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SUCCESS-Icles
Articles
Written for YOUR SUCCESS
Four Ways to BOOST Profits with Business Cards
A business card may be the most overlooked advertising medium in the
business world. But these simple rectangles of cardboard can be
powerful tools to help any entrepreneur increase sales. Similarly, a
poorly thought out or clumsily designed business card can be as much of
a detriment for your sales as an "out of business" sign.
Business cards have actually been around for much longer than most
people realize. The first ones, in the form of visiting cards or
calling cards, were used in China about 600 years ago. They started
being used in Europe approximately 200 years lager. When one aristocrat
went out to visit another, the prospective guest's servant would
deliver his master's calling card to the servant of the prospective
host. An elaborate system of calling card etiquette developed and was
followed by the gentry across England and France.
Today, anyone from North America or Europe who has gone on a business
trip to Japan, China or other Asian countries knows there is very much
a tradition of etiquette that must be followed when exchanging business
cards in those countries.
But even if you are only going to be doing business in your home town,
you can help boost that business by following four tips before you have
your next business cards printed.
1. Legibility. It's fine to have a creative, attractive design for your
card, but do not fall for the trap of selecting a type face that is so
fancy it is not legible. If people cannot decipher all the words and
numbers on your card, it is useless. Also, remember that, especially in
this era of aging baby boomers, type that is too small may also be
difficult for some old eyes to read properly.
2. Individualize. You are a unique individual, and your business card
should reflect your unique personality. One easy way to do this is to
put your photograph on your card. Of, if you are an artist, crafts
person or photographer, why not put an image of one of your creations
on the card? If you sell unique widgets, put an illustration of them on
your card.
3. Proofread. Just as a wood worker should always measure twice before
he cuts, every word should be double checked for proper spelling. Every
telephone number should be dialed and every web address visited to make
sure they are letter perfect before your card goes to press.
4. Use the back. Your business card has two sides, and you are missing
a prime opportunity if you leave the back of your card blank. Instead,
utilize that space to say what is most important about you, your
business, product or service. It could be as simple as "bring this card
in for a 10% discount." Or you could use the back of your card to show
off testimonials from some of your satisfied customers.
There are several very good internet business card companies that let
you design your own cards online. In some cases, their shipping costs
are less than it would cost you to drive to a local print shop and
back.
Finally, if you only need a few cards, or if you want to experiment
with different card designs, you can purchase perforated, blank
business card stock at office supply stores and make your own cards
using templates that come with many computer word processing software
programs.
However your business cards are eventually printed, remember that they
may leave a lasting impression of you and your business for many years
to come.
-Brad Ross
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This article may be distributed freely on your
website, as long as
this entire article, including links and this resource box are
unchanged.
Copyright 2006 Brad Ross All Rights Reserved.
MakeMagicMoney.com
http://www.MakeMagicMoney.com
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