Functional Business Cards for the Hands-on Consumer

What is the first thing you do when someone hands you a business card? Look at it, of course—and then stick in your pocket/wallet/purse. If it is something you are really interested in you might fish it back out and put it in a place of honor on your refrigerator, or give it a front row pocket in your wallet where all the “things used often” are kept. But, more often than not, the poor business card gets forgotten or lost soon after it is received.

We all know what a critical and inexpensive little marketing tool the business card is. In fact, almost anyone with a business has business cards. So the question becomes, how can you create a memorable business card that the recipient will use again and again? Here are some creative ideas from fellow entrepeneurs who took the common business card and turned it into something a whole lot more…


Combination Business Card and Drawing Template (source)

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These fluorescent acrylic business cards were designed by an organic chemistry tutor who needed a fresh idea to both generate business and leave a lasting impression. He soon realized that one of his most common teaching tools would make the perfect marketing tool. His creation serves the function of a traditional business card, while giving the student a template for drawing diagrams that reveal the “arrangement of substituents on a saturated 6-membered molecular ring” (source). As an added bonus, the colorful glow-in-dark feature makes it useful day or night.

 

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This Italian fashion and art photographer uses his stately black and white business card as a stenciled signature on his original photos. When he hands you his card he is, in essence, handing out his signature.

 

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When this Japanese model-kit company hands out a business card, they are giving potential customers a little taste of what they have to offer. This is no ordinary card, it is actually a miniature model kit that, when taken apart, can be snapped together to create a Formula One car, a fighter-plane, or a warship. Its lack of color is made up for in its potential for giving customers a fun experience.


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This shiny metallic pop-up business card will look cute on your desk, while serving as an easy reference tool as needed.

 

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 Another metal business card, but with its own bag of tricks—a fully functioning set of lock-picking tools!

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If you’re a beautician, giving your customers something to brag about is a great way to generate new business. Aside from a great new hair style, what could be more “talked about” than a business card that you can actually wear in your hair? Its simple color scheme adds emphasis to its usability.

 

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The bright, yet simple two-toned color scheme (and stretchy features) draws your attention to a card that is not necessarily as useful as it is memorable. If you are a plastic surgeon, this is card is sure to get the word out.

 

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This cheerful orange business card can also be used as a shoe horn.

 

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This “green” business card will definitly find a place on a desk, rather than in a drawer. By following the simple instructions on the back it sprouts alfalfa!

 

Encouraging potential customers to keep your business card close at hand can be a challenge. But, the reward for your efforts could make all the difference, especially for a small business with a lot of growing potential. While some of these business cards may be a bit lacking in color, here’s to hoping they colored your imagination: What ideas do you have for making business cards more usable?

 

Robyn Sutherland is a freelance writer and editor from the green mountains of Oregon. She graduated from Southern Oregon University in 2005 with a B.A. in English and Writing. Her colourful life is filled with romps in the park, crazy vacations, and funny everyday adventures with her loving husband and two energetic little boys.