Business cards are useful for marketing anything, and can reasonably be held by anyone. Jobseekers, the self employed and even the singleton looking for a date can benefit from carrying business cards to market what they can offer, and give their customers (or potential lovers) a convienient way of exchanging details. Jobseekers, you may have a cv and think you don't need business cards. Can you carry 10 cvs in your wallet? Is it possible to carry your cv everywhere you go ? Music from a ice cream van lets people know they are open for business. Your business card is your music. The following are proven tips on how to use your business cards to create business opportunities or make a memorable impression on anyone.

1. Any meeting is a chance to distribute your business card. A walk in the park or trip to the supermarket could be and often is a great time to network. Make carrying business cards a habit, and ask your self if you have business cards before leaving leaving the house as you do your wallet and keys.

2. Bills contain advertisements. Why can't you advertise yourself in the same way? Add a business card when making bill payments. Insert a business card with your payment. Everyone of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing a powerful attitude to your business cards and netowrking will be a fundamental source of success.

3. Insist on proper business card etiquette. Whenever you hand out a business card, ask for a business card in return. When given a business card, make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of conversation. Write notes on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Make people feel important, in order to make yourself important to them.

4. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone you know, including family and friends. Give more than one business card to people so that they can easily refer your services. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.

5. Maximize the potential of every meeting or social event. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. You never know who you might meet.