It's More Than Just A Business Card

Today's business cards are more than just a way to communicate your name, address and telephone number.

Your business card is also a marketing piece that is consistently being requested by others. Here are some creative ways to use and distribute them.

1. Send your business card in every piece of correspondence including letters, invoices, holiday cards, etc.

2. Include back copy on your card - Add information that will be useful to your clients. This will give them a reason to hang on to your card.

• A list of provided products and/or services
• Calendar
• Sports Schedule
• Appointment Information
• Price lists
• A map to your business
• A coupon or special offer

3. Attach a business card to a promotional product or business gift.

4. Insert a business card into your product before delivery.

5. Have your spouse, family members, neighbors or friends carry some to hand out in the case they meet someone who would be interested in your product or service.

6. Instead of "Hello, my name is..." use your business card as a name tag at meetings and conventions.

7. Ask surrounding businesses if you may display your business cards near their registers.

8. Tack them to bulletin boards at restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, etc.

9. Leave them on the table when you visit a restaurant. Put your generous 20% tip on top of your business card.

10. Have your card designed as a file card.

11. Print your card on a label and attach it to packaging, samples, brochures, etc.

12. Use them as bookmarks in your library books and "accidentally" forget to remove them.

13. Hand them out during personal meetings such as the PTA, church, your children's hockey games or any place you meet new people.

However you choose to distribute your cards be sure to carry them with you at all times. Keep a stash in your wallet, purse, car, briefcase, jacket pocket, planner, at home or any place you can think of and refill often.