If you’re designing your own business cards for the very first time, congratulations on bringing your venture this far! Most people will never know the joys and stresses of having their own business. And believe it or not, designing your business card is a significant step in the process of growing a successful operation.

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and business cards play a crucial role in introducing your brand to potential clients. Are you scribbling your name and phone number on the back of your old cards because you haven’t made it a priority to design new ones yet?

 It’s important to remember, there will be many times in your business life — such as at shows and conventions, in airports or restaurants, during chance meetings in elevators or just walking down the street — when the only opportunity you’ll have to make a connection is with the proverbial handshake, a smile, and a business card. Will you be ready when that situation arises? Business cards are important and offer you the opportunity to connect on a personal level in an often impersonal world. Here are eight mistakes to avoid in the process of creating your first business card.

1. Don’t Drag Out Your Design Process
   The good news is you’re designing new business cards. The bad news is now you need a logo. Yes, your logo should represent your brand. And yes, it would be fantastic if it turns out to be the greatest logo of all time. Yet, don’t get tied up in months of logo development. Something is better than nothing, and a card in hand is worth two (or 20) in the graphic designer’s studio. If your logo creation is taking a long time, print acceptable temporary ones so you have cards now — because you never know who you might meet.

1. Don’t Try to Save Money on Your Cards
   You will face many choices in starting your business, and financial concerns will dictate many of the decisions you make. But don’t cheap out on your business cards. It just doesn’t make sense to cut corners on your cards. Choose the high-gloss, matte, or soft-touch coating options. Go for the foil stamping or engraving if it strikes your fancy. In other words, create business cards that make you proud and are a cut above the rest. This is a key way to get noticed and differentiate yourself from your competition.
   
   
2. Don’t Overstate Your Title or Position
   A little humility goes a long way, especially if you are just starting out. If you’re a one-man or one-woman operation, and you put CEO and Founder as the title under your name, you may be turning some people off. Let’s face it, you’re not a multi-national Fortune 500 firm, and people probably know that. Trying to make yourself seem bigger than you are will usually lead to disappointment on the part of your clients once they find out the true size of your operation. 
   
   
3. Don’t Make Them Difficult to Read
   The number of business cards printed each year that contain information that is barely readable or flat out illegible is truly astounding. Remember, your first order of business is to provide useful information to your prospective clients so they can call you back! Black type on dark gray paper? Not a good idea. Intricate fonts that are difficult to read? Just say no. Make sure your name, address, phone number, and email address are prominently displayed and easy to read.
   
   
4. Avoid Overuse of Highly Decorative Fonts
   Certain fonts, such as Olde English or Nuptial Script are beautiful to look at and may be appropriate for your theme or logo, but oftentimes they can be overkill if used for all the information on your cards. If your logo utilizes a highly decorative font, choose a plain font for the contact info.
   
   
5. Don’t Overdo It
   Have you ever seen business cards that try to cram way too much information on the front and back, listing an endless number of services and functions provided by the company? Put only the necessary information on your cards and try to limit slogans and catchphrases to only the essentials. In other words, your business card is not a brochure!
   
   
6. Don’t Forget to Proof Your Design before Printing
   You’re nearly there. You have received the proof of your design, and everything looks great so you think. Very carefully read each line and check for errors or misprints. Then give it to someone else to proof, as well. It’s often a fresh pair of eyes that catches a transposed number or misspelling.
   
   
7. Don’t Choose an Unproven Print Provider

Have you ever been handed a business card that was printed on perforated cardstock from the local office supply store? This may be cute for an industrious 13-year old who is establishing her babysitting business, but it just doesn’t fly for an adult entrepreneur. Take the time to partner with a quality marketing solutions provider that has a track record of success helping businesses just like yours.

Despite the reality that we all live in a digital world dominated by emails, mobile apps, and text messages, business cards remain a tangible representation of your company. By having a card that communicates your brand and professionalism, you have a valuable asset that you can present each and every day.