Comments on: From Playing Card to Business Card

By: majormomma

majormomma — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:42:59 +0000

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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By: Rockerrock

Rockerrock — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:40:59 +0000

"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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By: CEO of Sovereign Consolidated

CEO of Sovereign Consolidated — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:38:59 +0000

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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By: walkinandrockin

walkinandrockin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:36:59 +0000

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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By: Wendy C

Wendy C — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:34:59 +0000

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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By: spaznskitz

spaznskitz — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:32:59 +0000

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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By: RAY

RAY — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:30:59 +0000

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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By: gpelleje04

gpelleje04 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:28:59 +0000

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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By: Dawn M

Dawn M — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:26:59 +0000

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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By: Brian G

Brian G — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:24:59 +0000

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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