YOUR FIRST LINE MARKETING PIECE

I have to address this topic again! In the last two weeks I was handed 14 cards from a very wide variety of people. Typical on each card was an individual name, title, company name and contact information, the cards provided no other information. A few had a fancy logo, some made up of initials, and others offered very colorful graphics.

For most of us, a simple business card is our first and, in many cases, our only opportunity to give our information to a potential customer/client or referral source. Does your business card inspire others to act? Does it tell the person receiving it how your business can help them or someone else? Does your card set you apart from others offering the same product/service? Does it have a direct “call to action?”

The amazing part is that your business card is the least expensive marketing piece that you have, and it is the one that you give out most frequently. It is also the one that is given the least amount of time in the area of design and content.

If you are a business owner, you probably have a drawer full of business cards that you have received in the past year. Networking sessions are touted as “the Big thing” in generating new business. Take a look at all the business cards you have received from attending a networking session. Are you motivated to call someone back or to give someone a referral based on their business card?

One group offers speed networking session; you have so many seconds to introduce yourself and to leave a business card. Can this system work? The answer is yes if your business card will result in the recipient calling you or sending a referral.

A business card should create enough interest to have the recipient want to set up another meeting to further discuss what you do and why you do it.

Take the time to redesign your business card. When you are finished, mail me one for my collection!

Don’t build LINKS.  Build RELATIONSHIPS.  Rand Fishkin