It's your corporate and personal signature. It makes a statement and sends a message.

It's a competitive advantage. Especially when two cards (yours and your competitor's) are in the hands of a customer trying to make a decision.

It's like getting married. A spouse will bring you 90 percent of life's joy or 90 percent of life's misery -- depending on your selection.

It's victory at "hand-to-hand" combat. The right card captures attention, disrupts competition and wins the battle for attention and respect.

It's the most potent form of lasting advertising. Not every card you give away results in a sale. But if your card is great, people will keep it around until it's finally used.

You get multiple impressions at a low cost. If you have 10 employees who each use 1,000 cards a year (four a day), that's 10,000 business impressions a year.

It sets the right tone. If you give out your card at an event or on an appointment and get a "nice card" comment from the prospect, it sets the tone for positive discussions.

It speaks about you. It's a sample of the kind of work your company produces. Great card, great work. Ordinary card, ordinary work.

It speaks for you. It says "We're special" before you say a word.

It's a reflection of you. A great business card shows you've taken the time to market and position yourself. It suggests your company has a leadership position and that you're a leader.

Source: Entrepreneur magazin