You’re so right Gavin. I’ve seen people spend their whole budget on getting a logo created. Thanks for the comment

Simon

So totally agree Jane. I keep some of them because they are great for sticking under wobbly restaurant table legs

Absolutely true. I see lots of cards without vital and useful information eg. what people actually do, location, twitter etc. I think ideally a good card should work on various levels; include important info but also be memorable/clever and look professional. I see so many bland, low quality cards which do nothing to set the person/company apart. As a graphic designer I also use a 4 section card, people do remember my cards years later! I would have to disagree about the logo not being that important though, I think its an important part of the whole mix but need not take too much energy and money to help build your brand. It’s a balance as ever…

Great advice Simon – right on the money – I think the business card is probably the single most powerful piece of marketing collateral that business owners have. They ALL have them, and yet, as you’ve just described, they don’t make them EFFECTIVE. I often refer to this area as ‘memory hook marketing’, getting folk to remember you and your offering. 
One piece of advice when getting your cards – go for a heavyweight card – those cheap as chips things say all the wrong things about your business!!