticated
products. These include Silk art board, single and double sided
Business cards, quality labels, complimentary slips, letterheads
for all industries in superior quality papers, and laminated
single and double sided Postcards for all occasions. All of
which can be designed on line and uploaded to your personal
computer. A boon to the busy firm requiring special needs.
For the rest of the world, the exchange of business cards has
become common even for social introductions. Even today, some
people still carry “personal” Business cards which contain only
personal contact information and have no relation to their
employer or business.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
What title should I choose on a business card?Please respond if you’re a business owner or upper management
Not to snub anyone, I would just prefer input from people with experience in choosing a business card title.
I just started on my first business venture, so I don't have a lot of knowledge in little things that they don’t mention in a business books.
I just opened an upscale children play and enrichment center. What title should I have on my business card(s)? I’m leaning toward “Founder.” Other options: Owner, Director, President…
Here are some basic stats to help in title selection: It’s a custom themed indoor playground/enrichment classes/birthday party facility. I have a total of 26 employees. High-end market appeal (fancy parent’s lounge, gallery of original art work for sale, etc.) Eventually my goal is to franchise.
Bonus question: How may cards to I need and for what use?
Thank you for your experience.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Founder give the impression that maybe you're not very involved.
Owner makes is sound less professional.
President denotes large corporation.
Director is the choice I would go with.
This, of course, is just my opinion as a professional.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Director, sounds professional and show active involvement in the business. I would get the least amount. You should have them on your desk for people you come into your office. Also you should carry them around with you all the time. ( I always have some in my card too!)
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
If your company is a sole proprietorship, I would use either "owner" or "proprietor". If it is incorporated, "President" or "director".
Start with 500 cards. If you run out too quickly, increase the order next time.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
For an upscale clientele in the service industry, I recommend Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President, or Founder. Business cards are useful in networking situations where you are meeting new clients, left by the register or desk of your center for drop in visitors, to industry tradeshows, or PTA meeting booths, etc. You can buy them in lots of 150-250-500 or more, for the average small business person, 250 is adequate to start, and if you order from those fast turnaround places you can get more when you need them anyway.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
As you'll be making the presentations yourself, I understand that the best thing is to be clear and honest. Founder is a good choice, but it might look strange for business-minded-only people who might require more explanations. You might consider to have two sets of cards depending on the destiny, the "formal business" one could read "Managing Director" or "CEO" but for Chief Entertainment Officer!
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Because of the educational arena I would go "Director" as well but you don't need a title at all. Not having a title gives you the ability to adapt to whoever you are talking to so that you appear on their level. You can start off running 10 or so on your computer and see how many you'll need. It is usually cheaper for 1,000 cards than for 500. Start with the minimum in case you have to make changes along the way to your contact information. All you need on the card is your name, address, phone, cell, email, web, or whatever method of contact you are seeking clients and/or students to reach you at.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Director is best – it implies total involvement on all levels and a person of authority,
start with 1000 cards – they can always be re-ordered, and it is a price break point with most companies that print them.
You should consider general business cards for the rest of your employee's….it's a great form of cheap advertising when they hand them out.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Director sounds the best I think. It says that you are more than just the owner, you are part of the business as well.
I would probably start out with 250-500 business cards. Make them available in several spots within your business, then drop a few off at other local businesses, schools, etc…
Make sure that you and your employees hand a business card out to customers when they check in or out, however you do it. And anytime they make a purchase. Its a great way to get the word out.
You might also have a seperate card for your Gallery, but I wouldn't have as many printed.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Your title should be one that shows that you take the responsibility for you place, but does not turn people off – makes you approachable, but adds trust. You're dealing mostly in an industry that caters to kids and their mothers. Founder is NOT a good title, owner is fine, if incorporated – president.
You need to have 1000 cards to start and have the best possible quality that you can get. Approachable is very good in your stage of business – pass them to every parent that comes through the door. Many may be interested in a franchise at some point.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I would use
Executive Director
Get 500 to start
use them to leave around corp offices and such with professionals seeking better upscale childcare
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
"Owner" would be for a sole proprietorship, "Founder" for a 501c3 non-profit, and "Director/President" would be for a corporation. However there isn't any rule on which you use or if you use something original (think of geek squad, they have special agent, double agent, etc). I would keep cards on your desk, send with sales letters, in your car, and in your purse/wallet. One important thing to keep in mind is that don't go handing them out unless people ask, ask for their card and they'll ask for yours. Put them on bulletin boards, leave one in public bathrooms next to the sink. Get creative! On the other side print off 200 or so with special discounts on the back, they're more likely to keep it around!
Best way to come up with a layout or/and test the design and impact is to get some business card paper from the store and print your own off! There's tons of software out for this.
Get color cards with the background being a picture of your facilities, not intrusive but transparent and fading.
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November 12th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I would go with Owner at this time. You'll be meeting a lot of parents while building your business and you want a friendlier title than President & CEO. Once you incorporate and franchise, you can change your title when you order new business cards.
The more cards you order, the cheaper they are. I order 1000 cards at a time. Make sure the cards are well-designed and easy to read. Avoid clutter – keep the information on the card basic. You'll want the name and address of the business, your name and title, phone #, fax #, and email address. If you have room, include a byline that gives a hint of what you do. For instance, if your business name is "Woolen Wonders", you might add the words, "Wool processing, carding, and spinning".
Your cards are the cheapest form of advertising you can use, so be generous in handing them out. Otherwise, they do you no good. Pass them out to everyone you talk to and ask people to tell others about your business. Word of mouth is the most effective means of gaining business.
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