My hands are a little sweaty as I'm sitting here trying to design a business card. I'm just not sure I can do this! It just kind of hit me that if I make business cards, and people GET my business cards, some of them might actually CALL me and want my services and I'm being swamped with overwhelming feelings of inadequacy that I won't be able to perform to standard or expectation and I'll fail miserably and wonder what the heck I've done! That was totally a run-on sentence, but that's how the thought processed.
I actually took the plunge, figured out what I wanted to call my business and submitted the online business name reservation form this morning. I paid the $40 and now I have to wait to see if the name I've chosen is available (please pray it is...I DO NOT want to go through the process of picking a wonderful name again!). Then I have to register my business name and I can order my business cards, get my email address and BAM...I'm a business!
CRAP!!!!! It was kind of safe and secure hiding behind the "oh, I'll do it for free that way if you don't like it I won't feel bad" facade. But that's just a bunch of baloney, isn't it? It's the coward's way out. I have to be accountable for my standard of design and back it up 100% and be confident in what I CAN do, not worry about what I CAN'T do (and figure out how much to charge people). With more experience I will get better and thus more confidence will follow. Just got to fake it for now. I can fake it. I can, can't I? I'm so bad at lying, but this isn't lying, right? It's just holding my head up high and taking authority and hopefully people will believe me and trust me and then I'll trust myself. Deep breath, Erin...
Oh, yeah...I guess I should probably put my portfolio together. So much to do, so little...something!
***Update: Here are 3 of my card designs and I could use some imput. They obviously look much, much better with the actual business name on them, but since my name isn't for sure, we'll just pretend that there's an awesome name on it : ) They also all have a back side telling what services I have available and any other contact information that's needed. The one at the bottom is supposed to be totally simple with all personal info on the back. Please vote and let me know which is your favorite...
Thursday, June 21, 2007
A little bit of panic (and a pep talk to myself)
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19 comments:
You can do it...but by the way, what is "it" exactly? LOL I'm new here and missed what it is you do. Starting up a business is so exciting though! And you made a good point - be confident in what you can do, and don't worry about what you can't. I like that.
God bless :)
Carrie - "It" is a decorating business. I'm working on a show home right now and the owner needs me to have business cards and a name to advertise who did the design work.
I don't know you from a hole in the ground, really, but I believe you can do this, Erin. I've seen the pictures you take, noticed ideas you've written about here on your blog, and I have no doubt that you know what you're doing. From the limited amount I've been exposed to, I think you're very creatively gifted.
The step you're taking is HUGE and pretty much everyone who takes risks has feelings of doubt and inadequacy. However, you'll only learn what you're actually capable of once you're out there on your own, pushed out of nest. And once you see what you're made of, you'll soar. There are few things as exhilarating as realizing you conquered your fear, took a risk, and succeeded. To give in to your fears now would be to rob yourself of that feeling. Could you live with that?
No, I couldn't live with it. I would regret it for the rest of my life. I know I'll do it, I'm just scared.
You're allowed! And I like the middle one. I'm a fan of the minimalist approach in 3rd one as well, but I think my preference is the 2nd one. BEST WISHES!!!!
I would say the second one is my favorite, although I really like the 3rd one too. If it were me, I'd probably pick the second.
hi erin,
you knwo that I believe in you am super proud of you so go for it.
I have a few thoughts on the designs. they all look great. however I think the second one gives you the broadest design possibilities. It has an "grown up" look to it and is classy (like you) I also like the gerbera ones too, cause they are bright and shiney (like you as well), however, they don't have the same degree of "experienced" look. Any wouldbe great, can't wait to see your final choice =)
wooweeee! yah! ok, ruths top pick is
#1 is the 3rd one
and my #2 is the second one!
love you
I'm with Ruth - the last one is my favorite. #2 is good as well, but #3 screams your name. Just my humble opinion.
Definitely #3...so simple. I think that one is perfect!!
I like the 3rd card as well! It will look fantastic with YOUR name on it.
3rd...my fave....simple elegance
Erin-bottom one is awesome. You can print your info on the back.
Best and cheapest place for cards: www.overnightprints.com
You should also get a domain name and email at that domain to match-what if this takes off and you become famous? And RICH?
You could have a magazine that is simple titled "Erin" and a production company called "Nire".
:)
Nire? Hee, hee : ) I like it. I'll take the rich, oh yeah. And the middle one is from overnightprints.com.
The bottom one is so far leading and it, by the way, is the most EXPENSIVE! Thanks alot guys : ) No, no, seriously though, thank you all for your votes so far. Good to know what people like.
I have to say the third one as well. You actually inspired me with these business card ideas to go through and look at the cards that I have accumulated over the last year and a half here, and...i gotta say, the ones that stand out the most for me are the ones that are "punchy"...the minimalist approach is so over done, and I think for your line of work, something sharp, "punchy" and elegant is the way for people to set your card out among the many...just my opinion...
I'm proud of you though...I've always wanted to start my own business...just never had the opportuntiy (or finances :-) ) to manage such an endeavor...maybe one day...stay strong! you will do great!
I like the gerbera daisy ones because they look like YOU, fun and cheerful.
I know that feeling. I think we all it accountability. It's a announcement, of sorts. You are going to do great.
I like the first card, and the last one is good as well.
Here is my graphic designer input! I like #2 the best because the card's design I think probably speaks more about you and your design style. I like the flowers, but it doesn't "tell" me anything about you like the 2nd one does. I like simple and I think this one is simple. The first one gets too jumbled for me. The type that overlaps the flower gets overpowered by the flower. you want your business name to be the first thing you see . . . and REMEMBER! I also think the turqouise is too light to use white typefaces on. (Just my opinion!) I like the boldness of the 3rd one, but I kinda have a feeling #2 is more YOU :)
I am sure you have already picked but I like #2 the best. Good luck at your new endeavor!!
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