| Contrary to popular belief, the best use of business | | | | business we have to get our potential clients a reason |
| cards is not making origami or collecting dust. But, in this | | | | to remember us and keep our cards.Why does |
| article you will find 5 of the most effective ways to | | | | someone want your business card? If you cannot |
| use your business cards on a daily basis!When Joe | | | | answer that easily, maybe it is time to think about a |
| Girard, the world's greatest salesman, was selling cars | | | | new business card design.Does your business card |
| he would frequently go to Detroit Lions football | | | | have valuable information on it? By valuable I mean a |
| games.Even though he could afford more expensive | | | | map, discount, calendar, measurements, charts or |
| seats, he chose to sit in the upper deck and whenever | | | | anything relevant to your industry?If it doesn't, you may |
| the Lions scored, he would throw business cards off | | | | want to think about adding a value feature to your |
| the top deck onto the expensive seats below that | | | | business card.4. Leave them where you spend your |
| offered a discount on a new car that was only good | | | | moneyJust last night I went to eat at a Mexican |
| the following day.Joe Girard's example leads us to our | | | | restaurant, and sitting on the counter I saw about 30 |
| first point:1. Be CreativeAn instructor at a karate class | | | | cards for a car salesman sitting in a plastic business |
| might hand out business cards at his son's t-ball game | | | | card holder. I asked the girl at the counter why they |
| that say "First Lesson Free with this card". A pet store | | | | were there and she said "He said he was going to |
| owner might give out business cards that have an | | | | leave them for customers."This is just one example of |
| offer for a free goldfish, or 10% off a purchase over | | | | somewhere you could leave your business cards. |
| $100.No matter what your type of business, there is a | | | | Other places include barber or beauty shops, medical |
| creative way to get your business cards into the | | | | offices including dentists, family medicine, chiropractors, |
| hands of buyers.If you can think of these creative | | | | and hospitals.These places are prime |
| ways before your competition does, you are one step | | | | territory!Remember to ask if they mind, and tell they |
| ahead, and you will see the increase in business.2. | | | | how much you appreciate it.5. Ask for an opinion"Can I |
| Remember the 1 to 1 ratioThe 1 to 1 ratio is the easiest | | | | ask you a quick question? What do you think of my |
| formula you'll ever need to know. If you talk to | | | | new business card design?" Then you hand them a |
| someone for more than 1 minute, they should have 1 of | | | | business card.No matter what they say, now they |
| your business cards in their hand. That is the 1 to 1 | | | | have your business card. When they try to hand it |
| ratio.Basically that means that you need to find a way | | | | back, tell them you had thousands printed, and they |
| to talk about what you do, and get your business card | | | | can have that one.Thank them for their time and tell |
| in their hand within the first minute of the | | | | them if they ever need what you sell or promote, your |
| conversation.Think of it as an elevator conversation. | | | | contact information is on the card.If you were able to |
| This prospect will be getting off of your elevator soon, | | | | implement just one of these 5 ideas each day, you |
| so you have a short time to get that business card | | | | would have more business that you could |
| into their hand.3. Make them keepersOnce you have | | | | handle!Brandon Hopkins is the owner and founder of |
| your business card in the hand of your potential | | | | Business Cards Free, the most informative business |
| prospects, what is going to make them keep it?Unless | | | | card site on the internet. He is available for speaking |
| you are selling air and water, potential clients probably | | | | engagements, article writing and advice about business |
| don't need what you sell, but hopefully they want what | | | | cards. |
| you sell.Since most of us are not in a need based | | | | |