When it Comes to Business Cards, Vive la France! Marketing Expert Provides Tips to Use Business Cards Effectively
Don't let the small size fool you.
A business card is one of the least expensive and most powerful forms of advertising you possess. "Your business card is your introduction to potential clients," says Shannon Cherry, APR, president of Cherry Communications (www.cherrycommunications.com), a public relations and marketing communications firm. "It's your opportunity to make an impression with every person you come in contact with." You will most likely need to order 500 or 1000 cards (1000 is much cheaper per card). But what are you supposed to do with 1000 cards?According to Cherry, business cards don't have to sit on a shelf collecting dust.
She suggests taking a page from the French. "When I was in Paris, every business had ? and used ? business cards. Even the restaurants and bars used them effectively: wait staff presented a business card either with the check or directly to the diners after the check was paid," she explains. "It's a simple, effective technique that works because everyone takes them."Cherry suggests using the same idea for yourself. "Think of your business card as a mini billboard for your company; you need it to be seen to make an impact.
Depending on the type of business, there are several ways to showcase your card," she says. "You never know who is going to pick it up and call you, or give it to a friend." Widely-used services can distribute their cards in everyday places. For example, Cherry's sister, who runs a manicure business, often puts business cards in places where the general public might easily see and pick up her card. "She hands out her cards like confetti," says Cherry. "She places them on bulletin boards in stores and fast food shops, inside magazines at doctors offices and on the sink in restrooms.
She also has a bulletin board in her salon and encourages customers to post their cards, in return for passing out her cards to others."This last idea can be used, with a variation, for any business. When handing out business cards to an individual, give out three at a time, asking them to distribute them to others they may think might be interested in your business. Do the same in return. Cherry also suggests keeping business cards within hands reach. "You should place some in your briefcase, purse, pocket, and on the front desk or reception area of your business," she says.
"With cards readily available, you'll always be able to introduce yourself with them."
Hand your card to the receptionist at the doctor's office, the hostess at the restaurant, or the technician at the auto repair shop. Include your card with all correspondence, including letters and thank you notes to customers, potential customers and business associates. And don't forget including one in all your bills. "Someone is opening your bills, and you never know who that someone may be," says Cherry.When you hand out your card, it's important that you make it memorable. Write a brief message on it before handing it to someone: your extension number or direct phone line, "Ask for me personally," "Best wishes!" or "Thanks!" all work well."Make your business card do double duty ? and point it out to the person you're giving it to," says Cherry.
Print a coupon or special offer on the backs of your cards. Also include these special cards with invoices to current customers. If you offer a referral incentive, print it on the card. Cherry says it's all in thinking outside the box when it comes to the box of cards sitting in a desk drawer. "The French don't use the hard-sell like Americans do, but they realize ?Le Card' is the quickest way to turn a brief encounter into a long-term customer.".
Business Card Printing Services
The simple black and white business card has metamorphosed into designer versions. Unusual business cards are made from wood, plastic, metal, magnets, glass, or handmade paper. And some are printed in four colors while others are made using embedding or imprint technology. The purpose is to be unique and different, and make a lasting impression.
Depending on your thoughts, budget, design, and needs, a business card service will tell you what kind of printing your card will need.
They offer die-cut business cards, embossed cards, CMYK full color printing, bi-fold business cards, or thermograph print cards?different processes that produce varied results.
Most business card printing services will provide in-house design services if you let them have all the information you need on the card. Otherwise, you could design your business card yourself by using the online card design services. Print providers like GreatFX business cards offer a complete online...
Business cards > Business Card Printing Services
Business Cards Go Fishing!
The offline effort of business cards should focus on getting your website address out there for everyone to see. How do you broaden your reach by using this simple, but one of the most effective marketing tools? (Assuming that you already to have a good stack of business cards with the who, what, where, why and most importantly your URL information stated in them.) Most likely, you have handed out numerous cards to people you have met on the streets and you've hit up various business/retail storefronts with your business cards that sit by the cash registers which pretty much go unnoticed. The good news with leaving your cards at the checkout counter is that it's still a viable place to get people to notice your cards if it's presented in a unique way. What you need is some serious ?bait' for potential customers to sink their teeth into. This is where we go ?fishing' folks.Business cards are left everywhere, and seriously, left behind.
If they are just sitting in a pile, it's hard...
Business Cards Go Fishing!
Business cards > Business Cards Go Fishing!
Signed, Limited-Edition, Unique Business Cards Make Marketing History
Toronto, ON (ContentDesk) July 6, 2006 -- Business cards are normally used to announce yourself, and to give the recipient your contact information. Now they've got another use -- as collectibles.
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