Business cards and greeting cards almost go hand in hand when being used for marketing and business purposes. With a few exceptions. One is bigger than the other, and needs a postage stamp in order to get to it's desired location, as opposed to the business card which is handed directly to a person or dropped into a fish bowl in the hopes of winning an office party.

Here are a few tips on how to use the business card and greeting card as a sales and marketing tool.

The Business Card

This tip is not just about what you can do with your business cards, it's about what you can do with other peoples business cards once you receive them.

A business card is normally exchanged before, during, or after a conversation you have with a person. The next time someone hands you a business card, try to remember something positive about the conversation you had, perhaps something personal the person might have said.

Than write it down on the business card so the next time you call them or see them, you can bring it up again.

I once had a business relationship with a person who is now a friend of mine. We met at a business card exchange, as we stood talking over our coffee and donuts, I mentioned how I loved boston creme donuts. Without my knowing, he wrote that down on the business card I gave him, and every time he and I got together, he made sure to bring along Boston cr'me donuts. It wasn't until later that he told me his secret.

People are impressed with things you remember about them, it makes them feel that the conversation the two of you had was important to you, and it will give you credibility.

This is a great way to strengthen your business relationships in order to obtain referrals.

The Greeting Card

In this day and age of the internet, we seem to have lost the personal touch we once had with one another.

Most of this personal touch has been replaced with e-mails, e-cards, fax machines, and cell phones.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for progress.

That being said, don't ever underestimate the power of a hand written note or card, it speaks volumes and means a lot to people.

Have you ever heard of someone deleting a Hallmark?

Keep a Rolodex or tickler file handy of all your customers upcoming birthdays, anniversary's, and special occasions. Send them a card with a hand-written message on the inside, they will love the fact that you remembered them at a time that is important to them.

The same goes for holidays, and don't forget Arbor day.

When you send the card leave the business card out, don't give the impression that this is a sales call, at times like these it is important for your customer to understand that they are not just a statistic in your data base.

Also, keep your eye's and ear's open just incase your customer looses a loved one or a pet. Send them a sympathy card. They will appreciate the fact that you have compassion.

The business card and greeting card are two effective ways to build and strengthen the relationships you have with your customers, which will ultimately result in more business for you.