Here are a few quick ways to professionalize your image—taking it from the top.
Start with a logo. Make your logo to work across all media (printed and digital). Update it if needed. Drawn is better than a picture. Keep it clean. A logo is a quick way for people to recognize you. It is abbreviated. Not too detailed. Ex: Camp Verde town logo. Be sure to use copyright free art. If you have someone make your logo, be sure it is large enough to use on a banner (at least 10” x 16” @ 300 resolution). Otherwise, it will pixelate when it is blown up for use on large-scale presentations.
Business Cards. When you introduce yourself, hand them a business card. It will help to solidify and connect your face with your business. Some people know how to make a digital business card and can readily email it to people. If you have this capability (and your clientele are the type who would rather look at their cell phone than a paper card, then go for it). Otherwise, Avery is a good software for making your own business cards and the cardstock available at Sam’s Club is a good weight for printing. Hand crank Business Card Cutters are a good buy at around $60. They cut clean and straight.
A word about business cards: Vista print will make a thousand for a small amount of money…but if you do not need 1000, then don’t order that many. What matters most is that the information on the card is accurate (not the paper or the gloss). Better to have a few cards that are accurate than a bunch that are crossed off information. NEVER cross out old info and fill in with new info. This looks very tacky and gives the impression of instability in your business.
Taken from “21 Ways to Professionalize your Image”
Taught by Sheri Hauser (book publisher and graphic artist-Glorybound Publishing)
Helping Business Help Themselves 6-04-2021