What does your business card say about you?
We all want to make a great first impression. From the way we present ourselves to the business “equipment” that we carry.
Within your toolbox you have “equipment” that enables you to effectively network, communicate your message, and accomplish your goals. Your business card is part of your toolbox of “equipment”. How do you make sure it represents who you are and what you do?
3 Steps to Develop A Business Card that Represents Who You Are and What You Do
1. Make sure you have professionally printed business cards.
In the past month I’ve been to two different networking events where people handed me a business card they printed from their computer on plain paper. Not only were these business cards poor quality, the people handing them to me apologized for being unprepared. What do you think I will remember most about these individuals? Will I be drawn to do business with them?
If you want people to invest in your products and services, you have to make sure you invest in your business and have professionally made business cards.
2. Make sure you always have plenty of business cards on hand.
Should you run out of cards try this: Take the business card from the person. Once you’ve been shipped a fresh supply of business cards, write a short note stating it was nice to meet them, enclose your business card in an envelope, and mail it.
Take this to the next level and write your note on a card. When was the last time someone sent you a card? By doing this you will leave a lasting impression.
This serves two purposes. Number one, you didn’t have to embarrass yourself by saving you were unprepared by not having business cards. Number two, you were able to “touch” that person a second time.
3. Your business card should be up to date.
One woman gave me her card the other day and scratched out her website name and printed the new one below. If she had followed step number two she would have made a better first impression.
Keep in mind that you want your first impression to be a favorable one. When you meet people, they will be impressed when they see how prepared you are.
When we talk about your business card being part of your toolbox, you need to keep in mind there are certain elements it must have.
What exactly are those elements that need to be on your business card?
We’ll discuss that next week.
Toni Nelson
Using a step by step approach, Toni Nelson has been helping entrepreneurs and service-based businesses plan, brand, and promote so they can boost profitability and productivity. As the author of Sexy, Savvy and Successful, she knows how to help clients plan their strategies for success. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, Toni is in the perfect position to help clients with the branding process. As a business success coach, Toni's second book, The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients, is all about promoting businesses. As the founder of the Entrepreneur Hub Club, Toni encourages women to invest in themselves by gaining or sharpening their business skills. As an award winning videographer and photographer, Toni has had weddings published in such places as DIY Bride and Kiss My Tulle. In 2014, Toni was a winner in the Start Up Nation Top 100 Home Based Business ranking in the top 10 for most innovative.
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Very relevant comments. Essentially your card should be something to remind people of who you are, what you were representing, your name, address, contact points ( phone, email) and preferably a photo of you. It should particularly remind them of your potential value to them either in terms of your service or products and especially the added value that distinguishes you, your products and service from everyone else.
You can ensure they retain your card by placing something of particular value on it – a special offer or service that one might very well wish to avail of or acquire.
Small things, like your business card, can make a big difference.
Best of luck,
Michael