Facing Up To Photo's on Business Cards
Copyright 2006 Jeremy Duboys
We live in an image obsessed society today, so the question of
whether to put your personal image onto your business card, is a
tricky one, and one which should be given great consideration
before having business cards produced. A photograph is supposed
to be worth a thousand words, but are they the words you want
associated with your business?
There are undoubtedly many benefits to having a business card
with your photograph on the front. However, if, for example, you
are marketing your services or products from the hip, young
angle, and your image shows you are a late middle aged balding
fat businessman, this could affect your credibility, and even
put some prospective clients off.
Another question to face is that not everybody photographs well.
Does this matter? It does if your image is an integral part of
your business. If you are a catwalk model, and your image
portrays you as anything less than immaculate, then it could
influence your business in a negative way.
Conversely, if you are a service provider where building a
business relationship based on trust and confidentiality is
vital, it is important to put a natural, friendly but
professional image of yourself on your card. A prime example of
a profession where this would be very beneficial is real estate
brokers. Very rarely do real estate business cards not have a
picture of the broker on them. This is one aspect of marketing
where it would be foolish to compromise for the sake of budget
considerations. Even if you have a photograph where you think
you look particularly good, get some done professionally. It
will pay back ten times the cost in the long run.
Whatever your business - from selling cutting edge technology to
designing websites, having your face on your card will ensure
that you are recognised and recognisable. It also means that
your card is less likely to be thrown away and more likely to be
remembered. If you follow up in person, after giving your
business card, the prospective client will have less difficulty
in putting a face to the name, as your card will (hopefully)
have been in his wallet for a month or so. If your first name
can be used for both males and females (like Charlie for
example), then a photograph on your business card will help with
identification, when you eventually meet your prospective client.
The downside to having your photograph on your business cards
are tiny, when compared to the benefits. The main drawback is
that they may be expensive to produce, although if you spend a
little time searching, you can still find very inexpensive full
color business cards. The main drawback is that you will have to
stump up for the cost of getting professional quality pictures.
Bear in mind that photographs can date you, and also outdate
you. If you change your appearance substantially then it may be
better to get new cards printed.
Face it, if you do want photographs on your business cards, and
there are many advantages if you do, then this is one marketing
strategy where cutting corners can mean cutting your business
opportunities. This is one situation when the right photograph
really can be worth a thousand words, but make sure they are the
words you want associated with your business.