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[B1016]Business Cards And Logos
by Maury Klein, Mau
Language is a medium of communication, which was acquired by human beings in the due course of their evolution. Although, there may be different means of communication, but the transmission of information through printed materials can be considered as one of the best means of communication. Business cards come under the category of one of the efficient modes of professional communication. Albeit, new innovations are quite frequently happening in the arena of business information transmission, but the importance of printed communication can never be undermined. Business cards along with other printed materials like letterheads, brochures etc are still considered as the most effective methods of professional information transmission.

The importance of printed communication can be understood by the fact that the written information makes a pictorial impression on the subconscious mind of the reader. Thus printed materials are some of the strongest instruments of communication as they leave a long lasting image on the reader's mind. Business cards are not only used for the purpose of professional introduction but they are also used as effective marketing tools. Hence the content information and the style of these cards should be designed in a manner to leave a lasting impression on the minds of the target clients. Over the years the style, design and the material of business cards have evolved a lot. Special types of cards like UV cards, Matte finished cards or silk laminated business cards etc have widened the options for professional business card holders. Apart from business cards, the letterheads are also used for carrying out the desired communication. Letterheads with printed contents and company logos or taglines, depict effective marketing communication. Letterheads also act as effective means for indirectly transmitting the desired information. A well designed letterhead not only symbolizes true professionalism but also conveys the specified information about the company or the profession of the letter writer. Thus along with business cards, the letterheads should also be used for transmitting professional information.

In addition to business cards and letter heads, there are many other types of printed formats which can be used for effective communication. Brochure is one such printed material which can be used to convey the desired information by a company, organization or a corporate entity to its target customers. Special care should be taken while choosing the material of the brochure as a good quality material would always attract the attention of the potential clients or customers. The design and the content of the brochure should also display a unique style. A well designed brochure would not only act as a marketing devise but will also convey the required information to others in a systematically organized manner. Along with brochures there are many other printed items which can be used as instruments of broader advertisement strategy. Door hangers, printed envelops, magnet etc are some of the very effective tools of printed communication. These specified items can be used by all kinds of corporate entities, professionals or individuals for either conveying the desired information to others or for targeting the potential clients or customers.

Communication is the most important aspect of trade, business activities and overall human life. In fact no business entity can grow and develop without adopting a perfect communication policy with its customers. Business cards, letterheads, brochures and other aforementioned printed items together form a very effective chain of communication. Printed communication is by far the most reasonable and relevant method of transmitting information to the target sources. Therefore, these printed communication items should be substantially used for the purpose of professional communication.

One will hand me a stack with a rubber band around them. Another will throw them in a pretty woven basket. Another just makes piles and piles and piles and piles on all the shelves in their office. What are YOU doing with all those business cards?

Here are some simple tips that have worked well for me and I share them with my coaching clients and from the platform with I speak on Networking Savvy.

1. Wear the right clothes - I wear a suit with one pocket full of my business cards and one empty for those I will collect. I keep a nice pen on me and everytime I get a card from someone, I write down the month and year in the top right hand corner.

2. I also write the organization where I met them. Maybe it's PHCC for the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, or PSI for Professional Secretaries International. I've never been blacklisted by my autoresponder because if I get an email asking if I bought that person's name - I simply look up their card and remind them that they handed me their card at such and such event on May 2006.

3. I then write on the back of the card some part of the conversation that bound us with a commonality. Maybe they have a dog, or kids, or like carpentry. This way I have the opportunity to talk to them about their interest instead of my business the next time I call them to follow-up!

4. Now I'm back in the office. What do I do? I put them in my database - Highrise HQ or Act. I get asked isn't that allot of work? Yes but it is the best value of my time. Doing it myself I remember the names better when seeing their card over and over. WHEN I am out of town and can't do this or I'm on stage and the stack piles up - I give them to a teenager who is so happy to do data entry for me at night than flip hamburgers on their weekend!

5. Next I put them in my autoresponder. That way they immediately get a strategic tip they can use. This is NOT advertisement for myself - it's positioning myself as an Expert interested in helping THEM grow THEIR business. THey have to "opt in" if they want more tips and usually they do.

6. And finally I put them in a three ring binder that I have divided as to "clients", "prospects", "personal" and "networking". I keep those cards I believe I will be doing business with this next year in my personal daytimer that goes with me everywhere. Those are the names I refer business out to also.

You must treat your business cards like gold - they are your MOST precious asset for you business. You personally took time out of your life to meet these people, shake their hand, converse with them and start a relationship. Don't toss that card and forget about it. I guarantee if you would maintain a relationship with your business card stack - you could easily double your income this year. Try it and then email me and let me know about your successes!

Article Source : Pg. 15

About Author
Both Maury Klein & Csp Sheryl Nicholson 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.

Maury Klein has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Religion and Malware. UV card ? specialize in high quality printing of business cards, postcards, club flyer, Brochures, Letterheads and so much more. For more information please visit: ?
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