6 Tips For Getting A Sale
From Your Business Card
Business cards are one of the oldest sales tools in the book, dating as far back as 15th century China and 17th century Europe. After all this time, business cards remain one of the strongest networking tools a businessperson has in their arsenal.
This Tiny Piece Of Paper Can Pack A Punch.
According to Applied Designs, statistics show that sales increase 2.5% for every 2,000 business cards presented. They also claim that “prospects will hold on to a color card 10 times longer than a standard one” (see Tip #3 for more on design). Bottom line, business cards are a must-have. For that reason, I have prepared the six tips below.
6 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Business Card.
Tip #1) Always Keep Some On You: You never know when a networking opportunity will present itself. You may encounter someone whose business might benefit you or your business while running errands. Having a business card on hand will make information exchange seamless.
Tip #2) Exhibit Proper Etiquette: When someone offers you their card, reciprocate by offering yours. Conversely, when presenting your card to someone, request theirs. Take a few moments to peruse it to show the other person that you take them seriously and are interested in their area of expertise.
Tip #3) Be Smart About Your Card’s Design: The look and feel of your business card can say a great deal about you. Gaudy or cheap, plain business cards will either be unfavorable or will not leave a lasting impression. Strike the right balance between aesthetic appeal and the quality of paper you use.
Tip #4) Include A Slogan In Your Design: A 5 to 8 word slogan that succinctly and cleverly describes your business will help your business card get noticed. Take, for example, Target’s slogan, “Expect More. Pay Less.” Just four words sum up the philosophy of Target clearly and concisely. Strong slogans like this add to the effectiveness of your business card and help build brand recognition for you and your business.
Tip #5) Business Cards Are An Active Tool: Business cards are a tool for active networking, so don’t order 1,000 cards and wait for prospects to come to you. Seek out networking opportunities by checking online and keeping your ear to the ground; then, get out to these events and start delivering your business cards with every handshake you make.
Tip #6) Follow Up After Handing Out: Conducting a follow-up phone call after a business card exchange will be the fastest way to increase sales. That being said, you need to take initiative by making a proactive call to the person you exchanged cards with – if not, you run the risk of being just “another business card” in a person’s desk drawer. Remember, “out of sight = no sales opportunities.”
Executive Summary:For the serious businessperson, the business card has been – and will no doubt remain – an invaluable tool in their networking arsenal. Even with all the technological advances in communication the past two decades – mobile phones, text messaging, e-mail, online messengers – classic sales tools like the telephone and the business card remain the most recognizable, understood and direct means to connect with a prospect or potential businessperson. If for no other reason than that, it is important you put some time and effort into the design of your cards and maximize their use.
