by Katy Kassian

Created on: December 17, 2010

Business cards say a lot. Not just about your business, but you personally as well. Well designed, not over crowded cards seem to be the best.

The way you use a business card can help define your business to potential or repeat customers. A well placed card can also help improve your bottom line.

I personally have had tremendous success utilizing the "3' Rule."  If you buy 3000 business cards for $80, that makes each card only 3 cents each. That's pretty cheap advertising!    As a general rule of thumb, give a business card to every adult that gets withing 3' of you. Begin by asking "have you ever heard of _________?" If they say "yes" introduce yourself, "Hello, I'm ______, and if I can ever be of service with ______, give me a call.

If the potential customer says "no", introduce yourself and explain what you do. Briefly and to the point. Go on to make sure they understand that if you can ever be of service, to call you. This also a great time to offer a special promotion or demonstration.

Take advantage of the power of networking. Exchange cards on the golf course, chamber meetings, social functions etc. While the person you actually give the card to may or may not use your service, they may pass it on to someone else who will.

In my opinion, a business card should not be too distracting and should state what type of business it is and have a contact easy to find on the card. Too much print and you get distracted from the product or service.

Never hand out a dirty business card. I actually had a man hand me one with a boot print on it. I felt that if he was that sloppy and uncaring about his card, then maybe he had sloppy workmanship too.

One should also be enthusiastic about their product when handing out cards. I feel this invites questions giving you a better chance at swaying a customer your direction.

Another way to get your cards out there is to always include with business letters or enclose one in a package you are sending out.

All in all though, I have personally found the 3' rule has worked to my advantage by giving me a more personalized contact with my potential customers. It gives me a chance to find out what product or services they are looking for and a time for me to offer a solution for them.

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