Seven Simple Ways to Use Your Business Cards

by Cathy Stucker

You have that big box of business cards, fresh from the printer,
there on your desk. So, what will you do with them? Business
cards are an inexpensive marketing tool, but they are only
useful when they are out of your hands and into the hands of
others.

Always carry a supply of cards with you, wherever you go. You
never know when you will have an opportunity to give one to
someone who may become a customer, or who knows someone who may
become a customer. Having cards in your pocket or purse means
that you will never miss out on a chance to promote yourself.
Of course, keep the cards protected in a case. You do not want
to hand out a card that is wrinkled and creased, smeared with
lipstick, or has an old breath mint stuck to it.

Start with the following seven suggestions on using your
business cards, and always look for more ways to get your cards
to people who could become your customers.

Hand out cards at networking events, and anywhere you meet
potential customers. When you make a sales call, give a card to
your contact. Give one to the receptionist when you arrive for
an appointment, so they can refer to it when announcing you.

Provide a supply of cards to customers and associates who are
in a position to refer others to you. It will be easier for them
to do if you make sure they always have lots of your cards on
hand.

Drop two cards in every envelope you send out. Whether you are
sending sales letters to prospects, invoices to clients, or a
check to a vendor, include your business cards. Do this with
both your business and personal mail. You never know who will
open the envelope and find your cards.

Add your cards to card displays at local businesses. My dry
cleaner allows customers to put a stack of business cards on
shelves near the counter. Some simply place a few cards on the
shelf, others supply a cardholder to display them upright and
keep them neatly organized. I have also seen bulletin boards
and card holders at a number of other businesses. Whenever you
see a place that allows you to add your cards, do so.

Include a few business cards in your media kit. Sending cards
when you send media releases or full media kits means the media
outlet can easily give your contact information to multiple staff
members who may be working on stories in your field.

When a radio station schedules an interview with you and requests
your media kit, be sure to ask them to share your card with their
receptionist. That way, the person who answers the phone will be
able to pass your contact information to anyone who calls the
station after hearing your interview.

When you see articles that may be of interest to your customers,
send a copy with your business card attached.

Don’t hoard your business cards. Give them freely.

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Copyright 2005
Cathy Stucker, The Idea Lady(tm)
Attract Customers and Make Yourself Famous
Make growing your business easy and fun!
mailto:cathy@idealady.com