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[M45]Make A Free Business Card

by Arthur Raise, Art

The secret behind the success of any business whether online or offline is great networking. A business needs to drive its business and so marketing pros design many ways in which to spread the message that the business exists; so businesses use online banners, Google ad words, pamphlets, print advertisements, as films, and the simplest marketing tool of all the small business card.

A business card is a great tool. It etches in a future clients mind and address book who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Most people introduce themselves at meetings, fairs, seminars, and more by exchanging business cards. Many businesses place a tray containing business cards on the counter of the seminar room, or at their stalls if the business is participating in a trade fair. Most participants collect cards of individuals and business that is of use to them.

A business card can be a marketing tool with which you can reap many benefits if:

1.You always ensure that a bunch of business cards are in your pocket, purse or briefcase wherever you go. You never know where you may meet a potential client, at the airport, while running in the garden, or at a pizza parlor.

2.Attach your business card with mailing pamphlets, while sending out quotes or invoices, and when mailing payments.

3.When meeting anew person, be sure to exchange business cards. And, cleverly begin a conversation holding the persons business card in your hand. Business cards are great ice breakers.

4.Don't hesitate to hand out business cards at meetings, seminars, and trade fairs. Indicate that you would welcome referrals.

5.And never hoard business cards. If anyone asks you for two or three give them out with a smile. Believe that the business card is going to bring business.

6.Make your business card work for you by highlighting your services. If you meet any person genuinely interested in your card spare a few minutes to explain what you do and any important projects or clients you have handled.

7.If you are volunteering at a seminar, trade fair or even school fair, put out a few business card sin a bowl so that people can help themselves to one if they need it.

8.When you visit other offices for meetings, hand out your business card at the reception and indicate that you have come for a meeting.

For your business card to make an impact it will need to stand out. So choose an elegant design and think about how your card could be different from that of a zillion others. Master all the subtle nuances of business etiquette. And never loose an opportunity to send out your business card or give a person you meet your business card.

Did you know that a person printed his business card a dozen times in one year but his business tripled in the same period. So reap the many benefits of your business card.

When I first started my first business I didn't have much money to spare so I really had to challenge myself to find the best ways to market my business without parting with lots of cash. I happened to stumble upon business networking and the rest ?as they say is history?. I've generated thousands of pounds from business networking and all for the small price of sign up fees to a number of group networking events.

Having said that, and contrary to many of the get rich quick schemes you see advertised, attending a business networking event doesn't guarantee you overnight success. You have to work at it and there are many business networking techniques that you can apply to increase your hit rate for referral generation.

Don't underestimate the value of a well presented business card, let me explain:-

Have a think about your business cards and what they are designed to do. They are the one and only thing that anyone has to remember you by when a networking event is over and inevitably it'll be one of many so how do you make it stand out?

Your business card must achieve three essential things:-

1. It must explain accurately and concisely what your business is about and the service that you after.

2. It must provide all the information needed to get in contact with you after the event

3. It must ensure that you are remembered

Look at your business card. Does it truly do all these three things?

Critique it carefully to ensure that it includes the minimum essential contact details such as your name, your company name, your address, telephone number and e-mail address.

Does it accurately convey your service details? Have you really used those keywords that convey the basic message about what you do? Don't forget that a business card has two sides, only printing on one side is a waste of valuable advertising space so use both sides. You may want to consider putting a photograph of you on the card ? a sure fire way to make it stand out as someone flicks through cards trying to remember who they met. What better way to ensure someone can put a name to a face?

Now consider how your business card looks. From an image point of view does it accurately reflect the type of business that your are in/ is it eye catching? It's worth considering using a graphic designer to really make it stand out from the run of the mill business card.

Having said that, don't get carried away with the graphic design. Many business people (especially the really good networkers) will use your card to make notes on so always keep the background colour light. There's nothing worse that trying to make notes on a black card with a black pen!

You don't have to spend the earth on business cards, there are some great deals on the internet but just be cause you don't spend a lot of money doesn't mean that you can't make the most of it. It's as close to free advertising as you can get so just like any advertising space, use it wisely.

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About Author

Both Arthur Raise & Louise Yates 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.

Arthur Raise has sinced written about articles on various topics from Basketball, GPS Cell Phones and Air Filters. . Arthur Raise's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.

Louise Yates has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sales and Negotiation, Family Concerns and Management. Louise Yates shares and advice for word of mouth marketing, generating referrals and free sales leads together with. Louise Yates's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.