Between summer activities and work, I haven’t had a lot of time to devote to business accoutrements, but after my last post I did buy a domain name, and design a preliminary business card. While perusing the internet I found some… unusual business cards. There were cards made of steel, chocolate, or leather. Cards that were die cuts, door hangers, and sculptures. Other cards had “colorful” profiles, bible verses, cartoons, or family photos printed on the backs. Some cards at had titles like: Director of Donut Freshness, Illustration Rock Star, Conversation Agent.

Some of the means and materials are borderline tacky, although I guess if you’re a leather worker, a card made out of leather might be considered clever. But the content? I don’t know if I’m just old and un-hip, or what, but those ideas make me cringe. I get that the aim is to be memorable, while living inside a wallet like George Constanza’s, but it’s gimmicky. I think my objection to that kind of content is that, to me, it seems presumptuous. It comes off as trying to be a little too chummy with the recipient of the card. (It’s the equivalent of wearing flip-flops in the office.) Do you agree, or has my “hipness date” expired?

Now, while I’m not putting “Graphic Ninja” on my title line, or a mojito recipe on the back, I also don’t want my business card to be the same as every other schmo. The design should be clean and eye catching. High contrast colors, a photo, or vertical layout can all make your card stand out, without shouting “used-car salesman” (the use of finger guns and winking while distributing your card is also discouraged).

I found some beautiful cards at Fave Up (it’s flash, so I couldn’t link directly– the business card tab is second from the left). There’s also this post on making your business card unforgettable (although the guy’s web page looks like crap, so naturally I take what he says with a grain of salt). Capture Card puts peel-off labels on the back of your card. Magnetic cards are on the line between useful and cheesy, but I have to admit my inner 8 year old likes them.

Maybe when I finish my business card I’ll upload a picture of it. At this point I’m not giving myself a title, but maybe when my business is well established, I’ll call myself Solver of Graphic Conundrums. Or not. If you were going to give yourself an original title, how would you describe what you do?

This morning I dropped a note in the mail, thanking a client for hiring me. Okay, I’m a little late, since I’m mid-way through the job, but better late than never. Even though email has all but replaced paper mail, a hand written thank-you card is an important business tool. Need more convincing? Here are 5 good reasons to send a thank-you note.

It’ll make everyone happy- Thankfulness is a transforming quality. It can morph my mindset from shriveled curmudgeon, to a lighthearted …er, um… thankful person, in no time flat. Take a look at that last sentence; I can think of 10 synonyms for someone who complains, but how many names do we have for someone who’s thankful? I can’t think of any off hand, except those that are usually used with a little sarcasm, like Pollyanna. Language tells you a lot about a people, what does that say about us? Sorry, I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent, but I think that’s interesting. In any case, a thank-you card can lift the mood of the receiver and the sender.

It might keep them coming back- Sometimes it’s the little things that will get you repeat work. Special attention to detail, going the extra mile, and the personal touch will go a long way toward winning clients. A thank-you note does all three.

It’s quick- It only takes a couple of minutes write a thank-you note. If a note card seems too intimidating, even a post card will suffice for the graphophobic. 3 or 4 sentences, and voila, it’s finished.

It’s cheaper than a two-martini lunch- Thank-you cards are a very economical way to connect with clients. Yes, you can go the expensive route. Elum, Jack and Lulu, and Egg Press all make unique thank-you cards, if you want to spend the money. Better yet, Vickery has a wide selection of reasonably priced cards that are made from recycled paper. Though not as earth-friendly, you can buy cute, inexpensive cards at Target. Michaels is another store that always has great cards for $1.00 (full disclosure: I work there). Please, whatever you do, don’t buy a mega-box of greeting cards at an office supply store. 1) They’re ugly. 2) They’re printed on low quality paper. Is that how you want your client to remember you?

It’s fun- Sometimes it’s difficult to find creative outlets in your job, unless you work in a creative field. Thank you notes are a great way to nurture your creative side. Take a walk through your local craft store and you’ll find oodles of stickers, papers, and stamps you can really have fun with. I think that as long as you send something that looks good, you can stretch the boundaries of what’s deemed “professional” in a thank-you card. Even if you’re not creative, you can still send a creative card. Sites like Etsy, and Moo will add a personal touch, without requiring any talent on your part.

Thank-you cards can be sent after an interview, after a job, as a “nice to meet you,” or for a job well done. They can be sent to co-workers, assistants, and bosses alike. Heck, why not leave one for the building-maintenance crew? (A good maintenance guy is worth his weight in gold.) Think of a time when you received an unexpected thank-you card, and what a good feeling it was. It’s cheaper than a latte, and the buzz will last longer.