Because, I network and do a lot of speaking, I have managed to collect 1000’s of business cards.
Nothing else than the plan boring old stuff.
I keep these cards, not to do business with them but to grow my own client database. Most of these cards are not getting any business at all for the owners.
Why?
Here are the reasons why:
Stressing Me-oriented Benefits: Put yourself in the shoes on your clients or prospects, most of them would not do business with a small business who can’t solve their problems.
There are a lot of small businesses that have great images. They look good, but they can’t deliver.
It’s kind of like when I was walking down a street in Chicago. All the store fronts look great. But when I went inside, there was nothing beautiful. They were just facades, built to look good from the outside, but hollow on the inside.
Because business cards doesn’t really have a lot of space, you need to think carefully on if you would use the space to promote your business, or if you should use it to promote what you can do to help your clients solve their problems.
LET ME ASK YOU THIS:
What does your business card say?
Unmemorable Card: When I first started me beauty consulting practice a few years ago, I created a business card to I love to leave with my payment before leaving. On the back side of the card, I list some of the products I sell, which include skin care products, my ezine, audio and video tapes. On the front I list some nice things about the waiter; I appreciate your Helpfulness, Friendly Attitude, Grooming, Neatness, Attention to Detail, Walk, Use of Appropriate Humor, Other, and so on. What do you think the waiter who gets a card with nice things said about them does?
Well, one thing for sure… they don’t keep it to themselves. They tell others. And they even call me to purchase some of my products. Now, isn’t that what you want your business card to do for you?
So what do you offer? In words please?
No Slogans, Mottos and Jingles Included: Your slogan should stress customer-focused benefits. For example: two different insurance companies’ slogans: “Like a Good Neighbour, State Farm is there.” And, “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” Do you see any real customer-focused benefit there?
Do those slogans compel you to get up out of your chair and call them to find out how to purchase their insurance? Can those slogans be interchangeable…used by either company? Could Allstate be considered a “Good Neighbour,” and could you be in “Good Hands” with State Farm? Sure they could.
Those slogans are cute and catchy, but they don’t make you have an irresistible urge to drop everything and head for the phone.
LET ME SUGGEST THIS:
Use the limited space on your tiny business card for something with more substance…something that practically forces prospect to want to call for more information.
How About Being Creative:
Audio Business Cards: A lot of professional speakers or entertainers use “demo” tapes to let event planners know about them and what they have to offer. The create a business card in an interview format, or may contain short snippets of programs they’ve done. I created these audio cards too and send them to prospects in my local area. These “cards” will work for you as well.
Think of the most common problems your prospects and clients are dealing right now, and what you can do to help them solve these problems. Then write out a conversation between you and an interviewer. Record it, include a few testimonials, and you’ve got an audio business card.
Not only will your prospect learn about what you can do for them, and hear what others have to say about how you helped them, but they’ll also actually hear you. It adds a personal touch. Something a regular paper business card can’t touch.
Video Business Cards: are very much like audio business cards, except they add the element of being able to see what you look like. With a little additional creativity, you can add visuals, charts, graphs and even a tour of your facilities.
While this medium may be considered more of a promotional item rather than a “true” business card, it still can be used as a give-away to a prospect to get them to call you for more information. And isn’t that what you want your regular business card to do?
LET ME ASK YOU THIS…
What are your Bad Business Card pet peeves?
LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
For the FREE Report called, “19 Secrets to Exponentially GROW Your Business,” Check out www.beawealthyentrepreneur
* * * *
Joyce Oladipo
The Go To Gal to GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
Speaker, Coach, Entrepreneur
www.BeAWealthyEntrepreneur.com
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi, good post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting.