Custom business cards are very important whether you're running a business or looking for a job. Handing them out is one of the best ways to sell yourself and the services you have to offer. And since they are the very first things that your target clients get to see, your full color business cards then tell of who you are, what you can do, what you have to offer, and how serious you are in marketing your business.

However, most business cards have not been maximized to their full potential. Businesses and individuals often forget to use these very powerful marketing tools because they keep coming back to what is traditional and conventional. More than carrying your company name and contact information, your are flexible and can be used for different purposes.

As a marketing piece?

Other than having your contact information and your name, your full color business cards can be used to carry a marketing strategy in that small piece of paper. Your cards would have more chances of being kept by your target clients when you use it as a loyalty card for example. Include a tag line like ?call us and you'll get a 10% discount on your first service?. Or do it like a frequent buyer card. Every time your clients go to your store to purchase a product, you put a stamp at the back. At a certain number of stamps, your client can avail of additional discount or a freebie on their next purchase.

As a survey form?

Your custom business cards can be used to get feedback from your target clients. Every time you hand out a business card, ask your client to fill up the survey form at the back of the card. You can then tell them that they can receive a free gift or a discount when they return the filled up card to your store. When they visit your shop, you can hand them a new one so they can keep your contact information when they later need your service.

As a hang tag?

are great substitutes for nametags, hang tags, and even gift cards. You can also use it as a ticket to an event you've organized. Not only are you handing out your contact information; you're also giving value to your clients with your business cards.

As a personal message?

A business card adds that personal touch whenever you hand it out to a target client. It's a special representation of you that each time you hand one out means that you're also giving away a piece of yourself to your target clients.

As a referral card?

Business cards are often made to give out to prospective clients so they in turn can hand them out to another potential client. Your clients, especially those that are loyal to you, can refer you to other people they know who have a need for your type of service.

The point: Your are more than just means to disseminate your contact information. It can be a powerful marketing tool that shows your target clients that you are open for business. Whether you're landing a job or marketing your business, a good business card can achieve more than what you have set out to do when you first created your cards.