Copyright 2006 business-cards.com
Business cards are essential to marketing, it is as simple as
that. These little cards speak volumes about who you are and
what your business is. They can be worth their weight in gold.
Whether promoting a business or yourself, giving out suitable
business cards is crucial in a marketing project.
But these little gems cannot function if you leave them at home.
So keep an updated supply in your car, in your wallet or purse,
and near the door so you can grab a handful every time you leave
the office or home. They should be upgraded regularly and
remembered along with your wallet/purse, mobile phone and car
keys. It is a habit which will pay handsomely in the long run.
Here is a selection of ways of using your business cards to
promote your business.
1) When paying bills by post, slip in one of your business cards
before sealing the envelope. When you think about it - bills
often contain advertisements, so why not send a card advertising
your services? You never know who will open the envelope. Think
of it as throwing a pebble into a pond. Sit back and watch the
ripples and wait for the phone calls.
2) Give business cards out to everyone, including family and
friends. Don't be shy, give two if you can, don't try to hold
onto them, make sure you always have a ready supply. Perhaps the
person you give your card to will recommend you to another, so a
second card would be really useful to him.
3) Use psychology to give you an advantage: When you give out a
business card, ask the recipient if they have one for you. If
they do present you with their card, make notes on the back to
use in your follow up calls. Make that person feel important,
and spend some time looking at their card. Come right out and
ask "Is your company hiring at the moment?" or "I would
appreciate a referral if you know anyone who could use my
services". You may wish to "sweeten" the idea by adding that you
are willing to pay a percentage (say 10%) to them for any
successful referrals.
4) Take full advantage of any possible chance meetings. Social
gatherings could well produce clients for your business. Don't
discount these events, take plenty of cards with you even if it
is only a birthday party for a friend of your kid. You honestly
do not know who you may meet. The same applies to travelling or
going on vacation.
5) In today's economic climate, where there are many people
chasing the same leads, it is important to be pro-active when
following up on leads. It is tough for those hiring and firing
to keep track of individuals when interviewing or considering so
many applicants. It is up to you to be memorable (for all the
right reasons) and to give that person a reason to call you
back. A good plan is to send a short hand written note thanking
the person for their time after a business meeting or interview.
Slip in a business card. After receipt of this, you will be on
the memorable list and make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Your patience and persistence, when coupled with attention to
detail, will eventually pay off.
6) Brand yourself or your company with a slogan. Put that slogan
on your business card. It should answer the question as to why
they should hire you and what makes you and your services or
product, different from all the others. A catchy phrase or
slogan is an almost guaranteed method of your customers
connecting you or your company with their product or services.
Instead of saying "Attorney" on your business card, say
something like "Legal Services With Integrity". An appropriate
slogan makes a big difference, and makes you instantly more
memorable.
7) Newspapers and magazines often have editorial content giving
details of people being promoted or joining different
organizations. You will read these in a new light when you look
on them as opportunities. It has been suggested that everyone is
only six people away from meeting or knowing someone important
to us, whether a movie star, political figure or future
customer. You simply never know where your card will end up.
When you see these congratulatory announcements, send the
individual a blank greeting card on which you have written your
congratulations. Include your business card. Not only will you
make someone's day, they may also feel compelled to respond back
to you, thus increasing your network of contacts.
8) When handing out your business cards, ensure that you always
present it face upwards. Follow the practice of business people
in the Far East and present your business card with both hands.
This cements the impression that your card (and by extension
your business) is something very important.
9) If you are hoping to conduct business internationally, then
use the back of the business card to print a translation of your
card in your customer's language. Even if they have no
difficulty in reading English, they will appreciate the
thoughtfulness, and it will be considered a rather nice touch,
again, singling you out from the crowd.
10) If you have a second mobile phone number, or a landline
which is not listed on your business card, write it on the back
of the card before handing it to your prospective client. Tell
them that you are giving them your private unlisted number. This
will make your card more valued and important, and it is far
less likely that it will be trashed.
About the author:
Jeremy Duboys is the owner of
http://www.business-cards.com .
One of the leading business stationery websites on the internet
today. For more business related articles please take a look at
his journal at
http://www.business-cards.com/business-cards-journal
