Don’t Let Your Business Card Get Ditched
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Most business cards get ditched within the first two hours of being taken. That’s the problem with handing out business cards; the act is actually 90 percent ineffective.
Your business card shouldn’t be a substitute for your networking capabilities. You have to do the hard work first, become memorable. Identify the people you know can help you achieve your goals and those who you can help to achieve theirs. Don’t just hand out the card while sipping cocktails at a seminar or your card will be amongst the thousands thrown away every week.
After you’ve determined who may be a valuable ally, convince them that your resources can be beneficial. Give them the desire to have a professional relationship with you. Successful networking takes energy, but if accomplished they’ll want your business card and more importantly, they’ll hold on to it. It won’t be another bit of cardboard that gets tossed out.
This doesn’t mean that business cards are not an essential part of the networking process. They help to convey, in a simple form, that you are available to offer your services.
This copy from a business card did a pretty good job: IGNITE YOUR ADS!
Writing That Launches Sales … Watch Your Profits Soar!
Joe Blow – Copywriter & Sales Consultant
The card is simple and straight forward. The copy doesn’t leap off the page, but it makes a simple pledge. That is exactly what you need to accomplish with your business card. If you try to do more with your card, you run the risk of failure.
Key tips to a good business card:
Remember, the main thing is to do the selling yourself. Use the card to reinforce your main message. Here are some unique business cards that are sure not to end up in the trash:
This business card was created for Melvin who is known as a “hacker”. It represents his line of work with the lockpick concept. Besides being just plain cool the various tools can also be removed from the card and used “for all your breaking & entering needs.”
And of course the big hit is Hugh MacLeod’s business cards with illustrations on the backs:
You can see more of his drawings at gapingvoid.com. Share your business card bests and worsts!
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Tags: Business Principles, Copywriting, Interviews, Marketing, Search & Marketing
Posted in Business Principles, Copywriting, Interviews, Marketing, Search & Marketing
How could you miss ShowOffCards as the ultimate unique business card.
February 9th, 2007 at 6:01 pmHeck. Even Google agrees.
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&q=unique+business+card&btnG=Google+Search
We normally don’t allow link drops, but I got to say, you’ve guys develop some pretty fantastic cards. Good work… the only thing your website is missing is the costs.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:19 amKatie,
Great information here. The key to marketing success using business cards is to provide a value that your competitors won’t be offering. A fancy charicature may spark an initial interest but for the long term, a serious business owner needs something more… more value, more of a reason for the holder to actually KEEP the card.
The backside of a business card is the most under-utilized part of the business card, yet has the most space for your advertising message. One strategy is to include a coupon on the backside. This encourages the hold to not only hold on to the card but also to bring it back to you next time they need their services. Get enough of these return customers and the cards will easily pay for themselves and then some.
Thank you!
February 14th, 2007 at 4:09 pmChris Brunner
GreatFX Business Cards
http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com