Business Card Savvy – Top Ten Tips
So you designed a business card, now what? A business card is your advertisement, it must get around and must fully represent you in the best possible light.
Here are 10 savvy tips to use to make the most of your business card.
1. Design Savvy. Here’s where you need to hire a professional. Your business card must leave an indelible impression. Use high quality paper, unique graphics, colors and a great slogan. You’d be surprised how many cards have come my way without a phone number. Don’t forget to check for typos.
2. Never leave home without them. “Do I have my wallet, house keys, driver's license? Do I have my business cards?” Remember, any interaction can be a doorway to give out a business card.
3. Insert a business card when mailing bill payments. Bills contain advertisements. Why not advertise your skills or services the same way? Insert a business card with your payment and develop this powerful networking attitude. This exercise can create a fundamental source of potential new contacts.
4. Use proper business card etiquette. Never shove a business card in your pocket. Never. When given one demonstrate an interest in the other person. Look at the card, find something there to stir up conversation then place it in your wallet. When you give a card, ask for a card.
5. Be generous. Have you ever requested a second business card so you could refer their services just to hear "I only have a few cards left.” Hoarding your cards serves no good purpose. You have them so you can reach people so give them out freely.
6. Ask for referrals. Don't put people on the spot. Try asking for a referral when giving a business card by saying something savvy like, “If you think of someone would you please refer my services to them?” then give them 2 cards.
7. Maximize all your interactions. Every social event, every outing and every encounter is an opportunity to network so remember to use these meetings to hand someone your card. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you or who knows someone else who could.
8. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Volunteering for events or speaking pro bono at business and social networking gatherings place you in a strategic position for passing around your business card intentionally, and comfortably.
9. Use "In Your Face" follow up. “Out of sight, out of mind” is the operative phrase to remember when you’re wondering why no one’s calling you. Follow-up is the most essential step to take if you see potential from someone who has your card. Keep track of leads and be persistent. A business card does not get you the job, it opens the door just enough for you to do the rest.
10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that describes what sets you apart from everyone else and people will remember you. A slogan or catchy phrase makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because often it’s the slogan that lingers long enough to associate you to them.