The Basics of Business Card Marketing:

One of the most frequent requests you have in business is,"May I have your Business Card"?  Whether it's a sales call or business-to-business networking, the practice of exchanging cards is the most common way to make an introduction.  Remember:  Your first impression is a lasting impression.  Give them a business card you can be proud of!

Information that should be included on a business card:

Your cards should include your name, phone number, fax number, email, street address and your company logo.  This information should be produced in a color and font that is easy to read.  In addition, you can include discounts, coupons, or any call to action that will add value to your business card.

Proofread your Cards! 

Make sure you proofread your cards before they are printed.  Here is an easy trick to use when proofreading, to ensure what is to be printed is correct:  Read each line backwards, from right to left and from bottom to top.  This will force you to look at each word and number, instead of only skimming the information that you are so familiar with.

Have your cards nearby no matter where you are.

Keep a plentiful supply of Business Cards in your wallet, briefcase, computer bag and desk.  You don't want to run out when you meet an important client!

Give your business cards away, often!

You can easily take a predetermined number of business cards along with you when you cold call or network, until you've handed them all out.  This way, you know exactly how many people you've talked to.  Collect their card as well and then follow-up.

8 reasons why people retain business cards and how to get them to keep yours.

according to Dr. Lynella Grant:

Do you remember how proud you were the first time you saw your name in print?

Most entrepreneurs feel that same sense of pride when they first see their new business cards.  That small card represents years of planning and effort and hard work and dreams.  The thrill of seeing your name in print is hard to beat!

Unfortunately, other people couldn't care less.  Your business card, the one your so proud of, is just another advertisement.  It's no more important than any of the other many business cards that cross a prospect's desk.

The psychology of business cards:

How do you make sure your card is the one that your prospects keep and file?

It pays to think about the reasons people keep cards to begin with.  Often it's not the reason you expect.  Understanding this critical aspect can dramatically affect the design and ultimate effectiveness of your card.

Here's the 8 reasons:

1)  As a link to a potential customer or client.

Let's say you are at a network marketing event and someone takes your card.  They might want your card to follow-up with you, so you can become a future client of theirs.

2)  As a link to a resource or a supplier.

If you're in the retail golfing business and meet someone who sells a hard-to-find golf club, you'll probably keep their business card.

3)  As a link to a colleague.

Many people keep business cards of colleagues and competitors.

4)  For social, non-business reasons.

Maybe you couldn't care less that Kelly sells insurance.  She's awfully cute, though.

5)  For referring business - it may be passed on to someone else.

If a friend of yours has had a hard time finding a window washing company, and you meet someone who's just started a window washing service, you'll probably accept their business card and pass it on to your friend.

6)  To update information they already have.

Maybe they have an old card of yours with your old phone number and email address.

7)  Just in case.

Some people have a hard time parting with anything because they may need it someday.

8)  Something likable, unusual or useful about the person or their card.

Maybe an unusual name or design on it.  Maybe an offer printed on the card that you might need in the future.  

Keep these reasons in mind when designing your card.  Clarify what you do and who you do it for.

ADD VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS CARDS!

For example, tell them:

• EASY to PAY "Credits and competitors coupons accepted"Your Company.com
• Easy to Find " Located next to _ "
  
• Easy to Visit " Walk-ins welcome.  No appointment required."
• Easy to Buy  " Express check-out."
• Easy to get expert Advice  "Pharmacist on duty around the clock"

• "Present this card for a free battery"
• Ask for Fred to receive your first oil change free!
• "Log onto Your Company.com for current discount coupons!"
• Discounts for referrals
  

• "Why settle for anything less when you can have _?" 
  
• Huge Discounts
• Receive a discount when you present this card
• Present this card and receive a free _
  
• Can you afford not to......?
• An investment in your future
• Don't pay more for _
• Call for a special offer for first time customers
• Put our ideas to work for you