Business cards simplify and speed up the establishment of contacts - not only for business, but also private use. "Do you have a card", is the usual question - and in an instant, the most important contact information is exchanged. And best of all: business cards can be slipped into your pocket, displayed on your desk, or stuck to the mirror.

The stationery a company uses can say a lot. Good quality printed materials create a solid image to potential customers and reassure them of the financial stability of any firm they are considering doing business with. Apart from the grade of paper used on which to print cards, letterheads and promotional leaflets, the design is equally important when trying to make a good impression. Some companies are tempted to go over the top, using many colours and producing publications that lack style and might even convince their clients that they have too much money to throw around, so it is important to strike the right balance.

Whether your clients keep them in a wallet, place them in a business card holder, or stick them in a desk drawer for later use is not important. The point is they do keep them. If they are a uniquely designed item with a good piece of art the, likelihood of them keeping them goes up. If they are placed in a track in their place of business with other business cards, the design of your card may help it stick out from the crowd as well. Pay attention to the quality of printed cards, like the paper of your cards.

You can create and print your business cards online. There are many different card stocks available to print your business cards on. The industry you are in can play a part in deciding which is right. For example, if you are in a service industry a thicker card stock with a UV coating may be great. If you are an attorney however, a more traditional card stock would be more appropriate. With the design portion of your business cards, remember what their purpose is. This is not a brochure, so don't try to use it as one. When someone reads a business card they want to know what your business does, who you are, and how to get hold of you. If you have a multitude of services you offer that is great, but this is not the medium to display those on. Keep it simple, clear, precise, and effective.