9 BIG Ideas for Better Business Cards

by BIG Mike McDaniel

Published on this site: October 10th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Not having a business card is as bad as using an eMail address that ends in AOL.com It's just not professional.

With domain names costing less that 9 bucks a year, there's no excuse for anyone in business to have an AOL.com address. With business cards costing less than 9 bucks at the big box store, there's no excuse for anyone in business not to pass them about.

Here are my 9 Big Ideas for Better Business Cards

1. Keep it Simple
   
   One phone number and one eMail is enough. Be sure to put your website on the card, too. Some cards work great without a street address. Do you need it on your card? Why?
   
   
2. Put you in the Middle
   
   Your name is the most important part of the card put it in the middle and big enough to see without granny glasses.
   
   
3. Stick with White
   
   White, glossy, shiny cards say "Business". Pastels and swirls say "Avon Lady".
   
   
4. Forget the Beeper Number
   
   No need to list cell phones and beeper numbers. If you want a customer to have them, it is far more impressive for you to hand write it on the card ("I'm giving you my private cell phone number...")
   
   
5. Don't do it at Home
   
   For what you spend on blank microperf cards and the time to get it right, you could pay to have them look professional instead of home baked.
   
   
6. Use Both Sides
   
   The back of the card can be used to reinforce your selling proposition. Think of your card as a little newspaper ad. Use both sides.
   
   
7. Throw 'em Away when anything Changes
   
   Don't be a cheapskate. Spend the bucks for new cards rather than penciling in corrections. Be professional.
   
   
8. Never Leave Home without One
   
   Always carry a supply of cards. You never know. And keep them handy in a ready pocket, not tucked away at the bottom of a bag, so you can present one with a flourish on demand. Keep a backup stack in the car.
   
   
9. Present it with a Flair
   
   Practice offering your card with both hands. It makes a BIG impact. You goal is to get people to remember you and save your card. Do that by using both hands.
   

BIG Mike McDaniel: http://BigIdeasgroup.com BIG Mike is the Small Business Advertising Expert and author of "Business Cards - Front to Back". This book tells you how to make your business card the most powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. To learn more visit http://tinyurl.com/j6ol3