Because of its cost, size and versatility, a business card can be a powerful marketing tool. Design this tool wisely. Your business card is a reflection of you and your business. Don't just have the standard name, phone and address.

*Add your company logo, use clear & easy to read text, a picture of yourself smiling, texture, etc.

*Have the card double as a coupon or gift certificate. Be sure and clearly explain what your company does.

*Have all your contact info including email and url if applicable.

Don't forget to utilize the space on the back of the card. Ideas for the back of the card:

Motivational quote

Special sale or discount

Business or other tip

Your newest products/services

Your business motto

Write a personal message

Client testimonials

Ask for referrals

An entertaining (clean) joke

Use your imagination!

Have your business cards them with you always. Leave them at restaurants. Send them with your monthly bills. Post them on bulletin boards in lundromats, grocery stores, banks, etc. Hand them out to people you talk to.

Give people more than one to pass on to a friend or co-worker.

Ask banks, stores, and other businesses if you can display them by the cash register or counter. Add them to all your mailings. Send them with orders. Try leaving them in library books for other people to find.

Be sure and put one in every mailing you send out. Get one of those card holders for your car and display them on your car for the taking. Leave a few in your motel and/or hotel room when you leave. Ask about leaving

them in hair salons, nail salons, spas, gyms, etc.

Put a couple in your catalogs when handing them out. Leave them in rest rooms. Leave a couple at public rest areas. The possibilities are endless. Always be aware of an opportunity.

Make your card stand out from the rest. Make it unforgettable. Have some red on it. Cards with red on them stand out more. Add a picture of you or one of your products. Make the background a different color such as black. This will really stand out.

Make your card plastic or laminate it so it will last much longer. Make magnetic biz cards. People will stick you on the fridge for more exposure. Try different designs and code them so you can track the results.

Offer an additional discount if they mention the code. Be sure and record all codes in a notebook. Staple a sample (if possible) to your card.

Your business card can be one of your most valuable marketing tools if used as more than just an address card.