Question About Business Cards

13 years ago

Highly recommend you get a PO Box to add credibility. Working at home is less of a deal breaker in the US, but you should have an address, especially as a consultant. The 800 number of course is only valuable to out of area prospects and clients. I use it on the website but not my cards.

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Doran Peck

13 years ago

You don't need to put any kind of physical address.

Here's something to think about....it's 6 weeks down the road and your prospect has decided he needs a service like yours...he pulls out the business cards of 2 of your competitors and you.

So in this moment when your card goes to bat for you...kismet
Prepared to do battle with those other cards?

Who's card is going to say to that guy

"I am the clear choice"

If your business card believes that it is no more
Than a paper name tag then it will act as such. If it realizes it's potential to cause business to happen, then it will.

Make an offer that can't be refused right on the card. Clarify a staggering factoid about a relevant issue. List a few article headlines available at your website. Cite a handful of testimonials.

Good luck

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Lazy

13 years ago

My business card doesn't list an address.

Just a website, and a phone number

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Steve Solem

13 years ago

I don't think I ever listed an address on any of the cards I've ever had and I think a Name, Company name, phone and website do the job well enough for most people. I agree with Doran though and I've always used the back side of my card to offer a free book or report on my website - and way back when, I actually had custom cards designed that were about a 1/4 inch taller than most cards and had a headline that could be read above all the other traditional cards that might be stacked on someones desk.

Oh, and while I think everyone should have a business card of some sort - being more interested in the other guy and getting his card will get you further than trying to get your card into the hands of as many people as possible.

Cheers,

Steve

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Vagabond 007

13 years ago

Why do so many people here get hung up on business cards?

It is NOT that important to have a business card. No sense in wasting mental energy trying to figure out what to call yourself, what address to put on it, how should it look, blah blah blah.

Get going with what you have. When you're raking in good money, then worry about silly little things like business cards.

Make a sale before any of this nonsense.

/rant

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Doran Peck

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Vagabond 007

Why do so many people here get hung up on business cards?

It is NOT that important to have a business card. No sense in wasting mental energy trying to figure out what to call yourself, what address to put on it, how should it look, blah blah blah.

Get going with what you have. When you're raking in good money, then worry about silly little things like business cards.

Make a sale before any of this nonsense.

/rant

I respectfully dissagree and submit that you are dismissing a potentially powerfull marketing tool.

While I agree with you that a "name & place" don't necessarily have to be established before a sale is ever made...and I agree with your underlying message.."just get to work and make money and things will fall in place" ...I would encourage you to embrace the powerful marketing potential of the actual small card itself.

I think you'd agree ...not having a card to pass along, in a society where it is commonplace.. most definately doesn't give you any advantage. If anything it puts you behind the 8-ball right off the bat.

Now, why would a new marketing consultant want to do that to themselves?

Business people and professionals expect you to have a business card. If they themselves have one...that tells you that they place importance on it.

9 out of 10 sales from my online print store are business cards...kind of an eye opener for me anyway as to the priority people place on these little nuggets.

The trouble with business cards is that people are stuck in the mindset that they are a name tag with contact info...that is how they are created, and that is how they are treated.

What most people don't realize is that their name...their logo and thier phone number don't have anything to do with causing business to happen.

No one gives a toot about your logo or your name...especially when you are starting out.

All they care about is their business, their problem, their lives, and how they can get further ahead in their game.

Business Cards should be used as response generating vehicles...no different than any other marketing gambit you would put into motion ...This is an opportunity to make that first step in the business relationship happen. None of the other steps are ever going to take place until this first one does.

Most people put their card out there, and sit and wait for the customer to decide to take action.

...We all know thats a dumb strategy...but most business folk don't.

Therefore, response oriented elements are crucial on a business card.

Now, say your a new marketing consultant....You probably should be equipped with the one marketing item people would expect you to have....and ...that thing better be "doing marketing" on them as they are reading it.

Lots of names on cards out there...the goal however...is to be the clear choice.

/Rant too

( hmmm...maybe there was a good reason my old roommate called me "Longwindedmun")

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Vagabond 007

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

I respectfully dissagree and submit that you are dismissing a potentially powerfull marketing tool.

How dare you disagree with me!!

Just kidding, of course.

I get what you're saying. My thing is you see a bunch of people posting asking about business cards and other trivial matters. And I can guarantee if you asked them what they're doing to actually bring in business, a.k.a. make a sale, 9 out of 10 will tell you "nothing."

It's like they are waiting for everything to be in place before they can go make a sale.

I see this a lot with business cards, logos, and web sites. While they have their place, just get to work and make some money and then get that stuff done.

Of those 3 above, I'd rate a website as a higher priority than a logo or business card.

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

I think you'd agree ...not having a card to pass along, in a society where it is commonplace.. most definately doesn't give you any advantage. If anything it puts you behind the 8-ball right off the bat.

Maybe it's because I view the world differently than most, but I don't care what's commonplace. In fact, I go out of my way to make sure I don't do what is commonplace.

If you do normal things you get normal results. And I sure as heck don't want normal results.

Reminds me of what I heard Dan Kennedy say, which he got from Earl Nightingale..."If you don't have have any successful person in your field to mimic, then see what everyone else is doing and then do the opposite."

May not be verbatim, but you get the overall message.

Business people and professionals expect you to have a business card. If they themselves have one...that tells you that they place importance on it.

Again, probably because I view the world differently, but it doesn't tell me that they place importance on it. It just leads me to believe that one of the reasons they have one is because everyone else does and it's supposedly the thing you must have.

Again, back to the commonplace thing. They may be doing it to fit in and because they don't know how to properly market themselves. So they just do what everyone else is doing. Blind leading the blind.

No one gives a toot about your logo or your name...especially when you are starting out.

All they care about is their business, their problem, their lives, and how they can get further ahead in their game.

I agree with you here. Which is kinda the overall reason why I don't really place any importance on business cards.

If someone really made an impression on me, I don't need their business card to do business with them. I'll track them down myself if need be. Not too hard to Google their name to get their contact info.

I'd most likely just save their name and number in my cell phone anyway. Another reason I don't care too much for business cards.

Most people put their card out there, and sit and wait for the customer to decide to take action.

...We all know thats a dumb strategy...but most business folk don't.

Therefore, response oriented elements are crucial on a business card.

I agree with this....assuming you are going to use a business card. :p

Lots of names on cards out there...the goal however...is to be the clear choice.

Exactly. And a business card is not how I position myself to be the clear choice.

Bottom Line - I'm not saying to never have a card. Just that they're not as important as most people THINK they are. Plenty of other things to spend time and energy on than designing a card that has info you can just type into your phone.

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Steelpoint

13 years ago

If you need a real business address, you can use the UPS Store mailbox service and get a "123 Main Street" address. I think it's around $12 /per month for a personal box. Th business class box is higher, but a business box is only needed if accepting large packages. They will allow a company name on the personal boxes so no need to spend more. Good Luck!

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myob 13 years ago

You can also get a "real" business address from any of the postal service centers around. It is essential that you have a professional-looking business card, and don't use any of those "free" business card services. Business owners see that all the time. I get SEO marketing wannabees coming in all the time with their business cards printed on the back with "Business Cards are FREE at www.dorkymarketer.com"

It is conventionally expected that when you go to any networking event that you carry an ample supply of business cards. And many a deal has also been made from just casual conversation at restaurants, gas stations, store, golf course, seminars, etc. Always be ready anytime and anywhere with your business cards and a short 15-20 sec sales pitch.
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- MaxReferrals 13 years ago
  
  Here's some cool ones (no affil):
  
  Cool Business Cards
  
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Wally Conger

13 years ago

Two things:

1. I think a business card is a MUST. When I'm in conversation with someone -- whether at Starbucks, the bank, a conference, etc. -- and the subject of my business comes up, I need to give them something to take with them. Scribbling my phone number on a napkin just doesn't cut it.

2. P.O. Box numbers on a card is, IMHO, a no-no. It lends no credibility and makes you look like a fly-by-night. Better no address than a POB number.

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Doran Peck

13 years ago

Vagabond...no its all good. I understand your position, and I know you get mine as well.

I just wanted to give some love to business cards

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Nathan Alexander

13 years ago

Why do you guys bother paying so much for those fancy cards and online card printers?

Dumb, dumb, dumb.

You just need a printer and some perforated card stock. Throw in a little Microsoft clip art and you're good to go!! Throw them in your front pants pocket and you're set for a long time.

Kidding. (Gotcha.)

And for the record, I'm of the opinion that business cards won't get you the business like you want. If people are cycling through their business cards to find the service you provide, then you're a commodity. Yikes!

You should be sought, not considered. And business cards make me think you're just another business that I may need to do business with, when it should be, "I gotta get that guy! Look him up will ya! Let's get an appointment next week with him if it's possible."

Just a few cents.

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7dbear

13 years ago

The address doesn't matter as long as you put the "area". Such as serving the "greater Buffalo area", and have a website and phone number.

My business card had some weight. I gave it out EVERYWHERE. I'd always put in with my bills that were local, leave when i paid at a restaurant, etc. I dropped it off when ever i got a chance.

It brought me a new customer at least once a week. With no offer on it. The world is disconnected. People came in because they knew who I was.

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Rentamentor 13 years ago

Hi Nathan,

After 20 years of giving away business cards.

Company name
My Name and Phone #

I sat down and gave it some thought.

Realized that I could count the # of people who called me from a card on both hands.

The # who called and PAID ME MUNNY.

On a couple fingers!

So I threw them out.

Glenn

P.S. - You ask, "What do you do when someone wants your #?

AHA!

I write on the back of one of THEIR CARDS. Or - since I usually carry 3 by 5 cards
to take notes on. I'll use that.

Saves me moolah.

And it sets me apart from the Herd. It PAYS to be different.
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Vagabond 007

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

Vagabond...no its all good. I understand your position, and I know you get mine as well.

I just wanted to give some love to business cards

Glad you didn't take offense to my post. None intended. Btw, I like the posts of yours that I've read. I hope you stick around and post more.

Thanks

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Long Beach Nathan

13 years ago

I was really surprised to see the difference of opinion on this!

I think the takeaway for me is, don't worry about cards at least until your up and making sales, and even then if you do get a card, be different!

I was thinking a good idea for a design would be a card that folds out into 3 sections. I'm not sure how you'd be able to achieve that, but the end result would be something that's dynamic and attention getting. Not only that, you'd also have much more room on the cards and...since your card would be thicker than the other ones, they just might decide to throw out some of the other ones to make room for your's.....maybe even the competition's!

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Rentamentor 13 years ago

Hi,

After I heard 426 million mentor Walter Hailey explain at a boot camp in Hunt Texas why business cards don't work well.

I interviewed a Magician who had a possible solution.

He noticed that a Year after he does Magic at a Restaurant and comes back. Women in the audience STILL have the Paper Rose he made them from the previous year.

That was impressive.

So I ordered some Roses at his website: www.napkinrose.com

The Free Video Explains how to make them.

I started stamping the edge of the rose with my contact information.

And he is right.

Business women DO keep that sucker.

And seem to call more often than from a business card.

It's Fun to Test yourself at grocery store checkout lines too. To see how fast you can
make a flower for the checkout girl.

Great bonus Tip for waitresses too.

And YES - they tell me they've kept every single rose I've given them. Seems like most patrons bitch and complain. I'm the only one who gives them a Rose.

Try it out yourself.
Glenn
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Nathan Alexander

13 years ago

Good call Glenn.

Magicians have a lot of tricks up their sleeves--the rose is a great one. I like to change their business card into a bill with my contact info in place of some of the info on the bill already--it's a great visual "morph" right in front of their eyes.

They always keep that one too.

(Although I don't do that unless I think they're serious and we've been talking about a possible show I could perform for them in the future.)

Lot's of ideas and alternatives possible folks.

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eshber

13 years ago

Wow, a real difference in opinions in this thread!

I agree with Myob...if you're thinking of attending network meetings, then business cards are a must.

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myob

13 years ago

Originally Posted by eshber

Wow, a real difference in opinions in this thread!

I agree with Myob...if you're thinking of attending network meetings, then business cards are a must.

It really does depend on your market. So just test to find out what works best for you. Business cards work extremely well for me only because corporate executives are not particularly enamored by scribbling on index cards, magic tricks, stunts, flowers, or lolipops. But, I have never tested those.

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Rentamentor 13 years ago

Thanks Nathan,

I like your MIS-Direction moolah Biz Card swap idea.

I've been following McDonalds use of Digital Coupons to boost sales in Japan.

Seems STEVE JOBS was watching too.

Apple is Adding the Technology to all their Portable Digital Devices.

THE GOAL...

To put your iPhone, iPod, iPad - 3 inches from any Cash Register or Computer and
Instantly PAY!

Transfer funds.

MY THOUGHT is - if that is coming in just a few months...

Then...

EASY as Pie to Transfer: BIZ CARD CONTENT -

Ph #
Name
Address
Email address
MISSION STATEMENT
A F-r-e-e Offer

From your Phone or PDA - to 100's of other folks Phones or PDA's.

Just Hold the Gadgets 3 inches apart.

In a Twinking.

No muss.

No Fuss.

KABOOM!...

Steve Jobs may have just Destroyed the Business Card Printing Business!

Thanks,
Glenn

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Nathan Alexander

13 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

It really does depend on your market. So just test to find out what works best for you. Business cards work extremely well for me only because corporate executives are not particularly enamored by scribbling on index cards, magic tricks, stunts, flowers, or lolipops. But, I have never tested those.

Hehe. Good call Paul.

Of course, in those cases I was performing. (And for big corporate guys too.) I also have "normal cards". And there certainly are times for "magic"--and also times for just giving someone your information on your card. You're right, not all situations are equal.

On the topic, I have to admit I have a strong dislike for your average magician because I hate "gimmickry" in any form. And I cringe when people say "tricks" because most people think of goofy magic guys.

For those interested...here's a great corporate comedy magician. (What I *used to* perform as well.) There's so much more to glitzy illusions (yuck) and wedding receptions (although I do those too.)

YouTube - Comedian / Magician Michael Finney does...

Great effect that I (and countless others) use in our acts. Way too much fun.

And Glenn, so true! I look forward to having that as an option. Very cool the way things are moving.

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Rentamentor 13 years ago

Thanks Nathan,

The magician you posted is very funny.

But I didn't see him turn a Business Card into Money. I probably screwed up and missed the Effect you wanted us to see.

In the clip I watched he didn't actually DO any magic.

He pocketed the Doc's - 120 bucks...

THAT took some nerve.

But I completely missed the Card into Moolah. Or munny into Card - trick you spoke about earlier.

Thanks,
Glenn

P.S. - Just wanted you to know I WAS paying Attention.

Glenn
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Quentin

13 years ago

Name
QR Code
web address
email.

Quentin

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Nathan Alexander

13 years ago

Hey Glenn,

Oops. Sorry, I wasn't pointing out the specific example I mentioned so much as sharing a video. And no worries, you give the money back, lol. There's more to the routine than shown.

Excuse me for staying off topic for a second, but, the reason I shared it was because every now and then I like to make sure people get to see a good performance when magic comes up. And you make a good point (and one I was making myself) that there was hardly any "magic" per se.

But that's the whole idea. I know that most people's exposure to performing magic revolves around sloppy and sappy TV talent show stuff. Sure some people enjoy it, but it's not representative of most working guys.

You get kid magicians (I still do some—the adult and business shows I do don't know shhhh...never mix the marketing), corporate guys, restaurant guys, trade show guys and dabblers in all and so on.

My show(s) consists of "routines" that use magic to one degree or another. But the show is about the trip more than the final destination. I'll perform 6 effects, maybe 7 or 8 if you include little interlude quickies.

But the routines involve a lot of audience work, comedy and just general laughs and fun. Some effects are strong, but most are intended to entertain in other ways than working with doves (something I also used to do).

OK. Sorry about the detour! I just like Michael Finney, very clever.

(And don't tell anyone, but I used to use self-printed cards twenty years ago! *Gulp*

)

Thanks

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