Business Cards...
When I ask how someone what the purpose of their business card is, the three answers I get are: 1) It reminds them we met 2) It’s how to contact me 3) It tells them what I do.
I can count on ten fingers how many people say “ it’s part of my marketing campaign; it states the benefit they’ll get when they do business with me.
I can count on ten fingers how many people say “ it’s part of my marketing campaign; it states the benefit they’ll get when they do business with me.
How do you see your card? Is it just to communicate your name and contact information? Or, do you see it as a value-added, visibility vehicle, poised to solve their problem and fill their need? Is it just to list the products and services you offer, or does it show how you can benefit their lifestyle and bottom line?
How effective is your card as a great networking tool, a lead generator? Is it a mini-catalogue of goods and services? Does it reflect your service and quality? Is it an image builder- a tangible vision of who you are and your purpose? Would you consider it a direct marketing vehicle for you?
The marketing gurus say it takes seven times or imprints before your information sinks in, brain researchers set absorption levels at twenty-one imprints. What this means is that every three imprints only count as one. To say it another way, three imprints convert to one. Three into twenty-one is seven.
Besides the seven/twenty-one imprint ratio there is another level of imprinting that influences the ability to remember your message. This is the phenomenon of the auditory, visual and kinesthetic learning modalities. In other words, using words that mirror sound (auditory), words that picture (visual), or words that ooze touch or texture (kinesthetic).
A great business card can leapfrog your competition. The following elements contribute to those seven to twenty one imprints and the learning modalities.
Use pictures on your card. Your face, you doing what you do, a picture of your product or service.
Use the back of the card. Client testimonials, product / service descriptions, your mission statement, a discount coupon, an appointment reminder.
Provide a Memorable USP–A Unique Selling Proposition. Ten words or less. A slogan that gives your benefits, strengths, savings or guarantees.
Use Color Stock or Lettering. Avoid neon or Mylar. Although easy to locate in a pile, it’s hard reading on the eyes.
Fonts And Print Size. 12pt or above, thicker rather than fine, skinny letters. Raised lettering adds texture for a bonus imprint. DON’T USE ALL CAPS. Times Roman, Veranda and Arial for typefaces.
As you can see, there are infinite possibilities and diverse roles that your card can play. Think of your business card as a mobile, multi-dimensional version of yourself. A miniature of you not waiting to happen but present and accounted for. as long as the card is in circulation.
An effective card is arguably the most valuable marketing tool you can have in building a business. So, does your business card present exciting marketing options for you?
Maximize Your Biz-Ability Through Viz-Ability…. Promote & Prosper!
Raleigh Pinskey is a consultant and speaker on the topic of PR for Wealth Building, Director of the PR for Wealth Building Summit and Mentor Program for businesses, authors and speakers. She is the author of the best selling 101 Ways to Promote Yourself, 101 Ways to Get on radio and TV, 101 Ways to Write Foolproof Media Releases, and 101 Ways to Market Your Business on the Internet.
Raleigh Pinskey, http://www.promoteyourself.com, 480-488-4840 raleigh@promoteyourself.com,
