Dotty about Business Cards

I can't help but love business cards. They're functional and fun, especially with the range of creative designs and styles available. I love handing them out while networking! 

Not only are they easy to use and great for developing and maintaining an important contact base but they can be effective in creating a lasting impression if done well. Think of your business card as an extension of the 'professional you' which, if given to the right person, could land you with an exciting opportunity! 

After being pleased with the quality of the Moo.com cards produced for Sundae Promotions, I decided to turn my hand to making some for myself following my graduation from university and transition into the world of job hunting. 

My key tips for effective business cards are:

1. Easy to read - This includes font and colours but also the content of the card. You don't want to bombard your contact with information. Make it short, snappy and straight to the point. You want the reader to know who you are and what you're about in a glance. 
2. Know your field - Design your card to suit or stand out in the career field you are heading into. Perhaps have a look at other examples online or at networking events to get a feel for the style. You want the design to represent you and your skills at a glance.  
3. Attractive design and colours - Of course this depends on what style suits your career field. However, I think having an attractive or eye-catching card is just as important as the content. For example, with my business cards, I am hoping the bright colours will draw the attention of the contact. Remember they may have a pile of business cards but if yours stands out then you're in with a better chance of being remembered. 
4. Vital information - Name, skills, telephone number, email and (if you have one) website. Remember that a business card isn't just there to look pretty. You want this little treasure to develop contacts and provide opportunities. So, the reader needs to know who you are and what you do but your contact details are just as important. Make sure they're all up-to-date and correct before you hit 'Order'. 

Here's my finished product...

If you're going to the effort of designing an attractive and well thought-out business card then make sure you give them the storage they deserve! A flashy little tin card holder keeps your cards crumple-free and safe. You don't have to go rummaging in your bag or purse... they'll be easy to find and easy to give out to those important people. 

What are you waiting for... start creating and networking! 

Critical Reflection and My Future Goals and Plans

As the end of my second year at university draws near, it is time to reflect and consider where the skills I have developed and experiences I've had so far can take me in the future.

In my time at University I have studied the industry and its needs closely and worked hard to produce professional media texts. I feel through doing this I have learnt so much about the industry but also the extent of my own abilities. Attending university has not only extended and developed my skills but has given me greater confidence in what I can achieve and do. Through studying Music, Photography, Journalism and Public Relations I have developed  and improved skills in creativity, team-working, communication, various styles of writing, promotion, leadership, organisation, camera/lighting/Photoshop, events management,  time-keeping, organisation and many more. I hope to continue to build on these not only through university but also in my career. I believe through securing various work experiences, internships and employment I have put my skills and knowledge to the test and proved that I am capable, enthusiastic and hardworking - skills and qualities that are so important in this industry!

Although I have already learnt so much, I am continually working to improve myself and enjoy learning new things so I have set myself goals to help me achieve as much as I can to prepare myself for my future within the industry.

My short term goals for the next six months are to, of course, pass the second year with at least a 2:1 and I am paving the way to achieve that goal already! I aim to work hard for the rest of the year and take advantage of any opportunities that are available.

My specific short terms goals include:

• Build up my photography portfolio with more studio work and a variety of other fields of photography - particularly live music photography.
• Apply for and secure more work experience
• Conclude the important research within my role in the student academic partnership and to help in the improvement of the School of Media at Birmingham City Uni
• Continue to build on my skills and confidence in my abilities through my studies and experiences
• Build up my professional portfolio ready to enter the working world
• To work hard on my dissertation and to have a successful media production project

These short term goals will hopefully prove to be a helpful motivator and guide for the rest of my time at university. As I only have a full academic year left I aim to make the most out of it!

Looking to the future, I am not completely certain on what career path I would like to take as I enjoy a variety of areas of the media and would love to try as much as possible. However I am certain that a career in the media is for me. My ideal job would include all four of the areas I am interested in and have been building up a skills base within - Music, Photography and Journalism. I am passionate about each of these aspects of the media and will continue to pursue them. In order to achieve my desired career (and to improve my personal and professional skills and attributes) my 3 year goals include:

• Get involved with as many media related experience as possible, the more the better! 
• Take advantage of the access to a photography studio while I can and do more work with models and music artists
• Continue to build up a portfolio of a variety of work within the field
• Develop and maintain more media contacts
• Graduate from Birmingham City University with at least a 2:1 but ideally a first
• Secure a job within the media industry! 
• Travel and do some travel photography

I'm sure I will be continually adding to my goals as the weeks, months and years go on but I highly recommend you take note of your personal and professional goals to motivate and encourage you to succeed!