"Do Your Business Cards Really Say Who You Are"

by Wendy McClelland, copyright 1996

One of the least expensive and most effective ways to market your business is also one of the oldest - the old "standby" business cards.

Here are a couple of tips for creating an eye catching card:

• Use some color - not too much - just enough to grab someone's attention and make them want to read the card
• Use a font that's easy to read
• Don't fill the whole card with type - it looks crowded and people don't read it all
• Consider using a fold-over card - I have found these to be extremely effective for a number of reasons:

  a) If a handful of business cards are dropped on a desk only the fold over cards stand up above the rest

  b) The fold over card is still unique - not many people use them

  c) I use mine as a mini brochure - inside it tells about my qualifications, services I offer and skills I have, the front has my name, phone #'s, email address, URL and postal address

• Another popular addition is your photo - this makes you seem more approachable and friendly (if your business is one where you deal directly with the public I suggest you consider adding a photo)

How to make sure your cards are really working for you

Have a goal to give away AT LEAST 5 CARDS A DAY to build your network

• Leave one with a tip for a waitress
• When you "check in" at the doctor or dentist reception desk don't spell your name - give your card
• Carry them in your pocket when you walk the dog and hand one out to people you stop and chat with
• Make sure all your children's friends parents know what you do and have your card
• Ask someone else for their card and give them yours (you can build your mailing list and get some exposure at the same time)
• Enclose your card with each bill you pay
• Each time you buy something (even at the drugstore) leave your card and say something simple like "I design Internet websites if you have any questions about how you can make money on the Internet please call me"
• Put the cards on community bulletin boards
• When you attend trade shows drop your card in EVERY box - yes you will get put on lots of mailing lists, but you'll also receive some business too - you'd be surprised
• Give a card to the gas station attendant, grocery store clerk, video store worker, hostess at a restaurant when you give your name for a seat reservation
• If you overhear a conversation about your industry say "I'm sorry but I couldn't help overhear part of your conversation if you ever need more information on the topic, here's my card"
• Offer to speak at your school's career day and give each student a card - they do have parents who may need what you have to offer
• Leave some cards with your stationery store manager - very often they get requests from small business people for different kinds of help - if you leave your cards you'll be first on the list to be called
• If you ever go anywhere there is entertainment leave your card with the entertainer - and tell them how much you've enjoyed their performance

*** If you would like to reprint this article in your own newsletter, on a website or for distribution you may, BUT you MUST include this bio:

Bio: Wendy McClelland is a motivational speaker, marketing innovator and Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach who specializes in teaching people to "think without boundaries!" She is a past nominee for "Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year" and her clients have included software developers, an Olympic athlete and a wide range of business organizations. She has spoken to 10,000+ conference attendees, about Marketing, Internet Business and Motivation. You can contact her through her website – www.thinkwithoutboundaries.com

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