Why A Well Presented Business Card Is Better Than Advertising

Why A Well Presented Business Card Is Better Than Advertising
By: Louise Yates

Advertising is a very costly business and many small businesses find that money spent doesnt necessarily turn into profitable business growth.

When I first started my first business I didnt have much money to spare so I really had to challenge myself to find the best ways to market my business without parting with lots of cash. I happened to stumble upon business networking and the rest as they say is history. Ive generated thousands of pounds from business networking and all for the small price of sign up fees to a number of group networking events.

Having said that, and contrary to many of the get rich quick schemes you see advertised, attending a business networking event doesnt guarantee you overnight success. You have to work at it and there are many business networking techniques that you can apply to increase your hit rate for referral generation.

Dont underestimate the value of a well presented business card, let me explain:-

Have a think about your business cards and what they are designed to do. They are the one and only thing that anyone has to remember you by when a networking event is over and inevitably itll be one of many so how do you make it stand out?

Your business card must achieve three essential things:-

1. It must explain accurately and concisely what your business is about and the service that you after.

2. It must provide all the information needed to get in contact with you after the event

3. It must ensure that you are remembered

Look at your business card. Does it truly do all these three things?

Critique it carefully to ensure that it includes the minimum essential contact details such as your name, your company name, your address, telephone number and e-mail address.

Does it accurately convey your service details? Have you really used those keywords that convey the basic message about what you do? Dont forget that a business card has two sides, only printing on one side is a waste of valuable advertising space so use both sides. You may want to consider putting a photograph of you on the card a sure fire way to make it stand out as someone flicks through cards trying to remember who they met. What better way to ensure someone can put a name to a face?

Now consider how your business card looks. From an image point of view does it accurately reflect the type of business that your are in/ is it eye catching? Its worth considering using a graphic designer to really make it stand out from the run of the mill business card.

Having said that, dont get carried away with the graphic design. Many business people (especially the really good networkers) will use your card to make notes on so always keep the background colour light. Theres nothing worse that trying to make notes on a black card with a black pen!

You dont have to spend the earth on business cards, there are some great deals on the internet but just be cause you dont spend a lot of money doesnt mean that you cant make the most of it. Its as close to free advertising as you can get so just like any advertising space, use it wisely.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Louise Yates shares business networking tips and advice for word of mouth marketing, generating referrals and free sales leads at and executive coaching for your business performance, life and career development at