Business Cards That do the Business

A business card makes a statement about who you are and what your business is about. It needs to convey the quality of your business and an insight into your personality. I have been handed business cards and the first thought to go through my mind was - "Cheap" A tacky design - low quality paper - doesn't feel good in the hand and looks cheap to the eye. That then becomes my overall impression of the business.

Here are some ideas:

*Use colour - black and white is too boring but don't use "day-glo" colours - too cheap

*Put your photo on - it will help people remember you and make that important human contact. The photo needs to face into the text, not away and be of good quality - not a "mug shot."

*Quality paper - my business cards are made from a really durable card, that doesn't get "dog eared" easily and are difficult to tear up

*Put your logo on - make the logo small, you've a lot more important information to put on your card. You don't necessarily need a logo but helps give you an identity. Get a graphic designer to produce one for you; however there is software you can buy for a DIY job. If you don't have a logo you could utilise a drawing, caricature or a picture - as long as you're consistent.

*Make it a standard shape - however you can use a fold-over which gives more space for text and looks different. I used to have a card like a small tent card. I've seen it several times standing on a customer's desk. It looked too good to throw away.

*Do something different - have a card that stops people in their tracks and makes them want to find out more

*Have benefit statements and/or your USP (Unique Sales Point) prominently on the card - tell customers what you can do for them - how you can help solve their problems. Your name and your business name should be much less prominent.

*Use both side of the card - if you have a photo, benefit statements and all your business details then you'll need both sides of the card. Business details can go on one side and benefit statements on the other.

*Don't squeeze too much in - it can start to look messy

*Contact information - you business name, address, phone, email and website. I would avoid putting your mobile phone number on. You can always write it on for "special" customers, letting them know that you only give this number to certain people.

*Your name - put your name on as you'd like to be addressed when a customer calls you. You don't need all the middle initials. Also avoid all your qualifications, the majority of people aren't impressed by all the exams you've passed; they only want to know if you can solve their problems and they could even be put off by a whole string of letters.

*Make the text easy to read - don't use all capital letters and not too many typefaces. Fancy fonts can look really cheap

*Change of details - if your details change, don't score out the old and write the new stuff in - order new cards. Putting little stickers on with your new information is another no-no; it makes you and your business look cheap.

Discover how you can generate more business without having to cold call! Alan Fairweather is the author of "How to get More Sales without Selling" This book is packed with practical things that you can do to ? get customers to come to you . Click here now http://www.howtogetmoresales.com

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In The News:

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LA reveals unveils new tourism marketing slogan
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Reuters
Audi says it will increase US marketing efforts
Chicago Tribune, United States - 5 hours ago
Those marketing dollars have an aim to push Audi US sales to 200000 vehicles by 2018. Schwarzenbauer said the company has a goal to sell 1.5 million Audis ...
Audi plans record US marketing spending Reuters
Audi plans to boost US marketing budget Automotive News
Audi says it will increase US marketing efforts Fox 28
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Columbus tech firm buys Dayton marketing company
Bizjournals.com, NC - 7 hours ago
Implications International, which specializes in interactive marketing, brand design, and Web development, has offices in Peoria, Ill., Mumbai, India, ...

Wellstar/TMI Begins Marketing Imaging System to Long-Term Care ...
MSNBC - 2 hours ago
TMI's marketing plan includes a program where LTC facilities can lease the equipment necessary to perform skin assessments and store the necessary data ...

Halekulani to get marketing boost from Japanese hotel
Bizjournals.com, NC - 6 hours ago
Effective April 1, Imperial Hotel will start reservations service, sales, marketing and public relations activities within Japan for Halekulani and Waikiki ...

Proton Laboratories Announces New Sales & Marketing Office
MSNBC - 19 hours ago
Proton will start by marketing a variety of enhanced water products that provide health benefits for people and the planet as well as the commercial product ...
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Zoo honored for marketing campaign
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 4 hours ago
... different companies around the US The Utah Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services recognizes excellence in marketing communications ...

Boston Globe
FedEx trims '09 marketing budget by 25%
Bizjournals.com, NC - Jan 8, 2009
United Parcel Service Inc. rival FedEx Corp. will cut its marketing budget by more than 25 percent for 2009, the company recently disclosed on its blog. ...
FedEx cuts marketing spend by more than 25 percent Reuters
FedEx cuts marketing budget DM News
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Katz Media Launches New Marketing Unit
FMQB, NJ - 10 hours ago
Katz Media Group has launched a new, national marketing unit that will create custom solutions for advertisers and their agencies with the goal of ...
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Examiner.com
Cape May tourism department wins marketing award
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by William Sokolic, Jersey Shore Examiner The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International will recognize the Cape May County Department of ...

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