Holder of Cards

This weeks' item came to me as a special surprise during my attendance at a networking event. A friend of mine just started out on her own to create what she has named: The Hispanic Network. I would say that there were almost 100 people at her launching event. And what an event it was! The networking was easy and the food was excellent. Maria really knows how to throw a networking event. She will be hosting more and more events in the future, so get involved.

What about the promotion? The faux-leather business card holder is actually the perfect promotion for a networking event. It is something that people are going to use if they are networkers. Hey, I actually saw some people using it at the event. This was a useful promotion.

The holder itself is ok. It's a little thin for my taste, it can only comfortably hold about 5 or 6 cards in either pocket. The imprint seems to be a little sloppy. If you look closely at the pictures, you can see that the tag line; "Bridging the Hispanic Market and the World", is smudged in places. But, for something that you would pull out quickly at a networking event, the holder can look really nice (as long as it's only a fleeting glance). So this promotion serves as a reminder of The Hispanic Network LLC more so than an advertising piece. I don't think a person at a networking event would ever, by choice, show off a cheap-looking card holder. But as long as they use it, it will remind them to invite people to Maria's The Hispanic Network.

Business Card Innovation

You may have read my last post about business cards. It touches on the formalities that surround business cards and Japanese Culture. That is all fine and good, but what about our free-spirited ways here in the USA?

I was pondering this when I stumbled into this quaint little shop in SoHo called Scrap Yard Inc.. This shop was really cool and the owners were likable and friendly. I didn't want to forget the place so i asked for a business card on my way out. This is what i was handed:

The clever owners of this store got a rubber stamp and some "hello my name is" stickers and created an inexpensive Business Card that is very memorable. I really like what they did here.

Something like this is functional in a off-the-beaten-path retail store. However, I'm not really sure that it would work in the Business to Business world. But who knows, maybe I should get a rubber stamp made and try it out!

Card Holders Can Make an Impression

I love receiving promotional products, I mean, doesn't everyone? Not only because it gives me something to write about in my blog, but because when they are effective, I can find a way to fit them into my life. And when they are not effective I get to pick apart the faults and decide how they could have been done better.

I attended a CBS event recently and received a really nice leather business card holder:


You can see that the leather was debossed (just like embossing only backwards so the words or image is below the surface instead of above it) with the CBS logo. What you can not see, is the line of text below it. Debossing leather with type that is too small can clutter the space and make your message hard to read.

I compare it with the business card holder that I use currently:

My card holder is a little smaller, made of tin, and is silk-screened. I tend to prefer it because it is less bulky, lighter, and I'm also a huge fan of the art. We have both kinds of holders, and card holders make a really nice gift.

If anyone can tell me where the art on my case is from, you will get a prize and instantly earn my friendship! Leave a comment!

The Business of cards

We are promotional product guru's here at United. But we have humble beginnings and understand the importance of the things that many take for granted. For example, the business card.

Before the internet, your card, not your website, was your sole representation to your prospective clients when you were not directly face to face with them. People see your card and associate your personality and your business with it. It is unavoidable.

It is because of this that the Japanese have a strict regimen and custom detailing the proper way to exchange business cards with someone. It is not only the Japanese , the presence of instructional videos about how to properly exchange cards tells me that others still recognize the importance of this tiny rectangular piece of paper.


(In Japan, use both hands when exchanging)

Brand integrity is huge. No one wants a sales rep in Cali with a different card than your sales rep in NY. That could mean a fight when they meet at the convention in Baltimore. So here at United, we offer our expertise in retaining your brand integrity, getting the best possible card for your money, and avoiding embarrassing confrontations when someone has seen your logo in 2 different colors or styles.

Call up and ask for a demo and we will show you how our internet business card (and stationery) solution works, and how you can retain even international brand integrity. Excellent customer service? free of charge.