7 Attorney Business Cards Rules
INTRODUCTION
Business cards are an essential marketing tool and an identification mark. It is usually exchanged informal meetings or with clients. This is used to give references and also share the contact details. They are a part of the formal introduction exchanged between people.
The advertising restrictions might always be in your mind while preparing a business card. So, compliance, while designing a business card is important. Business cards are offering growing connections and networks and also creates an impression. In this article 7 most crucial rules which need to be followed will be discussed in this article.
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WHY BUSINESS CARDS?
One may wonder, in the era of technology, why using a business card is relevant? There may be valid reasons for this like not everyone uses technology, technology can backstab at times like you lose the contact details, the phone gets formatted, etc. other reasons might be a preference of the traditional methods, effective marketing, and networking tool. You may not have thousands of them as earlier, but you still exchange the same as not everyone can connect you through LinkedIn or your email id.
EFFECTIVE BUSINESS CARD FOR LAWYERS: THE RULE BOOK
Rule 1: Represent your name and the name of law firm; Address and virtual existence
Who are you? This is the primary question that is answered by a business card. So clearly put your name and the organization for which you work or the organization you are representing. This information should be truthful and must not be creating false facts or mislead clients. The identity should be clear and not misleading. Some states allow some liberty with respect to the first name, surname as long as it refers to only that person to which the business card belongs.
Where to find you? It is important to write where will you be available at. The address is usually written at the backside of the business card or after providing contact information. Details of virtual existence, i.e. details of the website must be mentioned so that people know where to read about you and your firm.
Rule 2: Mention the area of operation
What do you work upon? The area of operation means with what aspect of law are you currently dealing with. Like M&A, or taxation, etc. This will clear out your position, and also people know your area of expertise or what is your current nature of work. This will give clarity of jurisdiction. For example, “Senior Advocate of Supreme court, India,” “registered with the bar council,” “Advocate on record” is allowed. However, statements like “top attorney For constitution law” are not allowed to be put in business cards.
Rule 3: Include the company logo and contact information
Who do you work for? It is very important to include the logo of your organization because pictures create an impression and are easier to remember. Contact information is the most important thing as that is the very purpose of exchanging a business card as it creates ease of communication. If the company has any slogan or tagline, it is permissible to include the same in the business card.
Rule 4: White space and simple font
As this is a piece of art and includes designing, but the purpose of it should not be forgotten and thus going simple than funky or cool helps to understand that professionalism and professional ethics are yet intact. Any business card you have a look upon has a lot of white space because it helps to focus on the matter which is of actual importance. The design should be based upon the audience for which you are designing. So, a lawyer needs to have a simple, elegantly designed business card.
It is not necessary to use only white colors. The color used and the color of the font should be in contrast for easy readability. You can also use a visually appealing background.
Rule 5: Avoid full coverage of the space
Covering up the entire space will make things look hazy and not legible for reading. So, make sure some space is left blank intentionally. Do not include too many designs because then it does not look like a business card but rather a greeting card.
Rule 6: Do not keep the backside of the card empty
It is usually not advised to keep the backside of the card blank. If you are running out of content, then it may include some value that the firm/company believes or the areas of expertise of the law firm.
Rule 7: Do not use the superlative degree to brand your ownself
Superlative degrees like “best,” “top-most” should be avoided. Because it sounds self-certified and must often be avoided. However, if you have been awarded such a title from the organization or any award ceremony, then you are free to maintain with entire details. But not incomplete statements like “best lawyer in corporate law,” it should be
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CONCLUSION
There is no hard and fast rule while coming to the formation or designing of the business card. The rules mentioned above are for the effective solving of the purpose for which a business card is made. However, the things to avoid like using superlative words must be followed.