September 2nd, 2010 Do you recommend first names only on business cards?
I’ve just been discussing the use of informal business cards.
Now, when I say informal, I mean using your first name only and having an overall more approachable rather than corporate design/wording.
This will be for a designer whom worked for a design agency. The way the person wants to portray their working style is laid back and with simplicity.
What are your thoughts – do you think it’s a necessity or better to have ‘Firstname Lastname MA – CEO’ etc or would a simple ‘Barry – Owner’ or ‘Jenny – Owner’ make you feel more inclined to call and have an informal conversation.
Please think outside the box – I know a few people will be thinking ‘what difference does it make’ but others, and those who work in copywriting, the design field or creative fields please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Use your full name and title. Using a commonly used nickname is OK, Dave instead of David if that’s how you’re commonly known, but ALWAYS include your last name.
Adding "alphabet soup" is fine if it’s relevant to what you are doing but keep it to the highest relevant degree held. Nothing makes you look self-absorbed more than listing every degree (or worse, certifications) after your name.
In business, always err towards the conservative side.
If you’re going to be calling on a customer where a "hip" or "outside the box" persona is important, have a limited run of cards made up for that engagement if you think that it will be important. But for daily use, stick with the proven conservative formula of first name and last name, company logo, and contact information.
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on September 3rd, 2010 at 01:21
You’re not a waiter, you’re a professional selling a valuable service.
So, use the last name. If you go by a nickname, that’s fine, but also use the last name.
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on September 3rd, 2010 at 01:56
Definitely full name. A first name only on a business card? No, that is weird and I would not call that person at all. I would consider it unprofessional.
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on September 3rd, 2010 at 02:02
I would recommend giving your surname, giving your first name only comes across as secretive. Also people writing out cheques to your company may often need to refer to your business card for your full name.
References :
partner owns a business
on September 3rd, 2010 at 02:24
This depends on your target audience.
As a designer working for a design agency, you will be working with many larger, more professional type companies where the last name would be expected.
On the other hand, if you had a personal service company like massage therapy, a first name would make you more friendly and approachable.
Unless your name is unique, you also might run the risk of the company hiring another "Bob". Without last names how will they know which Bob to direct the call to?
Garland Coulson, "The EBusiness Tutor"
http://EBusinessTutor.com
References :
on September 3rd, 2010 at 02:45
Use your full name and title. Using a commonly used nickname is OK, Dave instead of David if that’s how you’re commonly known, but ALWAYS include your last name.
Adding "alphabet soup" is fine if it’s relevant to what you are doing but keep it to the highest relevant degree held. Nothing makes you look self-absorbed more than listing every degree (or worse, certifications) after your name.
In business, always err towards the conservative side.
If you’re going to be calling on a customer where a "hip" or "outside the box" persona is important, have a limited run of cards made up for that engagement if you think that it will be important. But for daily use, stick with the proven conservative formula of first name and last name, company logo, and contact information.
References :
on September 3rd, 2010 at 03:32
Unless you are "known" for your first name, like "Oprah," "Paris" or even, "Meatloaf," I would use your full name. It’s more formal, and it adds a little class to the business card.
The Franchise King®
Joel Libava
References :
on September 3rd, 2010 at 03:42
You’ve suggested that it is for informal use, rather than ‘serious business’ – but I’d suggest perhaps having the first or nick name on a line in a slightly larger font, then put the first and last name on the next line. That suggests to the recipient that the first or nickname is to be used in conversation and correspondence, and identifies ‘Jim’ as James Jones. That way Jim is not misidentified for Jim Smith.
As far as the titles and degrees and all – if they are what create your identity, the things that give you credibility in your industry, then include them, otherwise leave them off in an informal, social context as you’ve described.
References :
I’ve been in business for 45 years.
on September 3rd, 2010 at 04:25
I’m a graphic designer and can understand where you’re coming from. Although using only a first name sounds casual, I feel it’s also unprofessional. When I think of a first name only on a business card, I think of a college student just starting out, or someone that has something to hide. If he’s laid back and casual, let the design of the card showcase his personality, instead of the wording.
References :
reducedprinting.com
on September 3rd, 2010 at 04:37
You need to have the last name on the card for all the reasons listed in the other answers but skip "Owner", "CEO", etc. This is where you can get creative – "Designer-in-chief" , "Graphics Guru", (you get the idea). The logo will be important especially if you want to give a simple and laid back impression.
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on September 3rd, 2010 at 05:23
I’ve never heard of anyone using a first name only on a business card! It sounds very unprofessional to me, and I wouldn’t look twice at it! If your business is good then put your name to it – you only need to hide your name if you’re too embarrassed to be linked to the business.
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on September 10th, 2010 at 04:31
this is right?????????????????