Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

I have seen a great deal written on marketing over the years. One topic I seldom see mentioned is the lowly business card. Business cards have been very effective for me for many years. When I was just getting started I used little else and got great results.

The following are a few things I have learned that have been helpful for me. Hopefully others can add more ideas.

1. I have to carry them with me or I can’t hand them out. If I don’t hand them out, they have no effect at all. The more I hand out the more my odds of gaining a referral. With an average ticket of over $500.00, I can hand out a lot of cards and still be cost effective.
   
   
2. I find attractive multi-color, raised print cards seem to work much better and are retained longer than plain or laser printed types. The most expensive cards I have ever seen were still very inexpensive relative to the sales they produce.
   
   
3. Don’t forget the area code with the phone number. I have received a lot of referrals from outside my calling area.
   
   
4. My web address was a VERY important addition and really helped increase referrals.
   
   
5. Too much information can be bad. I find people have trouble reading it.
   
   
6. Too little information can also be bad. You need to catch people’s attention.
   
   
7. Multiple colors are good, but not more than three. I like using my “company colors,” red, white and black. Multiple font types can make the card appear confusing.
   
   
8. A logo makes the card much more recognizable. It tends to spur recognition when the logo is seen again, as on the business sign or other print advertising. Adopting a single font style and using it consistently on all printed media may also increase recognition.
   
   
9. Very few people ask for a card. With a little thought and practice, working it into the conversation when I meet people is very easy. When speaking with multiple people and one person request a card, I always offer a card to anyone else present.
   
   
10. Even the very best business cards are inexpensive. I feel they represent me and my company. A card says a lot more than just what is printed on it. Never hand out a dirty or bent card. Buy a case to keep them clean and fresh, people do notice.
    
    
11. There are professional that will design a card for a fee. This may be money very well spent.
    
    
12. I try to make a point of handing out at least two cards, on average every day.

_________________
Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[Dave]

Several good thoughts Louis

I never hand out just one card. Rather I will give out three or four to each person. Then, depending on how the conversation is going, I will ask them to hand the cards out to anybody they know that might need our services. It can be surprising to see where the cards have traveled before coming back to us.

Dave

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Dave,