Corporate and Consulting Business Cards

What to show on corporate business cards

In this trade, consultant business cards should read clearly in the first two minutes of a client meeting. They should answer who you are, what you do, and how to reach you without forcing the reader to guess.

• Name, with any credential you hold beside it, such as PCC, PMP or CISSP
• Title, such as executive coach, recruitment consultant, brand strategist or project manager
• The firm, practice or consulting group behind the name
• A direct line or mobile, plus an email address
• A website or LinkedIn profile
• The city or suburb that helps a local client find you
• A QR code on the back for LinkedIn, a portfolio page, a contact entry, or a shop

Keep the title, credential and claim defensible

Most consulting roles do not require a protected title. No licence rule was found for management consultants. The same holds for recruiters, project managers, brand strategists, creative directors, and business, executive or life coaches.

The word psychologist is protected. A registered psychologist is the only person who may use the title, and wording that suggests registration can be an offence under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

Print credentials beside the holder's name, not the firm's, and only while they remain current. ICF credentials such as ACC, PCC and MCC belong to the coach in good standing. PMP remains with the holder while active and is renewed on a three-year cycle. A CISSP holder can show it beside their name, but do not put it inside a firm name, web address or logo. RCSA recruitment designations include APRCSA, MRCSA and FRCSA. AMI awards CPM to approved professional members.

If a recruiter supplies workers, check the state rules before printing. Victoria requires a labour hire licence, and advertising the service without one or before approval can bring penalties. In Queensland, a provider must not hold out that it offers the service without a licence. Permanent placement is separate. The test can include recruitment or placement when the provider also arranges or supplies worker accommodation.

Whether a cyber security service is covered depends on the work. Because that coverage is not fixed for all cyber security work, check with the state security licensing regulator before printing the title. Queensland's definition can cover paid advice about security equipment, methods or principles. New South Wales provides for a Class 2A security consultant licence. Victoria has a security adviser licence. No rule was found requiring a security licence number on a business card.

A Professional Standards scheme member's liability line is not required on cards, because cards are outside that requirement. Avoid guaranteed result claims, and name the issuing body for certified or accredited claims under the Australian Consumer Law.

A business can print its ABN, and the ATO calls stationery a sensible place to show it. ASIC does not require a company to display its ACN on a card.

If you are uncertain, ask the issuing body or your state regulator first.

Choose a card that fits the way you present yourself

Most corporate business cards for this trade need a clean surface that reads well in a meeting. The layouts here were developed for these cards, and the product page will show the matching print options.

Standard Business Cards is a strong default for a consulting practice. It prints 90 x 55 mm, front only or front and back. Choose 300 GSM Matte, Linen, Cotton or Metallic, or the 450 GSM Artboard with Velvet Laminate. The four 300 GSM stocks are printed without laminate.

For a credential or monogram that needs a tactile mark, Raised Foil Business Cards adds a felt mark in gold, silver or rose gold, on 450 GSM Artboard with Velvet Laminate.

When the colour of the stock carries the brand, Coloured Paper Business Cards offers coloured cardstock, including Black or Navy at 270 GSM, Kraft at 290 GSM, plus a range of 300 GSM colours such as Forest Green, Burgundy, Hunter Green or Cream, with CMYK or white ink.

Layouts built for Standard can also be printed on Rounded Corner Business Cards or Recycled Business Cards. Many designs made around a finish or stock can also print as a flat Standard edition on the standard card.

Turn a ready design into your card

Select a layout. It opens on the product page for that card. Options are marked Recommended, and you can adjust them. At the Upload Artwork step, add your name, firm name, contact phone, email, plus any licence, registration number or ABN your work requires. We place those details into the layout and email a PDF proof without charge. We will not print until you approve it. No layout set-up fee applies. If you choose rounded, circular, oval or square, or the other orientation, we re-lay the layout in-house at no cost. On coloured stock, the ink follows the selected colourway. Expect the digital proof within 1 to 2 business days. For other industries, use the business card designs hub. Each product page lists the current production time.

Match the card to the rest of your client pack

Use the card as part of a wider client pack. Folder products, such as presentation folders, can carry the proposal, a capability statement, and the card into a client meeting. Brochure products, such as client brochures, can set out the services, the scope of an engagement, and the next step for a client comparing options.

When the card, folder and brochure share the same typeface, spacing and colour, the practice looks organised before the first meeting ends. The professional services print kit guide shows how to put those pieces together.