5 Ideas for Keeping Business Cards Handy
by Diana Ratliff
"Sorry, all my business cards are at the office..."
Those could be the "famous last words" of the forgetful
entrepreneur.
If you habitually find yourself without a business card, you're
habitually losing money; or at least the chance of making money.
Your business card, more than any other marketing weapon in your
arsenal, is what prospects and colleagues rely upon to remind them
why they should do business with you.
Forgetting a business card is a marketing mistake of significant
proportions. We're so inundated with advertising messages that most
of us learn to tune them out. Yet every time you're asked for a
business card, and sheepishly reply that you don't have one with
you, you're missing an invitation to market to someone.
Forgetting your business card is a social faux pas
Being asked for a business card is a compliment. Not having one with
you at that critical moment is subtly offensive. It puts both you
and the person requesting the card in an embarrassing situation. And
it nonverbally tells your prospect that you're not quite the
business person they thought. You're not really serious about your
business, or too careless and forgetful to be entrusted with theirs.
If you're determined not to be caught cardless again, here are some
tips to help you remember:
1) Develop a strategy for using business cards to actively
promote your business
It may be as simple as deciding to give 5 or 10 cards away every
day. It may mean printing labels describing your current promotion,
sticking them to the back of your cards, and pinning them to
bulletin boards. Whatever! The point is that if you consciously
figure out a way to use your business cards to bring in business,
you're much less likely to forget them.
2) Invest in new cards
If you haven't ordered business cards within the past two years,
there's a good chance that the information or photo is out of date
by now. And if your last order was for 1000 cards and there are
still 990 cards left, ask yourself why you haven't been passing them
out. If it's because you dislike the cards, pitch them and get
business cards you're proud of!
3) Draft and practice a business card presentation
Unless you're comfortable and confident when handing out your card,
you won't do it. Besides, the words and actions that accompany your
business card when you give it to someone can really cement a
positive first impression.
4) Invest in a quality business card case, one that you're proud
to show off and use
Business card cases can be conversation starters in and of
themselves. There are so many unusual, classic and artistic choices
available to choose from. I suggest investing in a few cases; a more
professional, elegant case for formal business occasions and a
flashy or fun holder for social situations.
5) Tuck a few business cards everywhere
Your car's glove compartment. Your briefcase. Your gym bag. Your
wife's purse. Next to the front door on the table where you keep
your keys. Your desk drawer. Your secretary's desk. The pocket of
your coat. Your suitcase.
Bottom line: Never leave home without business cards!
Contact LB Printery today to discuss your
full color business card printing needs. |
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