By Business cards are your main point of introduction and follow-up. You can liken it to a card game; if you play your cards right, you win the game. Put your poker face on, get busy introducing your company, identifying your services and separating yourself out from the competition.
In any card game, you need to know the rules of the game to help you win. Here are some Cardinal Rules to apply to your daily business deals.
Rule #1
Have a card to play:
Always have a business card.
Not having your cards on you is like showing up to work without your shoes. Embarrassing…. Everyone uses their card as the first point of contact. Without one, you are attempting to play a card game without the cards!
Rule #2
He’s such a card!
Give out your card to everyone you meet.
You may hold back from handing out your card from time to time for money-saving reasons or energy conservation. This would be folly. Every time you meet someone, help someone or send someone a letter or email, attach your physical or electronic business card. If they don’t need your service, they may give it to someone who does.
Think of it as an investment and monitor your return. How many cards handed out, results in how much ROI? As an experiment try handing out 500 cards in one week and see what happens. Watch out for a sizeable return!
Rule #3
It’s all in the cards!
Include clear and simple information and messages on your card.
The business card is like your 1 minute “elevator pitch” on a piece of paper. Give all your contact info, but don’t fail to make it obvious what service you offer and what sets you apart from your competition. You don’t want someone to have to search the whole card to figure out what you do.
A common mistake is the practice of putting company initials, which alone do not inform the viewer of what the company is about. Eg: “SAT Enterprises Inc.” tells you nothing, and will rapidly be forgotten or tossed into the circular bin.
Rule #4
Employ Card tricks:
Your card should stand out.
A unique card that stands out and attracts attention will garner more response than a traditional, plain business card. Create an attractive design with all your pertinent information and your business message.
Fridge magnet cards that will stay on the fridge or cabinet indefinitely are ideal for companies providing ongoing services such as Taxi Cab Co’s, Real Estate, Plumbing or other household services, Computer repairs, Health Care providers, Grocery etc.
