| Let's face it - all small business owners struggle with | | | | * Surveys - Short survey on the card back - offer a |
| getting ahead. In addition to competing with much | | | | free gift or discount when customer completes it |
| larger, mainstream entities, you may also be battling it | | | | * Scratch Offs - Add interactivity with a scratch off |
| out with other small businesses in our area. Few small | | | | discount or offer on the back of the card |
| businesses have the luxury of multi-million dollar ad | | | | * Calendars & Calculators - Offer a relevant resource |
| budgets, or a staff of marketers to spin their brand | | | | to the back of the card |
| on a daily basis. So how do you stand out in your | | | | * Custom Discount Area - Personalize the back with |
| field? | | | | an individual discount - adds the personal touch |
| Creating and building a unique brand is the | | | | * Appointment Cards - Invite your customer to an |
| cornerstone of a successful business -- and for a | | | | event, trade show, or sale you will be attending |
| small business, it is even more crucial. You will | | | | * Magnets - The addition of an adhesive magnet to |
| ultimately control how your customers perceive you | | | | the card makes it an instant promotional item |
| -- and you will do this through everything from your | | | | * Cross-Promote - Log onto to view our current |
| business name and tag line to your packaging, labels, | | | | coupons |
| and customer service. | | | | Other facets of the card you'll need to consider are |
| Take My Card, Please | | | | the color and quality of the card stock, the font, |
| What makes a great business card? Added value! If | | | | graphics or photos used, and your tag line. What is a |
| you don't give your prospect or customer a reason | | | | tag line? It is a short, catchy promotional phrase that |
| to hold onto that card, it is likely to become the | | | | you use in conjunction with your brand name. While it |
| latest addition to the local landfill. You should give | | | | is not necessary, if you do employ a tag line, you |
| careful consideration to the design of your business | | | | should use it consistently. For examples, just look to |
| cards - if used properly, they can become a powerful | | | | some of the large national brands -- if I mention "It's |
| sales tool. | | | | the Real Thing", you would immediately think of |
| A few examples of things you can do to add value | | | | Coca-Cola(R), wouldn't you? Play to your products' |
| to your business card: | | | | unique aspects, selling position, or features. These will |
| * Customer Loyalty Programs - Offer a freebie or | | | | be the things that make your brand outstanding in |
| discount when your customer fills in the card. | | | | your field. |