Ten Steps to a Stupendous Business Card
1. Use both sides! When I got my new cards printed recently, it was only an extra $20 per thousand to get the back side printed. Imagine--you've just doubled your opportunity to communicate with a potential client. What should you put on the back? How about
* A list of your services
* Testimonial quotes from pleased customers
* Something useful--like a calendar or tip table
* Your bio
2. Make sure your card says something about you. There are a lot of boring business cards out there. Why? Probably because someone started a business, and "Get business cards" was one of the items on their "to-do" list. But don't just do it (apologies to Nike)--put some thought into it. Make it unique, creative, and indicative of the special qualities you bring to your business.
3. Make the important information easy to find. Don't bury that phone number in a cluster of print. Make it stand out.
4. This sounds like common sense, but make sure it's clear what you do. I stopped at my local Chamber of Commerce this week to pick up some business cards. Let me give you some sample business names, and see if you can guess what these people do:
* Your One Stop Shop
* The Branches
* ImageLoop
* Go Forth Enterprises
Don't make it hard for people to do business with you!
5. Emphasize the benefits of doing business with you. Whether it's in a tag line under your business name or in a list, make sure you tell prospective customers what they'll get from doing business with you.
* Features= qualities of your product or service
* Benefits= what those features mean to your client
6. Don't be road kill on the information superhighway: Include your web site address and e-mail address on your card. This should always be included--just like your phone number.
7. Announce your USP. That's your Unique Selling Proposition. You should have one, and you should proclaim it loudly and proudly on your business card. It's what makes your different from your competitors. Whether it's price, product, location, guarantee, your personality, or something else, there should be something that makes you stand out.
8. Include your logo. All of your business materials should establish a recognizable image for your business, so make sure that your business card matches your letterhead and brochures. You may be sick of it, but your prospects aren't. Remember the Law of Seven--someone needs to see your name at least seven times before they will try to do business with you. Having a consistent company image makes it that much easier to make an impression.
9. Do something really different. Use a picture business card. Or a phone card. Or a card shaped like a pencil or a key or a computer. You want people to notice and remember you. Don't be stodgy just because that's what you've always done. Try something new!
10. Pass out your card! Try this: Hand a card to everyone you speak to tomorrow--tellers, cashiers, servers. You'll be amazed how many people that is! Also, include a couple in the envelope each time you pay bills or send invoices or thank you notes to clients. Leave them on bulletin boards in cafes and laundromats. Leave them everywhere!
Best wishes!