Just because you are a solo-entrepreneur or a small business owner, it does not mean that you can’t use the same strategies as the big companies. Make sure you use all the marketing tools which are available to promote your business. This is called ‘branding’. Using an effective logo & tagline are one of the most effective ways to successfully brand your business.

Take a look at most of the business cards that you have collected from people and you will notice how few of them have taglines. So stand out from the crowd, make sure to have the key elements on your card and that they are memorable.

When I work with a client and help him or her redesign their business card, I always encourage them to use the back of their card. Remember what I said earlier, “When you place an ad in a newspaper or a magazine, don’t you try to write the most effective text to attract clients so that people call you or buy your products or services?”

So why are you wasting all of this precious space on the back of your card? Again, remember that your business card is a marketing tool. Use it to attract potential clients and not only to provide your contact information. Use it to pass on your business message.

On the back of your card – very few people use the back of their cards, so here is an opportunity for you to make a difference.

9/ Describe the benefits of your product/service or the benefits of working with you. Use bullet points to emphasize the purpose of your products and services. Show how you can be a problem solver to others. Encourage people to ask you questions about your business so that they want to learn more and visit your website later.

10/ Tell people what to do next. Don’t assume that people will contact you for more information – tell them what to do. What we call “The call to action.”Biba4Networkand offers a coupon of $5 to come to my events, then clients can print from my website, which is a way to drive clients to the website to learn more.The other card, describes the benefits of my program “Power of Networking Secrets” and mentions “Sign-up for my newsletter and receive my free e-course “15 ways to maximize your networking results”, which is a way to also drive clients to the website and generate leads for my mailing list.In this 7 step program, you will find everything you need on how to maximize your networking results.You will learn: how to create an outstanding business card – how to polish an elevator pitch which will hook your audience so that people will remember you – how to create a 7 step follow-up system to turn more prospects into clients – how to use your newsletter to promote your products or services without hard selling – how to create strategic alliances to grow our business faster.Do you want them to: go to your website, sign-up for your newsletter, call you, buy your product? Tell them clearly. Offer them an incentive to make sure that they will take action.

Let’s say you are a coach or a financial advisor, no doubt, you have a lot of competition. What makes you unique and special? When people see your card, they will probably say, “Oh, another one!” But if you mentioned your specialties on your card, it will make a difference immediately.

For example I have 2 different business cards:

One card describes the benefits of joining

What’s on your Business Card?

Take a look at your card now, does it include the key elements to give a professional image to your business?

Does your card stand out from the crowd?

Does your card give you the results you are expecting?

Does your card say what you want it to say? Does your design work with your company image and the rest of your marketing materials?

If you have a different design for your business card, your website and your brochure, how do you expect people to take you seriously?

Order professional business cards Avoid the cards that you print yourself on your printer. It doesn’t cost a lot to print professional business cards, you can order a thousand for $40 to $60 online and it doesn’t cost more to print on both side of your card, but it makes an incredible difference and has a greater impact on people.

Use the same logo and colors as your website, brochure or flyer. Having a consistency on your marketing materials will help people to recognize you where ever they see you. And the more they see you or your logo, the more they will remember you, and the more they will keep in touch with you. Try to always be at the forefront of their minds.

Your business card is an extension of your company just like your logo, letter head, brochures, flyers, website and any marketing tools. They must have the same message and design.

Never leave home without your business cardsWherever you go—to a networking event, to the dentist, to the movies, to a party, always bring your business cards with you. You never know where you will meet an interesting new contact, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to exchange cards. Writing your telephone number or email address on a piece of paper or a paper napkin definitely doesn’t look very professional.

Still need help to revamp your business card and create a professional image? Book a Free Fast Tack Session Here

(c) 2006 Biba F. Pédron