How do you establish yourself as a professional? What sets you apart? How do you make an impact? Where do you start? Round and round my head spun like a merry-go-round on a caffeine high. I had no idea- well actually that’s a lie. I did have an idea- many of them, in fact. I couldn’t get focused on one topic. Who was I? What was my style? What did I want my business to say about me? I decided a good place to start would be with a great business card.

Business cards give you an open door. They are more like the door handle. I mean, who doesn’t like a flashy door handle?! But at the same time your business card says a lot about you.

I started with a simple, and classy card. I had no thought put into it, no design of my own, no logo and I didn’t stand out. I simply filled in the blanks on an already laid out format. Bing, Bang, Boom and placed my order. Sure they were nice to look at; perfect color scheme but, really, said nothing about me. I stared at them as I opened up the little box they were packaged in. I knew I could do better! My ideas changed and so did my business cards!

I still wasn’t completely satisfied. I was beginning to become a business card hoarder. Really! I had issues. I just couldn’t decide.

These stuck for a while. But as I grew as a photographer, I realized my cards needed change as well. I still use these cards for folder inserts. I have had five styles. There are two I use now. Depending on what I feel my client needs, is what I pass out. I want my cards to stand out and say to my clients: “Who is Jasmine Lea Photography”

So are you wondering, where should I start in my new business? Start with a beautiful card that makes a statement about you. Don’t be afraid to take time to meditate either! Think it through so that your brand is every bit a part of you.

Oh and if you do go through change, keep a bit of that change for you to look back on and smile at your improvement.

Thanks!