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Business cards are a fundamental tool for professional networking and introductions, serving as a quick and memorable way to exchange contact information. Typically, a business card includes the giver's name, company affiliation (often with a logo), and essential contact details such as street addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
While historically many cards featured simple black text on white stock, today's professional business cards often incorporate distinctive visual design elements. They are frequently used during sales calls, providing potential customers with an easy means to connect with a business or its representative.
Why Are Business Cards Essential for Your Network?
Whether you're attending trade shows, association meetings, or local events, having a well-designed business card is crucial for making a lasting impression. If you work for a large corporation, business cards are usually provided as a matter of course. However, if you're part of a small or home-based business, you likely put in the effort to design, print, and distribute your own cards. Since you've gone to that trouble, it's important to use them to your full advantage.
Maximizing Your Business Card's Potential
Most of us have standard-sized business cards, often printed on only one side. But how much more mileage could you get from your cards by utilizing both sides? There are numerous creative uses for the back of a business card. If you print your own cards, you can easily create small runs of different types to see what works best for you.
Creative Uses for the Back of Your Business Card
- Include a map to your location with clear directions.
- Print one or more customer testimonials, complete with their names. You might also list their website or other information as a thank you for their contribution.
- List your specialties, services, or product details. For example, a massage therapist could list the modalities they use.
- Feature an image of your book cover or product. A visual cue can help people remember it.
- Turn your card into a voucher for a free consultation, a discount (dollar or percentage), a gift with purchase, or another valuable offer. Consider adding an end date, or leave a space to handwrite one.
- Display your workshop or tutorial schedule.
- Provide instructions for subscribing to your blog or newsletter.
- Share inspiring quotes or sayings.
- Publish a product or service highlight from your catalog. You might want to omit the price or state a date the price is valid through to avoid outdated information.
- Include a review or reply card on the back, promising a free gift when they respond. Remember to also give them an additional card.
- Create a small form to encourage people to pass your card along as a referral.
- Handwrite a personal note, or print one in an appealing font, such as: "It was a pleasure meeting you! Please call me next time you need an attorney."
- Add short, engaging jokes to the back of your card. Using a variety of jokes can make for a great conversation starter at networking events.
Whatever you decide, always ensure you have plenty of business cards with you, and distribute them generously!
Effective Strategies for Distributing Your Business Cards
Be Generous with Your Cards
Give business cards to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let ego prevent you from giving out your cards freely, or from giving more than one at a time if appropriate. Simply signing your business cards only makes your folder feel complete, not your bank account.
Ask for Referrals Gracefully
When offering a business card, people often feel more comfortable when you make a polite request. Avoid putting people on the spot. A subtle approach works much better than directly asking, "Is your business hiring?" People naturally like to do favors for others. Phrases like "Could you do me a favor by referring my services to someone who might need them?" often put you in a better position, making them feel good about helping you.
Position Yourself for Success
Have you ever been disappointed with the networking results at a job fair or business conference? Try a different approach: volunteer to help at these events. This puts you in a more strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently if they see you're willing to go the extra mile to help make their event run smoothly. Volunteering has proven to be an incredibly successful resource for building business partnerships and growing your network. As one of the world's most successful sales trainers says, if you help enough people get what they want, in time, you will get what you desire in life.
Craft a Memorable Motto
Include a motto on your business card that answers the question, "Why should someone choose you?" or highlights what makes you different from everyone else. A memorable phrase or motto ensures people connect a company name with its products or services, even long after an advertisement has ended. This is called brand recognition. Companies invest significant amounts in advertising agencies to develop these lasting mottos. Consider doing the exact same thing on your business card. This is your insurance that people remember you after you meet.
Don't just put "John Smith, Accountant" on your card. Consider something like "Financial Services with Integrity." A motto can make all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should be included on a business card?
A standard business card typically includes your name, company association (often with a logo), and contact details such as street address, phone number, and email address.
How can I make my business card more effective?
Utilize both sides of your card for additional information like a map, customer testimonials, a list of services, a product image, special offers, a schedule, or even a personal note. Being generous with distribution and having a memorable motto also increases effectiveness.
What are some tips for successfully distributing business cards?
Be generous and give cards to everyone you meet, including friends and family. Politely ask for referrals, framing it as a favor. Consider volunteering at industry events to position yourself strategically for networking opportunities.
Why is a motto important for a business card?
A motto helps potential clients remember you and understand your unique value proposition. It answers the question "Why choose you?" and creates a lasting impression, aiding in brand recognition.