Would you consider doing business with somebody who could not even afford a decent business card? Or would you consider buying from an establishment who could not even have their brochure printed on a quality paper? Or would you even bother reading a proposal written on a plain sheet because the sender do not have a business stationary?Sounds trivial and basic huh. Honestly, these trivialities can actually ruin your image if continued to be overlooked.
I was fortunate to work in a Japanese company that manufactures and supplies auto parts for Toyota. Working there as a young Administration and HRM Manager, I learned some of the basic yet important elements of conducting business, the Japanese way. One of which, is the value of a good business card. According to my Japanese CEO, the card does not only represent the person whose name is imprinted therein, but of the company he or she represents. No wonder, unlike us in the western world, they would hand in their card holding it in both hands while bowing. And they will not tuck away immediately the card they received but would politely go over with it for a few seconds.
What’s out take as small business owners? Invest on small business printing of your business cards, brochures, business stationeries and envelops. Have them professionally designed with a good logo that captures what your business stands for. These maybe too basic or trivial, believe me, they project your small business' image or brand, and surely you want to be represented well.
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About the Author
Nor Franco is the Managing Director and Virtual CEO of nextManager.net. He's a former corporate executive whose passion is bringing out the full potential of HR in Businesses. This time that passion is pursued through Virtual Management. He writes and blogs about his management views and insights here. Follow him on Twitter.
