Why a Business Card is Still Critical to Your Success
Many professionals have forgotten the magical power of, "Tangible Marketing". Learn why old-school business people still won't leave home without business cards.
There used to be an old saying in marketing, “never go naked”.
It meant that you should never leave home without a few of your business cards. There was a time when all business people would turn around and head back home to retrieve them if they realized they forgot them. This is because when they happened to meet a potential business opportunity, and they forgot their business cards, they kicked themselves in the head.
The Problem With E-mails and Text Messages
It’s common for business people to trade contacts by sending each other a text message, or sending an e-mail. The problem is that their phone number and e-mail address is buried inside apps, and is never visible…
You can’t see a text message sitting on your desk; all you can see is your phone.
You can’t feel an e-mail in your pocket, all you feel is your phone.
You can’t stick a text message to your refrigerator door. All you can do is leave it in your phone.
On the other hand, a business card is something your recipients can feel and see. Because of that, a business card is always there to remind them of you.
Why Tangible Marketing is Still the King
Tangible Marketing simply means having something real and solid in your hands that serves to remind someone of you. A business card is exactly that…
When you hand someone your business card, it usually sits in their pocket. When the time comes to empty their pocket, they see your business once again, and are reminded of you.
Business cards often sit on someone’s desk for a few days, getting several more glances and giving away several more reminders.
Some business cards get put inside a desk drawer, or into a stack of other cards. Several months later, when that person decides to reorganize their work space, they find your card and are again reminded of you.
Some cards get stuck to a refrigerator with a magnet and are seen everyday.
Many restaurants and shops allow you to leave a small stack of your business cards by their register, for free.
You can also walk through a parking lot and leave a business card under a windshield wiper, and compel someone to look at your business.
Other forms of tangible marketing are wall calendars, pens with your logo on them, drink coasters, mouse pads, and yes… brochures.
Everyone You Meet, Hand Them Your Business Card
Even if you’re just sitting at the bar, enjoying a conversation with a random stranger, finish the conversation by introducing yourself, telling them what you do, then hand them your business card…
Don’t by shy about handing out a business card. Your in business for crying out loud!
Most people who receive your card don’t need your services, but they often know someone who does, and may refer them to you.
Get a business card case (you can find them on Amazon), they’ll keep your cards looking brand new.
The Best Business Card Design
Simple and Concise remains as the most effective strategy towards business card design…
Your name, job title, and a photo of you, should be presented in the middle of the card. This is where everyone expects to find this information.
Your contact information should be below that.
Your business name and logo should be at the top of the card.
Don’t make someone try to guess who you are, or what you do. This is because months or years later, when they rediscover your card, they’ll never remember you. But, if they see your name, face, and company, they’ll always remember you.
Leave the back of the business card blank white, with no gloss, just standard stock. This way you can easily write down additional information with just about any writing utensil.
Don’t waste money on thick card stock, or plastic stock, or any other higher priced features. This is because all business cards are still just business cards, and they will all be treated the same. It’s who you are as a business person and human being that will make your card stand out.