There isn't anything that bugs me more than getting a business card and not being able to tell what the person does when I look at. It just seems like such a waste of: time, money, paper, energy (theirs that went into creating it and mine trying to remember who they are), and it does nothing to support the bringing about of more business.

Blah.

So if your business card just says your name, phone number, and website, it's time for us to amp it up!

And another thing, if your business card matches your branding that's great, but that does NOT need to be the first priority. I have never, ever, ever heard of ANYONE saying, "Oh, I couldn't hire that person because their business card just didn't match the rest of their branding. It's really too bad." Holding yourself back from networking or using your business card in any way because it does not "match," is speaking more to an inner block that's operating for you than anything else. This is an excuse. So let's shift this energy from excuse to execution and look at ways this card will work marketing magic for you, ok?

All that matters is that your business card serves as an attractor factor to your ideal client. Sometimes all you get is that one, quick opportunity to 'speak' to your ideal client. I would highly recommend you make it compelling. Simple as that.

Here are some ways to have your business card speak (and work marketing magic) for you:

* Be sure your title speaks about what you do.

* Ask a compelling question that speaks directly to your ideal client.

* Dare to use the words: You, Your, You're and the like on your card.

* TELL the reader to go to your website.

* TELL the reader what they'll get when they get there.

* TELL them it will be for free.

* Use the back of the card.

* Use embossed print (make it PHYSICALLY stand out).

* Assure the reader that you can solve their problem, e.g. 'you can,' 'guaranteed,' 'promise,' 'be assured,' etc.

Want to know a secret? I haven't once had a professional business card made! That's right. Want to know another? I'm in love with and addicted to vistaprint. The reason? Their products are of good quality (some better than others) and affordable, so I can change my business card ANYTIME I want without a major ordeal or expense and, oh, trust me, I have. :) So should you, because as an Entrepreneur you are always tweaking. I also like this service because I can do the creating myself and really fuse the card with my Core Value Offer energy while creating it.

Call To Action:

Take your business card in your hand.

Look at it.

Does it truly speak of YOU and all the uniqueness that you offer in your business? Does it look different from all the other cards out there or the same?

Now, how do you FEEL when you look at your card? Do you feel the energy of your business' Core Value Offer?

Do you feel proud when you hand someone your card or do you instantly apologize?

Make whatever changes you need to make to this simple, highly effective marketing tool, so every time you hand your card to someone your heart sings with the joy that is your business and then let that energy jump-start every ideal client match.