Personal Business Cards » Business Card Holder

10 Tips for Getting the Most Marketing Benefit from Your Business Cards

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:59:31 +0000

Business cards are among the least expensive marketing tools a business person has at his disposal, yet they are typically very poorly used, if they are used at all. Here are some tips for maximizing the marketing power or your business cards.

1. Carry your business cards with you at all times. This sounds obvious, I know, but you would be amazed how often a business person doesn’t have business cards on hand when they are needed. Even if you manage your contacts through your PDA and you love to “beam” your contact information to others, still keep those business cards in your wallet, business card holder, pocket, briefcase, and car.

2. Make sure your employees, spouse and close associates also carry your business cards with them. I have picked up more than one client who learned about me through a conversation with my husband, who reached into his wallet and handed over a business card.

3. Hand out a business card as you introduce yourself at meetings and networking events. Not only do people appreciate seeing the name they just heard, but putting a business card in someone’s hand as you introduce yourself engages three senses while you have their attention (hearing, sight, and touch). The more they are engaged, the more likely they will remember you, which is the point, remember?

4. Consider having your photo printed on your business card. People like to see who they are working with. Seeing your picture later will help them remember you. Also, it has been documented that seeing a photo on a business card and a website tends to help people develop trust faster than when they don’t see a picture. If you are concerned about your appearance, do something about it or get over it. Touch up your rough edges with some photo editing software if you must, but get your face out there!

5. Be creative with your business cards. Of course, you want to make sure that your name and contact information are legible, but you should use the opportunity to express a bit of who you are with your business card. Maybe you can do that through a creative use of color or your logo. Perhaps you will want to add a unique slogan. Consider a double-sided card design. I saw a card recently with contact information on both sides. I saw another with a web address on the back. The back is also a good place for a catchy slogan.

6. Leave cards behind when you call on someone who is not there. Write individual notes on these cards to make them more memorable and personal. Be sure to use the other person’s name n your handwritten note.

7. Hand a card to the secretary when you arrive for an appointment. This will help her get your name right when she notifies her boss that you are there. It also makes sure your contact information is in the hand of the person who will probably be entering it into the data system. By the way, business cards are the business descendent of calling cards, small cards with the visitor’s name on them, which were used to announce the visitor to the person being visited. Presenting a card when you arrive for an appointment demonstrates a little class and etiquette.

8. Include a business card in greeting cards you send to customers or prospects. Especially if your business card has your photo on it, this will help them remember who you are, and remind them of your contact information. If they misplaced your card, this is a way to get it to them again without forcing them to ask for it. Also include your card with gifts you give to clients.

9. Look for opportunities and appropriate places to leave your cards behind for others. The right places for this will depend on your business and target market. You can ask business owners to allow you to leave cards in a holder on their counters. This is particularly appropriate if you have a complementary (but not competing) business. Also, don’t be afraid to leave one or two laying around here and there (on bulletin boards, near ATMs, etc.). It’s a good place if it is somewhere where your clients or prospects will be.

10. Use your business card for ads in newsletters and local publications. The term “business card size” is a common term for one of the sizes of ads available in most publications. You don’t have to use your business card for the ad copy, but if you have a good business card (photo, nicely designed, easy to read), why not?

There are many ways you can use business cards to help market your business. Don’t be stingy with your cards. Hand them out freely. Personalize them with notes. Don’t assume that just because you gave someone your card in the past that they still have it, or that they transferred the contact information before misplacing the card. You will undoubtedly see a rapid return on your investment as you begin to use your business cards more.

By: Veronica Robbins

Excuses For When Your Business Card Holder Turns Up in the Most Unlikely Places

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:00:37 +0000

This society’s penchant for personal branding and individuality has lead to complications. When you do not want to be identified, you will be and when you desire anonymity, you will gain notoriety.

Unlike clothes, you cannot disown a personalized business card holder with business cards in it! So what happens when your business card holder is found in these places and everybody you know teases and confronts you about it?

Sleazy Motels

Sometimes, but hopefully not often, you will stay in a roadside motel with a reputation for being a lovers’ nest, a prostitutes’ haven, and a brothel front. This is not to say that you frequent these motels but road mishaps do happen especially when you are on a hanky-panky business with your paramour! (Such an old-fashioned yet appropriate word, don’t you think?)

What do you tell your wife when the desk clerk calls to return your leather wallet with your initialed business card holder to boot?

* Your car was in an accident and the motel was the nearest accommodation available. Well, it is the truth so you get to tell just half a lie. It is good for your conscience, don’t you think?

* Your buddies surreptitiously got your wallet with the business card holder tucked inside and played a prank on you. This is a good one when your buddies will cover your ass anytime of day, no questions asked, and the desk clerk is incapable of speech and thought. Good luck on the second one.

Strip Clubs/Brothels

Uh-oh. You are in trouble. But have no fear; you can always lay the blame on others, on alcohol, on fate, on the weather and on your wife herself. Here is how:

* You can tell your wife that your buddies dragged you into the club but you just watched the show. Cross your heart and hope to die. (Well, actually you crossed your fingers those girls will take it all off.) At the same time, your buddies are also laying the blame on you so that makes all of you even Steven.

* You got so drunk you were barely aware of where you were, which explains the wayward wallet with the business card holder. You slept through the whole show and your buddies helped you get home, Again, better pray to the gods of men that your buddies will cover up for you anytime, big time!

* You were fated to be there that night. If your wife is a big believer in destiny, then maybe it is your destiny to fool her, too. Maybe.

* You just found cover from a brewing storm inside the club. Is there something wrong in keeping your head safe from lightings? Certainly not!

* This is the ultimate. You can tell your wife it is her fault because either she does not cater to your needs anymore or she is not desirable anymore or that she constantly fights with you and you needed to get off steam. You can always pick a fight and divert the issue, right?

However, something bad can be said about leaving something as identifiable as your business card holder in these places. What on God’s earth were you thinking when you brought your business accessories to these places anyway?

You will not be in trouble now and reading this if you divested yourself of business articles before going on monkey business, will you?

By: Bradlley Mckoy

Desktop Business Card Holders Complete Your Office

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:26:03 +0000

Unusual desktop business card holders are a great conversation starter. This is a great thing if you are sitting across a high powered negotiator during a merger figuring out what is probably going to be your retirement bonus. Not to mention that you need them anyway to hold your business cards!

Bread and Butter

Business cards need desktop desktop business card holders. They go together like bread and butter. Kinda. Business cards can convey messages without desktop business card holders but the message will be more emphatic if the cards are contained in one. And besides, you do not really want your cards flying all over the desk now, do you?

There is certainly a lot of variety in the market when it comes to desktop business card holders. The obvious first choice is something with the theme of your organization. The logo could be printed or embossed on the card holder. Another nice idea is to get one with fabulous art. In fact, you can even commission a piece from a noted sculptor or have a noted artist paint one. You can go classic and purchase a leather card holder. Those never go out style. They show professionalism and good taste. And they are affordable and durable too. Many designer desktop business card holders are made of leather. Nothing says class like grade A leather does. If you are a woman, you can get a card holder that caters to your feminine side. Pink and other light pastel colors combined with a clever and cute design would be perfect for you.

Form and Function

You can even personalize business card holder. This will give people the impression that you care about your image enough to take such a step. It is a great way to project goodwill and empathy for your clients. You can use your name or your initials for the printing or engraving. The card holder will not only be useful for your desk, but it will be a great eye-catcher as well.

Remember, your business cards are for clients and prospective clients. You want people to see them and take notice. After that, you want them to bring a card home. Hopefully, that will initiate a new business relationship. So your business card holder must facilitate this ultimate goal. The card holder must be attractive as well as functional.

Your business card holder does not have to be a pricey antique either. Shop around and find the best deal. You can find great stuff at discounted prices in stores or online. The one thing to make sure about is that it coordinates well with the business cards it will be holding. It should also reflect your personality as it is a part of your business’s presentation to prospective clients.

So add interest to your desk. Brighten that barren landscape of papers and paperweights. Add an interesting and eye-catching business card holder. People will take notice and hopefully, bring a card home. Then you will have expanded your personal network with a small and simple purchase.

By: Bradlley Mckoy

Groomsmen Gifts: Handsome Business Card Cases

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:12:45 +0000

To show appreciation to groomsmen, most of the time, wedding gifts for groomsmen are given. It is a wedding etiquette to thank and appreciate the people who have showed their support to make your wedding as perfect as possible, and so as thanking your groomsmen. Your groomsmen helped you a lot, and to compensate them, the least you can do aside from personally saying the word ”thank you” is by giving each of them a groomsmen gift.

Groomsmen gifts come in different choices, they can be anything that a man love most. You may give something that reflects your buddies’ hobbies, lifestyle and tastes. For groomsmen that are business men, one of your top choices would be business card cases. Here are some handsome business card cases you may consider to give to your best buddies.

Sandler Business Card Case. This most affordable business card holder is also the most unique gift to give to your groomsman because of the diagonal shaped metal detailing. This Sandler Business Card case has a durable soft black polyvinyl leather exterior and holds numerous business cards. At this great price, you can afford to buy this modern business card holder for the groomsmen in your wedding party!

Engraved Gunmetal Business Card Case. A step beyond ordinary, this gunmetal business card case is a stylish and thoughtful gift for your groomsmen, especially if they’re high-powered corporate types or budding entrepreneurs. Sleek and modern, this engravable business card case conveys distinction and an appetite for success. Your groomsmen will proudly carry this handsome and functional card case in their everyday lives, a reminder of the honor of serving in your wedding.

Seth Leather Business Card Holder. A new design is applied to the traditional business card case. This Seth Leather Business Card Holder is ultra modern. The simple, clean lines are suitable for any age or occupation, and so with your wedding. You can’t go wrong with selecting this leather card case for your ever supportive groomsmen and best man.

Engravable Card Case and Key Ring Gift Set. This personalized business card holder comes with a handsome accompaniment – a matching engraved key chain! Thank your closest friends with engraved groomsmen gifts that will accentuate their business wardrobes, showing your appreciation with stunning style. This personalized business card case and personalized key ring set is perfect for your business-savvy groomsmen!

Personalized Walnut Business Card Case. Add panache to your groomsmen business wardrobes with groomsmen gifts of this stately Personalized Walnut Business Card Cases! These distinctive business card holders boast all the finesse of up-to-the-minute style combined with the traditional appeal of classic American walnut. Sure to garner admiration, these attractive business card cases express your thanks with a business accessory your groomsmen will be proud to use daily.

Business card cases are indeed one of the finest gifts for business minded groomsmen. However, don’t limit yourself with such handsome gifts as there are so many groomsmen gift ideas that as ideal as business card cases. Other choices include cufflinks, money clips, pocket watches, pocket knives, barware, picture frames and pub signs.

By: Janet R.