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It's All In The Cards.
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It's All In The Cards. Business Cards, That Is. Have it convey more than just your name and phone number. Use it to inform your clients about your products or services, to build credibility, and to generate sales. Don’t think a little 3-1/2” by 2” piece of card stock can do all that? Well it can and more if you view your business card as a sales and marketing tool, and not as a cheap or inexpensive throwaway.
Things To Avoid Don’t hand out a perforated business card. That does not convey a very stable or solidly backed company that views its people as important members of the team. Likewise, don’t send out sales representatives (or yourself) with hand-me-down business cards. You’ve seen them. They are the cards in which someone’s name has been crossed out and a new name has been handwritten in. Talk about sending out a negative image. Business cards are not that expensive. Most office supply stores and quickie printers can produce business cards displaying the basics - your name, phone,and address - for very little. And they can do it quickly. So avoid the hand-me-down card at all costs, and invest in a temporary card. Then spend the money and take the time to print an effective, permanent card.
Things To Include Your permanent card should have all the basics, and a little more. It should contain your name (or the name of your sales rep), your company’s name and logo, plus a little slogan or catch phrase like “Connecting Networks, Connecting the Future” or “Creating Communities That Live With Nature” depending upon your business. Then make sure it also includes your complete address (including city, state,and zip code), as well as your e-mail address and your company’s web site address, if you have one. Most clients really love to have your e-mail address at their fingertips. They find it very helpful, and an easy way to send you information or updates about their needs. The easier you make it for your clients, the better you look, and the more opportunity will come your way.
We Also Said Your Card Could Be A Sales Tool. Here’s How. Flip it over and put the back of your card to work. If you have a retail business, put a map on the back, as well as store hours. The same holds true if your business generates a lot of walk-in traffic. With other businesses, list the products or services you provide, and if you can do it succinctly enough, list the benefits your clients will reap. For credibility purposes, it may be appropriate to list the companies you keep, such as the manufacturers you represent, or some of the Fortune 500 or locally known clients you service. Use recognizable names that will build confidence in your prospects and help you close new clients. Finally, don’t be afraid to update your business card when necessary. For instance, after attending several trade shows or networking functions you may find that people ask about services or products not listed on your card. If you find yourself adding the same information to your business card every time you hand it out, make a note of it, and reprint your card with that new information included. Take it from us, an effective and updated card is worth the investment.
The Marketing Partner comments and submissions to info@mpus.com. Previous issues are on our website at http://mpus.com/tmp/. Marketing Partners Incorporated 410.309.0596 Copyright ©2002-2011 Marketing Partners Incorporated, All Rights Reserved http://mpus.com/
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