Playing the Right Card

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Make the most of your available space by printing on the back of your business card. In this example, Portland, Oregon-based Koopman Ostbo is able to keep the front of the company's card simple by including contact information on the back. Rather than just printing your name, location, phone number and e-mail address on the back, be creative--even humorous, if it's appropriate for your industry.

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If you really want your business card to stand out from the stack, opt for leather. Hawthorne Leather Goods, which manufactures leather goods under the brand Rawlings Sports Accessories, says recipients won't be able to resist the scent and feel of its cards, made from authentic Rawlings baseball glove leather.

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Add value to your business card with something recipients can use--like a calendar or sports schedule. They'll be more likely to hang on to your card and will think of your company every time they use it.

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When adding images or illustrations to your card, they should complement the message you are trying to send. In this example, the graphic grabs the viewer's attention while clearly illustrating the company's line of business.

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Mix things up a bit by taking your business card vertical. But don't stop there. Use small touches to convey your business' personality.

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Staples recently launched "Business Cards in Minutes," which allows customers to create business cards in 30 minutes with a minimum order of 100. For other printing options, check out VistaPrint's Design and Print Kiosk or Moo.com, where cards can be personalized with photos, portfolio samples, logos or designs.