I created some business cards to advertise my blog. I know it might seem odd to spend money on business cards while having a GoFundMe, but I believe investing in promoting my blog could eventually help me reach more people and gain support. Once I manage this overwhelming debt, I truly believe the blog has the potential to be a source of help and make a real difference for many.
I did have a slight hiccup when making the cards. I wasn't aware I could change the layout. Looking at the first attempt, the font is really small and not very readable, but they’re still not totally useless. This is a proof, the actual card seems harder to read.
I really love how the second batch turned out. This is a proof, font may have changed slightly. I should get them shortly—there's been a slight hurricane delay! I am wondering if I should have added +1 to the phone number? I think it will be alright without, hopefully.
Edit: I noticed a change I would make. If I ever need a re-order, below will be it! Although, I am still considering listing my number as +1 (203) 302-0234. I will have to do some research first to see if it is necessary! Looks so much better! Wish I could just re-order!
Edit 2: I made some more changes as seen on this new card below. This looks so good to me. The logo being lined up looks amazing! This version brings all of the colors from the logo into the card, so it looks more cohesive. The color of the website address matches better to the flower at the top left. The number looks great and includes the US country code without looking too bulky. I made a decision to include my name as well. I think overall this card is a winner! Everything about it looks better than the original two and even better than the last edit! I wanted to get a custom domain which is only about $10 per year, but in order to connect it to this site, its about $18 per month—which is out of reach. Anyway, it looks great and hope I will be able to order them in the future!
If only I could get the lot of them distributed! I’ve imagined countless ways to distribute them locally and worldwide, but they remain just ideas, unable to get past the gatekeeper called anxiety. I'm going to highlight the ones I have managed to complete!
Locally:
I could leave cards at coffee shops, bookstores, or libraries, asking if I can set them by the counter or pin them on community boards.
I could bring some to local events or markets and hand them out to people who show interest.
Dropping them off at businesses related to my blog’s themes or services might help reach the right audience. Although the blog covers a wide range of topics.
I could give cards to people buying my items or at the upcoming garage sale
I can offer cards to neighbors, asking if they’d be willing to share them with others they know.
Worldwide:
If I’m shipping items for sale, I could include a business card in every package I send.
I could try sending my cards to friends or family members. They might be able to distribute them locally where they live or when they travel to different places.
An option might be to connect with international online communities and ask for volunteers to distribute my cards in their cities or countries.
As I was writing this post, a memory resurfaced. Although it isn't a bad memory, it reminds me of how devastating and limiting anxiety can be without support. Back in the mid ninety's, I was trying to start a printing business. I had very limited knowledge and ability, a free print program, and a decent PC and printer for the time.
I can recall having big plans, I can visualize a price list, but it is too small to see. I even had one customer. He was a player/sponsor of our bowling team "Sew Unique", and I pitched him my printing services, and we struck a deal! I printed estimate sheets and envelopes using his logo, maybe business cards too? I remember how difficult it was getting the hot pink just right, but he ordered a few times, whether out of pity or he actually liked them, I don't know. I wish I could remember a bit more detail.
I wasn't able to approach anyone else—the anxiety was crushing. At that time, I didn't know it was called anxiety, I just knew, once again, it prevented me from doing what was in my head. As the anxiety ate away at my confidence, it became more and more difficult to fill even that one order, and I gave up.
I'm glad I found that memory, it reminds me that failure isn't fatal. I’ve got these cards, and they’re ready to go—now, if only I could convince my anxiety to take a vacation! Maybe one day, I’ll walk into a coffee shop, casually drop a stack of them on the counter, and walk out like it was nothing.
For now, the cards sit like little promises waiting to be fulfilled. And even if they don’t make their way out just yet, I know they’re a reminder that my ideas are alive, waiting for the moment when I’m ready to bring them into the world—no matter how long it takes. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming up ways to make my blog’s message travel beyond my door!
Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
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