Too many people don't put enough thought into their business cards.  When they need new business cards, they simply choose a generic design, enter their basic information, and complete their order.  Although they don't realize it, people who take this approach to ordering a new set of business cards are missing out on a great opportunity.

What people forget all too often is business cards are more than a piece of paper with a name.  A business card is your opportunity to express who you are to others.  When you hand someone a business card, your card shouldn't simply say "this is how to get in touch with me."  Instead, your business card should say "this is who I am, and this is why you should take notice."  While a great business card can be a very effective way to sell yourself to others, many people miss this opportunity by settling for a business card that is not great.  If you want to be someone who does take advantage of this opportunity, you need a great business card that shows what makes you unique.

Commonly, when people think of unique business cards, they think of ridiculous or tacky examples that they have been handed in the past.  While outrageous business cards will make an impression, it's usually not the type of impression that you want to make.  It's important to remember that while a great business card shows what makes you unique, it doesn't resort to gimmicks.  Just as it's possible for an auto dealership to sell cars without resorting to blaring commercials or outlandish promotions, it's possible to effectively sell yourself with a great business card, without compromising your dignity.

So, what's the key to creating a great business card that is effective but not classless?  The key is you.  You need to identify what makes you special.  You have to ask yourself why others should remember who you are, and what you have to offer.  There are six billion other people on this planet, so you have to look inside and figure out what sets you apart.

Once you have identified the special trait that makes you who you are, you can use a business card to communicate this to others.  This is why a great business card doesn't have to resort to cheap tactics to be memorable.  It's telling others what you truly believe in about yourself.

Because you are going to use your business card to convey a message to others that is actually worthwhile, when it comes to the actual design of your business card, remember that less really is more.  While it's easy to add feature after feature to your business card, this can distract from the core message you want to communicate.  Instead of trying to incorporate every possible element or feature into the design of your business card, go for quality instead of quantity.

By putting real thought into its design, you will be able to create a great business card that ensures the people you hand it to will always remember who you are.