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.