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Good article. I just want to expand on his comments on printing your own cards at home. As in the case of professionally printed business cards, I recommend taking the extra step to have a logo professionally developed. All written communication materials need to express a consistent message, whether that be the business card, letterhead, note cards, mailing labels, etc. If you are in business, act like a business. Some things are absolute necessities like a dedicated phone line (and not one with a message that says "if you want to send a fax, do so now), having an email address that does not end in .aol or .rr. Even if you are a one person firm, your goal is to run it as a for-profit business. You owe it to yourself and your clients to be profitable so you can be around to serve your clients. Being professional means acting like a professional and the pros don't print their letterhead and business cards at home. The comments about what should appear on a business card are also applicable for the email signature. It should include your name, organization, phone and email address at a minimum, and your logo if you have one. It really bothers me when someone sends me an email and doesn't include their phone number if I have to call them back.
