You might not think it matters what paper your business cards are made out of. A business card is a business card, right? It’s just a way of leaving someone with your contact info. It doesn’t matter what kind of paper it’s printed on.

Not true! When you meet someone, your business card does influence the first impression that person forms of you (or your business). Just like a wimpy handshake or shaky tone of voice can influence how that person perceives you, so can a wimpy business card. It even has the same tactile quality as a handshake – it conveys information about you through the sense of touch.

And do you really want anything that influences your first impression to be saying, “I’m wimpy!”?

It doesn’t have to cost a lot extra to get your cards printed on a nice quality stock. If you can, go to the print shop and check out some samples before you decide to print your cards there. If the samples don’t feel or look great, shop around elsewhere. Don’t be a wimp!