How to Make a Perfect Business Card

I have spoken about business image in previous topics. In this article I want to talk about another important part of a business appearance. 

BUSINESS CARD - it is the passport of a businessperson.

Just like a police officer that would ask you for ID, a business partner would ask you for your business card. The exchange of cards is a ritual at the beginning of any negotiations.

If a person takes your business card and does not give you his own in exchange, saying that he is out of cards while searching for them in his pockets, then he looks like a clochard that came to negotiations in order to sell you some rubbish.

Only COOL may not give their business card, but they have secretaries who give their own card instead.

A businessperson’s card is different from a loser’s card through design. We must be well familiar with business cards because those we work with, quite frequently make their own design for their cards. By looking at the business cards, you can read the faith of their owner even more effectively than a gipsy would read it from their hand.

Lets remember few basic rules:

If you see more than one job position on a business card then it is a chevalier of fortune, especially if the card has loads of scientific qualifications and the word “president” on it. Don’t even think about working with these kind of people – They go straight to the disposal!!!

If a card has more than on row of text than it is some poor freelancer desperately seeking any kind of work.

If a card has a text in two languages it means that its owner deals with international clients – it is a bonus.

Now a few words about design: If a business card has more than three colours, then it probably belongs to a scholar or a director of typography.

If the card has loads of phone numbers then the person is probably working in an office, he is nobody, and somebody else takes all the decisions. Those who take decisions do not need a bunch of phone numbers.

If the card is not of a rectangular shape than it probably belongs to a designer – they do not represent much interest to us.

If a business card is made of wood, velvet, rubber or steel – it belongs to a vendor, who probably became rich by chance and soon will be poor again, but while it didn’t happen – he is a gift of Fortune!

Now that you know few things about business cards, you should ask yourself what kind of card do you need? Well, remember: You need loads of business cards for all sort of events. It will depend on the impression you aim to make.

In addition, the last but not least: Only losers and paupers collect business cards, because collecting them is just like collecting handkerchiefs. Normal businessperson would input all the necessary contacts in the computer and would throw the card in a shredder.

Law of image in business

I would like to discuss the significance of image during business negotiations, drawing from my experiences in various business meetings. Here are some key observations:

Manner of Behavior: This is fundamental in business and, unfortunately, cannot be purchased. It sets the initial tone of respect and professionalism.

Symbols of Status: These items often convey your professional status. Three primary accessories can elevate your perceived status:

• Fountain Pen: Although modern business often relies on laptops or tablets for note-taking, the traditional fountain pen retains its charm. Why? The answer is easy – the magical ritual of signing the contract.  Interestingly, women may not need to carry one, as it is customary for gentlemen to offer theirs if needed.
• Watch: While watches are less essential for women—who may view them more as pieces of jewellery—there is a wide array of designer watches that blend functionality with high fashion.
• Mobile Phone: This is perhaps the most critical accessory. A top-tier mobile phone should be placed on the table at the start of negotiations, serving as a statement of prowess. This holds true regardless of whether the meeting is led by men or women. In recent years, many negotiations are indeed facilitated by women.

Final note - The Paradox of Phone Prestige: Those who own small, simplistic phones are seen as 'cool'. These phones, often no larger than a little finger and adorned with diamonds, typically have minimal functionality—sometimes limited to just receiving calls. Conversely, more 'business-like' individuals tend to have larger, smarter phones equipped with various features and applications, but without the ornamental extravagance. But, what is the difference between cool and business-like? - Cool one – gives the money, but doesn’t negotiate. On the other hand, the negotiator is the business-oriented person who may not hold the funds but plays a crucial role in the discussions.

Remember, your presentation in business meetings—through behaviour and the strategic use of status symbols—can significantly influence the dynamics and outcomes of negotiations.

Is Business a Necessity?

I experienced many business affairs,  due to the fact that I was raised by two business parents. Not everybody can be as lucky. Some people study all their life and don't know what to do with their knowledge.

Personally, I feel big passion for chemistry (not business). Nevertheless, I spent some time working in business industry, studied it and now I know how I can apply my knowledge and make something useful and profitable out of it. It is fullish to say that you don't need business in the profession you are studying for. When you start working - you become a part of economy and business teaches you about its processes and management, how to be proactive, self-disciplined and successful. 

I was doing a huge research on business and business ideas and realised that if I want to succeed in the subject I have chosen, I will need to make a living out of it.  Work for someone is an option, of course, but after years of working for myself it just doesn't fit for me. Constant development should be persistent during our whole life!

I think it applies to everyone. Develop every skill you have because it will come handy sometime!!!

Best On-line Business Courses

I'd like to offer some practical advice for those looking to enhance their business knowledge efficiently and cost-effectively.

Business concepts are often best understood through practical experience. However, a foundational understanding is essential before diving into real-world applications. Fortunately, acquiring this foundation has become increasingly accessible. You can explore a variety of business programs online, which I personally recommend. The digital learning environment today is highly developed, offering flexibility and accessibility to anyone with internet access. Whether you opt for self-paced online courses or structured virtual classes, you'll find that learning business online can be a direct, convenient way to build your skills without a significant investment of time and money.

Here you can find a few useful courses that are worth your time:

Introduction to Microeconomics: https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33985

How to Build a Startup: https://www.udacity.com/

Some Economics lessons: http://webcast.berkeley.edu/series.html#c,d,Economics

Entrepreneurship through the lens of venture capital: http://online.stanford.edu/course/entrepreneurship-through-lens-venture-capital

Financial Markets: https://www.coursera.org/course/financialmarkets (generally coursera.org is an amazing website for online learning, for any subject)

There are obviously more courses, which you can find by yourself or on the websites above or by searching with Google.

Good luck with your business studies!

Be Your Own Boss!

We've previously discussed the necessity of education, but no matter your field of study, you'll eventually need to apply your knowledge. Transforming your knowledge into a profitable venture is essentially what business is all about.

I personally believe there is no need to study business as a separate subject for several reasons:

• It is practical knowledge best gained through experience.
• It isn't complex enough to warrant dedicating three precious years of your life.

Regardless of your field—be it dentistry, medicine, politics, acting, or the arts—you must learn how to monetize your skills. Thus, understanding basic business concepts is essential. Becoming proficient in business isn't as daunting as it may seem.

Every individual needs both social and personal growth, which you can't fully achieve if you're perpetually dependent on someone else. Initially, you might work for someone else, but eventually, others may work for you. It's normal for your ideas to generate profit for your employer when you work for someone else. This cycle is how you learn the ropes until you can leverage others' efforts for your own benefit, a skill that only comes with practical experience—not from any college.

If you decide to venture into starting your own business, you'll need the following qualities:

• Motivation: Essential for any endeavour, most business people have an innate need for continual work and self-improvement.
• Competitive Nature: Successful business figures are typically very competitive, always striving to be the best.
• Self-discipline: Unlike employees, business owners don’t have supervisors to oversee their work. They must manage their own schedules and work diligently without oversight.
• Determination: Effective entrepreneurs quickly assess situations, devise plans, and take action without wasting time on indecision.
• Optimism: A successful businessman believes in his eventual success, whether today or tomorrow.
• Courage: Starting your own business, especially when you begin to face financial obligations, requires a great deal of bravery.
• Delegation Skills: You can’t handle everything yourself. Successful leaders delegate lesser tasks to competent others to focus on critical responsibilities.

Aspiring to start your own business? Often, a strong desire and a solid idea are all you need. Many successful entrepreneurs don't necessarily possess all the skills listed above right away. If you have a viable idea and the determination to see it through, don't hesitate. Good luck!

The Same Old Story

For those of you who don’t know – “The Same Old Story” is a debut novel by Ivan Goncharov (famous Russian writer) written in 1844-1846.

So I read this peculiar book a few days ago and decided to share my impressions.

Regardless of the fact that the characters and events are happening in the XVII-XIX century, all the situations are very relevant nowadays. What can I say… Classics!

The author compares two views on life – the voice of reason and the constant dwelling on emotions. A topic that never gets old! Two life perspectives are portrayed by two lead characters: Piotr Ivanich Aduyev – an uncle who embodies intelligence and his nephew Alexander Aduyev who expresses idealism and emotions.

Alexander came from the countryside, where the Russian provincial way formed a pampered young man accustomed to "mother’s tenderness and reverence of his nanny and all servants", but he was not spoiled and considered friendship, love and arts an unshakable foundation of human existence. There is nothing wrong with that, but these values are becoming “hyperbolic” in his mind and this leads to future tragedy. His friendship is “heroic”, love – “eternal”. With this ideological life view our hero went to conquer the capital dreaming “about the benefits that he will bring to his fatherland”.

Alexander’s uncle has a completely opposite view of the world. He came to St. Petersburg at the age of twenty. He had no guardianship or patronage. He achieved everything himself and is proud of it: “I served the first year without salary…”. He got married only when he knew that he could provide his wife with all the comfort she might need. He had romantic affairs in his youth: “first tender love”, “jealous rage”, and “tore yellow flowers over the lake”. Later he rejected his right to love and completely forgot how it is to feel.

I’ll shortly describe the plot by quoting the uncle’s saying to his nephew: “Instead of doing something, you – either moan from the treason of your girl, either cry because of the separation with your friend, either suffer from spiritual emptiness, either from the fullness of your feelings; what kind of life is this? This is a torture! Look at the youth today: how great they are! Everything is crammed with mental activity, energy, how quick and easily they deal with this kind of foolishness that is called in your old language – turmoil, suffering… and goodness knows what else!

The whole time I was reading this book I was facing two “terrible extremes”; one is foolishly enthusiastic while the other one is cold to the limits of cruelty. How many people come from the countryside to try their luck in a big megalopolis? The big city has different values to which everyone should adapt for survival. It took eight years for our hero to adapt to the capital lifestyle, but was it worth it? In the end, we see him as a pale reflection of his uncle's views. He hasn't found new ideals for himself and transformed from a naive romantic guy into a cynical, accounting and in some places vulgar person.

It’s the same old story……Isn't it?

Brand Naming

Word is not just a collection of sounds squeezed from your lung sacs.

Word is a special combination of mystical vibration; it is sacred nature that directs global processes. Word is materialistic! A word can kill, and a word can save! A word can make you famous for centuries or drive you into oblivion.

Even the Bible said that at the beginning was the word. This means that God began his work on our world creation with the most important thing – with the Brand Naming.

PR Power

Japanese culture demonstrates an exceptional mastery of public relations. Japan has effectively popularized its traditions and innovations globally, from martial arts like karate and the mystique of ninjas, to the revered samurai spirit, despite their historically reserved nature. Similarly, Japanese poetry, notably haiku, is recognized for its profound simplicity and elegance, eschewing traditional rhyme for impactful brevity.

Japanese technology and manufacturing, especially in automotive and electronics sectors, are lauded worldwide for their quality and innovation. This acclaim is a testament to Japan's strategic branding and quality assurance that appeal to global markets.

Furthermore, Japanese cuisine, with its minimalist yet exquisite presentation, like sushi and subtly flavored soups, has gained international popularity. This cuisine is celebrated in fine dining experiences around the world, reflecting Japan's ability to transform simple ingredients into gourmet fare.

Indeed, Japan's approach to public relations and branding offers valuable lessons in how to craft a compelling, respected global image. That’s what you must learn! That’s where people know how to create a good PR!!