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Shouldn’t Your Business Card Work as Hard as You Do?
By Joe Haddad You’ve had 1,000 of the most eye-catching business cards printed. Now, what do you do with these pint-sized marketing tools? Business cards are the common currency of business networking. Attend a meeting, and you’re sure to hand out and receive several. Follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
Keep them in your pocket, purse, briefcase, wallet and desk. Leave some in your car. Always have them on hand so you can introduce yourself to new people when the moment is right.
Store your cards in a nice holder so they don't get bent. Keeping your business cards in a stylish case makes a better presentation when you distribute them. If your contact information should change, have new cards printed immediately. Writing in your new email address or phone number leaves a bad impression.
Include business cards with all of your correspondence, including bills you pay. You never know who might open the mail that day. If you ship products, for example, include a card with every package. Send business cards with all thank you notes and letters. Include your contact information in your email signature as well. It serves as an electronic business card.
Use them as scrap paper when you need to jot down a note. Instead of a napkin, use the back of your business card to write in your cell phone number. “This is my direct line,” you might say, making the prospect feel important and giving him or her a reason to keep your card.
Give people a reason to hold on to your card. Print something unique on the back of it; a calendar, a list of your services, important measurements, or anything relevant to your industry. You could also print a coupon on it, and ask them to return the card with their order, so again they have a reason to keep your card.
As a business owner or manager, have business cards printed for all staff members. The novelty of the cards for those who usually don’t have them will entice employees to hand them out. At the same time, you’ll make them feel appreciated. Your employees are part of your network, so use their networks to generate business for your organization.
Use your business cards to introduce yourself to prospects you meet at networking functions, in the park or at your children’s sporting events. One way to do this is to ask for the other person’s card. He or she will likely ask you for your card in return. When you go to the doctor or dentist, present your card to the receptionist to announce your presence.
Leaving your business cards to sit in a box or a drawer collecting dust defeats the purpose of having them, so hand them out. It’s a cost-effective way to market yourself and your organization.
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