by Bethany Jett, @BetJett

Last week we talked about getting organized before the writers conference. Today we’re deep-diving into business cards, perhaps one of the most essential items for networking. Let’s break down the essential components for your business card.

1. Your name

While this is an obvious requirement, make your name prominent and don’t use some crazy font. The mistake I made with my last business cards was choosing a font that made the double “T” at the end of my name kinda look like two “F’s.” Since my name isn’t Bethany JeFF, that could be a problem for someone who picks up my card and searches for me on social.

You can add a tagline if you want, as well as what genre you write. This is helpful when someone’s trying to remember the brown-haired girl who writes historical fiction, but there are two women with the similar names and facial features.

2. Photo

This. Is. Critical. How many times have you seen someone and thought, “Ahh! I know her but I just can’t think of her name!”

Here’s a scenario:

It’s dinner time during the conference and you’re sitting with a bunch of strangers. To break the ice, someone pulls out the business cards, giving everyone an excuse to grab theirs. After introductions are made, you want to talk to the person across the the table, but you can’t remember his name, and the lanyard is so long, it’s hiding under the table. Thankfully, his photo is on his business card, which allows you to subtly flip through the cards and start the conversation.

Everyone’s faces will blur together once you’re home, so make sure your headshot is clear, recognizable, and up-to-date.

3. Contact Info (This includes your social media!)

In my experience, I collect business cards like candy at conferences—mostly so I can sit down with my laptop at the end of the day and find everyone on social media. One year, I did input some of the data (like email) into my contacts, but my primary goal was to connect through social media so we could easily interact.

Having your primary social media usernames on your card is a great use of your business card real estate. It’s wise to spell out your usernames so people don’t waste time looking for you. For example, you won’t find me on Twitter under @BethanyJett because my username is @BetJett. If you’re too hard to find, people may give up looking for you.

Also, don’t put all of your social accounts on your card. Facebook is the obvious smart choice, but if you also spend a lot time on Twitter, use that, too. Instagram-ing every day? Add it. Just make it clear what how people find you on those platforms.

[*Update: Your website should definitely be on your business cards. Social media is fantastic, but the only “space” you own is your website, so be sure to include it!]

The Fun Stuff

You can add your books to your business cards if you wish, as well as information regarding a side business that’s pertinent to the writing community. Are you a proofreader? Copyeditor? Do you have a stock-photo business? Done well, you can use your card to tell a story beyond your middle-grade speculative fiction writing.

The Glossy vs Matte debate doesn’t sound difficult until you’re staring at the upgrade price. As a rule of thumb, glossy sides can make your headshot look great and leaving the back a matte makes it easy for someone to write information on the back.

Vistaprint.com is a great site to create and purchase your business cards for relatively little money.

What can I leave off my cards? 

You don’t need your phone number or your address. In fact, unless you’re running a brick-and-mortar store, your location isn’t crucial. If someone wants to get in touch with you, they’ll email you.

Additionally, the chances of someone calling you are pretty slim. There’s something to be said for the personal touch of a phone call, but in my experience in this industry, when someone wants to go to the “phone level” of business with you, you’ve already exchanged a few emails first and that person specifically requested a call.

What do I do with all the business cards I collect? 

During the conference, I stick those puppies into my lanyard behind my name ID. It’s super quick, I don’t lose it, and I can stay focused on the person with whom I’m talking. Each evening, the cards are transferred to whatever business bag I’m using to be gone through at a later time.

At the end of the day, your goal with your card is to have the recipient add you to to their social networks and perhaps save your email address. If the business card accomplishes that next connection, it’s a win in my book.

Want feedback on your business cards before buying?

Feel free to share some mock-ups in our Facebook group—you’ll get some great feedback from our helpful community. If I’d done this, I wouldn’t be throwing away 500 Bethany “Jeff” cards!

[reminder]What do you like to include on your business card?[/reminder]

Bethany Jett is the award-winning author, entrepreneur, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and marketing company. She is working on her Masters degree in Marketing.

Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant CEO life at BethanyJett.com.

Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.