Much like a website, a business card has the power to continuously work for you. It’s the perfect size for people to just throw in their pocket or purse and if handed to them after a personal introduction it’s much harder to throw away. Instead they hold onto it, remembering the first impression it made every time they see it, until the day they decide to reach out.
The main function of your business cards:
- Tells your name and the name of your business
- Provides a way to contact you
- Gives a taste of your work, brand and culture of your business
- It can be reused, and passed from person to person
The business card is one of the best investments – dollar for dollar – one can make for your business. It’s compact, energy-efficient, low-cost, low-tech, and keeps working for you hours, weeks and even years after it leaves your hands! But there are many ways you can maximize that investment and get even more out of your business cards…
Get the most out of your business cards:
- Make your card visually stand out
- Make your cards accessible in every situation
- Seek situations to exchange business cards
- Referral program (encourage people to talk about your business)
- Work on your elevator pitch
- Follow up your business card with an email
Make your card visually stand out
This one is simple, because that’s where we come in. There are ways to visually make your business card stand out. One way is to add some bling. Adding bling can be in the form of a dye cut or unique shape, a spot UV that gives it special shine, a sassy foil, or a thick painted edge. Another is a catchy message. Sometimes that is more important than any flashy design. Here’s an example on a business cards that will be hard to forget…
But the important takeaway is to just find a way to stand out and show off your brand and industry. How can you make your business card scream “This is what I do!”?
Make your cards accessible in every situation
“Oh interesting, do you have a business card?” As a business owner this is music to your ears, right? But for a business owner who forgot their business cards in the car, this is a nightmare! There are obvious times when you know you need your business cards like when you go to a networking event, but you should always be ready to promote your business. So stash them everywhere, your glove box, jacket pocket, briefcase, wallet, computer bag, just don’t forget them!
Seek situations to exchange business cards
What good is a business card if it just sits in your wallet or all those places you have them stashed? If you’re not the type of person that can just organically start up a conversation and promote your business then you need to seek out those opportunities and join some networking events! This will give you a comfortable environment where you can practice promoting your business and pass out your business card like crazy. *** TIP *** Ask someone else for their business card, it shows you are interested in what they do, they will be more likely to engage in conversation about your business and will be more likely to keep your information for future use.
Set up a referral program
Many times, business owners who attend networking events regularly, run into the same people over and over again. Depending on your industry this can be good or bad, but more often than not they already have your business card or maybe have worked with you with. Yay win! But now your new goal is to get that person to pass on the business card to someone else. How do you encourage them to do that? FREE STUFF! Not very many people can turn away free stuff, so if they are getting something out of referring your business then everybody wins!
Work on your elevator pitch
The business card isn’t the only thing that people remember. Every time they see your business card floating around in their purse they will think of the first impression you left on them. You want to sell your services and stay on brand. For example:
“We are a full service marketing agency. Anywhere from brand development to web development, we can help you as much or as little as you need. Working within your time-frame and budget we are here to consult, create and connect you to all things marketing! Here is our business card if you are interested.”
But another thing you want to practice with your elevator pitch is to be engaging and conversational. It should be sound recited and rehearsed. Try to relate your services to them and what they might need. For example:
“Oh I heard you have an upcoming event. Are you doing anything to promote it? We are a full service marketing agency. With that type of event it might be helpful to have something to hand out and some social media ads. We can help you as much or as little as you need. Working within your time-frame and budget we are here to consult, create and connect you to all things marketing! Here is our business card if you are interested.”
Follow up your business card with an email or phone call
Wow you did a great job at that networking event! You reached out to a lot of potential clients and pretty much perfected your elevator pitch. Give yourself a quick pat of the back and get back to work. For every business card you hand out you should get one in return (or at least a way to contact them). People get busy and forget. It’s your job to remind them! So follow up with a “It was nice talking to you… I would love to hear more”, and turn that lead into a client!
There is so much potential to help you grow your business in that little 3.5 x 2” card, so get out there and maximize your investment!
The rundown
Print is simply not going away. In fact, it is here to stay and becoming increasingly popular and effective with every passing year. As more and more types of media become disrupted by
the Internet and social media, conventional advertising techniques are being forced to evolve. Traditional medias are making a clear comeback, and many businesses have taken notice and have begun to see their value as well.
So if you’re convinced that this form of advertising is right for your business, contact us and let’s make it happen!
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