USING BUSINESS CARDS EFFECTIVELY

Have you a big box of business cards hiding in your desk? Gathering dust? Business cards are an inexpensive marketing tool but they are only useful when they are out in your hands and in the hands of others. Always carry a supply of business cards with you, wherever you go. You never know when you’ll have an opportunity to give one to someone who may become a customer, or who knows someone who may become a customer. Having cards in your car, pocket, wallet or purse all the time means that you will never miss out on a chance to promote yourself.

So pop them in there today. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your business cards:

1. Hand out cards at networking events, and anywhere you meet potential customers. When you make a sales call, give a card to your contact. Give one to the receptionist when you arrive for an appointment, so they can refer to it when announcing you.

2. Give a handful of cards to customers and people who are in a position to refer others to you. It will be easier for them to do if you make sure they always have lots of your cards on hand. For example, I always leave a pile on my accountant’s reception counter.

3. Drop two cards in every envelope you send out. Whether you’re sending sales letters to prospects, invoices to clients, or a cheque to a supplier, include your business card. You never know who will open the envelope and find your cards.

4. Add your cards to card displays at local businesses if your target market visits their premises. Some businesses allow customers to put a stack of business cards on the counter. Some simply place a few cards on the shelf, others supply a cardholder to display them upright and keep them neatly organized. Whenever you see a place that allows you to add your cards (but where your customer visit), do so.

5. Don’t be too pushy. A good way around this is to ask people for their cards and then offer yours. The bottom line…Don’t hold onto your business cards.

Set yourself a goal of ensuring that you run out of them within a certain amount of time. Let me know how you get on