Monday, April 30, 2012

Social media has changed the way many people connect with their customers, clients, colleagues and employers and their business cards may need to include additional information – such as their addresses for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or their blog.

"Since business cards tell people what you do and provide a way for them to contact you, each person has to decide how much to include, and how to do so without overloading their card," according to business communications and etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of numerous books, including GREET! EAT! TWEET!

To help you make a decision, Pachter suggests that you ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. Have I included the necessary information? Think about the majority of your potential clients and customers, and include on the card the information they will need. This usually means your name, your title, company name/logo, address, phone number, and email and web addresses.

2. What can I eliminate? Is the information on the card easy to read? Make sure your card is visually appealing. Can you eliminate your fax number? Do you need both your business and cell phone numbers? If you have a lot to include, use the back for the less-essential information.

3. Which social media addresses do I use for business? Include the social media addresses that help you stay in contact with your customers, clients, etc. If adding all your new links overwhelms the card, place them on the back. When you hand your card to someone, you can point this out by saying, "If you want to connect with me by social media, my addresses are on the back"

4. Should I include a quick response (QR) code? These are bar codes that can be scanned by Smartphones to provide a link to your websites or LinkedIn profile. This suggestion was discussed in an article for job seekers on CareerBuilder.com. If you include a QR code, place it on the back of the card.

5. Is a photograph necessary? Most corporate cards do not include photographs, but you may want to include a photograph if you use your card for marketing purposes. Speakers will often have photographs of themselves on their cards.Barbara Pachter is a speaker, coach and author of numerous business books, including The Power of Positive Confrontation and When the Little Things Count.

She specializes in business etiquette and communication for companies worldwide. Her client list features major organizations, including Microsoft, Pfizer, Chrysler, Cisco and Genentech.

For a review copy of GREET! EAT! TWEET! 52 Business Etiquette Postings To Avoid Pitfalls & Boost Your Career, contact: Joyce Hoff, 856.751.6141, or joyce@pachter.com.

For a free copy of Pachter's communication e-newsletter, "Competitive Edge," your readers can call (856) 751-6141 (NJ) or go to www.pachter.com.

Barbara Pachter

President

Pachter and Associates

Cherry Hill, NJ

856-751-6141