Your business card is a powerful marketing tool.

by John Howlett

A few years back the standard for a business card had basic contact information printed in one color usually black, on one side of plain vanilla paper stock, sometimes with two-color printing, to kick it up a bit. Today you can easily print on both sides of a BC in 4 color process with a laminated glossy finish. In regard to cost it’s about fifty dollars for 500 cards. This is a fraction of what it cost a few years ago now that’s a bargain.
“BC’s are becoming mini brochures that can make a colorful impression. The second side can be just the logo if you are after a I am very cool effect, or you could print a mission statement if you want people to know what you stand for and at the very least a short list of special things your company does. Whatever way you chose, you can captivate interest and provoke discussion. This is a great little marketing tool” according to John Howlett President of AvizaGroup an ROI consulting business specializing in advertising and marketing.
After you have grabbed their attention and jump started a conversation you can deliver your elevator pitch which is a salespersons dream. In the most optimistic view it might even circumvent the dreaded statement that ever business salesperson fears. “I didn’t know your company does that”.
The BC may appear to be a rather insignificant small item. It is not anymore. Especially if you believe first impressions are lasting impressions. Some people reading this article might say “give me a break” a business card as a marketing tool? Think about how many times you found a BC month or more later and had absolutely no recollection of who and what they do. How unfortunate for the person who handed you their card. They missed the opportunity to leave a memorable message in a potential prospects hand and mind.
Millions of dollars are spent everyday to establish brand recognition in advertising. In pursuit of building a positive memorable recall about your company, product or service. Want to improve your ROI in advertising take a good look at your not so silly little business card. You can start by re-thinking about it as a powerful marketing tool.