Originally Posted by kristan

I've heard conflicting advice on this and I'm inclined to disagree with this. (Of course, we all know what works best for us!). I feel like people will either have a need for your service or not; if they do, then they'll keep your card and connect with you. If they don't, then they're not going to get up with if regardless if you've given them something nifty or not. Personally, I like cards that include the important info: name, phone, email and website - and lots of white, writable space (no glossy cards). Because I will write notes on the cards - where I met a person and how I might be able to help them. As for standing out-- I got a card from someone once and his name was printed twice. The second print directly under the first. It was plain and simple/traditional otherwise. I was so curious about it, I asked and his response was to take the card away from me. He asked: What's my name? Of course, I was able to tell him. I'd just read it twice and had my curiosity piqued, instead of quickly scanning it. He smiled and said, "That's why." I thought that was brilliant.

Hi Kristan,

Great comments. I agree with what you said, that people either need your service or they don't. However, just because they don't need your service today, doesn't mean the won't need your service next week or perhaps 6 months down the line. They may also meet someone else later on who needs your service and they're only likely to think to recommend your service if you are @ the front of their mind. A favourite quote of mine that I picked up from networking guru Liz Lynch (author of the book Smart Networking) is, "Top of mind, first in line." I love this quote.

I also like what you said about leaving some white space on your card to allow for the recipient to write notes. I do try to keep in the habit of writing on the cards I receive where and when I met that person. I do find it a little frustrating when there's no room, or the card's glossy on both sides so my pen won't write on it.

Hey, I just had an idea! Hows abouts putting something on the back of the card with a title "Where & When We Met" and then having line's with labels, "When", "Where", "What we discussed"? This might prompt the receiver of your card to write those points down and serve as a memory jogger next time they look at your card.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Jason

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Jae Alexander Linsey
Creative Design & Business Support

Originally Posted by AdvantageAdministrativeSltns

Ask around, find out who others are using. Every town has tons of printing companies. The best ones are the ones that actually work out of their home and advertise small business marketing. I have two different marketing businesses that work from their home. They have 2-3 printers that they trust and they find the best deal from me. If you come across a printer that you want them to check out, they will do that for you. This saves you time, you will get great quality, and you are supporting another business like yourself. They are also good referrals because they work with small businesses.

A very good point, Erika. I agree. I actually have a couple of local printers that I use and when my clients need printing I always go to one of these printers on my list. Although, I do tend to play them off each other to get the price down. So I'll ask one for a quote and then go to another printer to see if I can get the price even lower. That way I can save my client a little extra money and they're more likely to come back and to recommend my service to others.

Regards,

Jason.

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Jae Alexander Linsey
Creative Design & Business Support

Originally Posted by AdvantageAdministrativeSltns

Ask around, find out who others are using. Every town has tons of printing companies. The best ones are the ones that actually work out of their home and advertise small business marketing. I have two different marketing businesses that work from their home. They have 2-3 printers that they trust and they find the best deal from me. If you come across a printer that you want them to check out, they will do that for you. This saves you time, you will get great quality, and you are supporting another business like yourself. They are also good referrals because they work with small businesses.

A very good point, Erika. I agree. I actually have a couple of local printers that I use and when my clients need printing I always go to one of these printers on my list. Although, I do tend to play them off each other to get the price down. So I'll ask one for a quote and then go to another printer to see if I can get the price even lower. That way I can save my client a little extra money and they're more likely to come back and to recommend my service to others.

Regards,

Jason.

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Jae Alexander Linsey
Creative Design & Business Support

Personally? I really HATE those cards that use the back or are all glossy. I also like to write notes on the back of the card. Sometimes it's a brief description of the person, something we talked about, a mutual aquaintance, special contact info not listed on the card, etc.

Glossy on one side is okay... but as long as I can write on the back, I'm happy.

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Marian Harmon, Certified Virtual Assistant
www.crossmydesk.com

Great tips. I am going to have to use both sides of my cards!

Another good thread. As an extension of a point raised above, how about have an empty box on the back with the word "NOTES"

That way the recipient will either make notes regarding where and when they met you OR may make notes on some other important matter, either way they are going to revert back to YOUR business card.

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Colin
Kezcol Solutions

Originally Posted by kezcol

Another good thread. As an extension of a point raised above, how about have an empty box on the back with the word "NOTES" That way the recipient will either make notes regarding where and when they met you OR may make notes on some other important matter, either way they are going to revert back to YOUR business card.

That is a great idea! You can put a thank you for your business or something on that order and then put the box with notes for them to use.

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Erika Glem
www.advadminsol.com Let my administrative solutions be to your advantage.

Ive been searching for a way to make my business card stand out. Both the notes and the 2 year calendar ideas are great. Thank you.

I've also used the Postcard idea. It wasn't for my VA business but for my dog. We're breeding from him and I used the Postcard format to have photos of him on one side and all his pedigree details, website and our details of the other side. I took the cards to the Club Match and Dog shows and handed them out to anyone who liked the look of Troy. It worked - he now has 11 beautiful puppies, one of which is now living with us. So I will also use this for when I really start marketing my VA business and hopefully it will be just as successful!

I love the idea of having a "NOTES" section on the back of the business card.

Thanks for the idea.

Lisa Plante

Thanks everyone for the information. Using a postcard with valuable tip ideas is great and I can't wait to try it.

Betty, "The Smart Choice"

I really like the idea of a business card that folds with the ability to add information to the bottom half of the card and information on the back, this was very helpful! Thank you!

Maybe you could do the useful tip on the back of the business card instead of a calendar..I like all the ideas. Or maybe you could do a Q&A on the back of the business card.

It's always a great way to make a more memorable impresssion by giving out something useful. The business card with the pocket calendar is good... but what if they get two? Who's will they keep? This is where promotional marketing comes in and looking at small useful products to give out with your business info on it. My hubby and I used to be in the promotional marketing business, and we've seen some really great products. If I can remember between now and tomorrow morning, I'll talk with him about coming up with a list.

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Mary Henaghan
Harmony Business Services

Darn...I just ordered my business cards. Good idea...I will have to do this on my next batch.

Jody