A business card works when it is memorable. Think about the colors you use, the font you use and the combination of them all. I have a bright orange card with a compass and people standing in a circle around the compass. It's a perfect card for me. My company name is Compass Rose Consulting. The name is a metaphor for using a compass to keep you on the trail or on your right path. I have always had a compass on my card. When I changed it a couple of years ago to orange I started noticing that people remembered it. I would hand it to someone and they would say: "I have your card." In building relationships it's important to be memorable.
Use both the front and the back. The back of the card is a great place for an offer of a free report, newsletter or some other powerful call to action. Change the back if it isn't working. It's a place that you can experiment. What call to action gets people to really take action?
Keys to making the best use of your card: 1.Make it memorable 2.Be sure that the font is readable and that the contrast of color works. Some cards are black with small gold font. They look really classy, BUT you can't read them. Make it clear. You want people to call you, email you, and visit your website. 3.Use a font that is big enough for most to read (some people use fancy fonts and small fonts. It can make the card unreadable.) 4.Use the front and the back. The back is prime space for a stong call to action. I use it as a space to offer our newsletter or a free report. 5.Include the important details: -Name -Company -Title -Phone -Email -Website -Snail Mail Address (as a networker, I like to send a personal note when I meet someone. The address is often left off the business card. It's always a disappointment. -Tag line if you have the space
Your business card represents you and your business. It may be your first contact. Make it good, leave a good impression. Use good quality paper, no perforated edges. When you print them yourself people can tell. We were all there at some point, but there are affordable, professional alternatives. I've had several versions of my business card. Now, that I have a memorable one, it doesn't change. Although the call to action changes sometimes. It's something I play with to see if different offers result in more actions. As soon as you can afford to buy business cards. There are some excellent online resources that provide good, inexpensive cards. I use Vista Print. They have provided great products and great services. You can also use your local printer. He or she can typically help you design your card.
Once you have a card, you need to hand them out. Carry them everywhere. I have been at a playgroup with my three year old and needed cards. Everywhere you are is potential business. The person in line at the grocery store may be in need of your product or service. Be prepared with an attractive, memorable card, with all of your details and give them to everyone you meet.
Then there is the other side of the business card exchange: what you do with the cards you receive? Follow-up!
This happens so many times.
You meet someone in a business meeting or a conference. You hear their 30-second elevator pitch about their company or organization. Then they give you their business card.
Look at the card. Looks nice. It's got an interesting company logo, and has the contact info of the person. You put it in your pocket or purse, right?
Later, you usually forget about the whole thing.
This probably happens all the time.
I mean, would you want me to forget that you ever even existed 10 minutes after I met you and you gave me your card? Like it all never happened?
No, you wouldn't. How do you keep people from forgetting about you? The card that you give them is the "silver bullet" for them to remember you. Whatever you have written on the card has to give the person an insatiable desire to act on his new-found knowledge.
The message on the card has to get the person to ACT- look at your website, pick up the phone, place an order, inquire with questions, etc.
It's not enough to just put your name, company and other contact info on it. If you're depending on people to get all excited over your bland cookie-cutter elevator speech, you have no hope.
Especially in this day and age of media overload no one is going to recall you or your card.
Here's what you can do. Start putting interesting paragraphs or short blurbs on the back of your card.
Here are some examples:
Imagine an accountant handing you a card that had this on the back of it:
"Doing taxes is a waste of time! Go online to www.dontwastetimeontaxes.com and see how EASY taxes can be!"
If you were busy worrying about your taxes, you'd definitely be compelled to go look at the site.
Or someone from a charitable organization gave you a card which said:
"Every year 4,285 people die from (terrible disease) in Canada. Are you next? Call 416-XXX-0000. See if you have it or not. The call will only take 1 minute 19 seconds of your time. It's worth your life."
Quite memorable, isn't it?
And here's a third (and final example)
Someone from a car dealer gives you his card:
"Do you know what your car is REALLY worth? Call me at 647-000-0000 and I'll tell you. The answer may shock you!!"
How's that? Arouses your curiosity, doesn't it?
Here's the true test of a really interesting card: even if the person doesn't need your product or services now, their curiosity is still burning hot enough to just take a peek. Or make that call.
And maybe they'll recommend you to someone who does need your product or service.
And your customer list just grows. What's more, here's another powerful strategy to maximize your business cards... and easy to do:
Aside from your regular business cards, prepare a second stack of business cards.
This second card is basically the equivalent of a short but powerful ad. Give a three-liner (like the examples above) that people won't forget. Include a contact number (or website or email address). Don't put anything else on. Let the message be the focus.
When you go to a conference, give out only that second card. Not your regular one. The new card is your marketing machine to get people aroused with curiosity and compelled to contact you or look at your website.
That card is your "walking ad" since it is easy to carry around, file, and find, give out, or whatever you want to do with it, as opposed to a brochure or flyer.
Once they've contacted you, and bought something from you or used your services, then they are considered part of your "circle" of customers.
At that point you are now ready to give your regular business card.
That second business card serves the purpose of being an ad. Which is what you REALLY need under certain situations, such as conferences. So the space on the card is really being put to work for you.
Both Donna Price & Joseph Browns are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Donna Price has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Internet Marketing and Cure Anxiety. Donna Price, author of "Launching Your Dream" works with business owners/individuals to achieve their dreams instead of daydreaming. Receive her info packed newsletter by signing up at:. Donna Price's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Joseph Browns has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Cards. Feel free to comment or give feedback on your insights. Joseph Browns has no ego and is very open to suggestion. But if you want expertise for yourself, you can check out the free report at