A Simple Way to Get Noticed!

Greetings Everyone,

This week’s blogs, tweets, and status updates will be dedicated to budding businesses and business tips. In this edition, I want to let you know about the power of the business card. To some it may seem like a tiny piece of paper, but in reality, the business card tells everyone who you are, what you stand for and why they need you in their life. Below are a few tips that will help you get noticed. Remember, business cards are an inexpensive form of marketing and advertising. Be sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Pass Them Out! - What good is a card if you don’t give them out? Why are they still sitting in the box and you’ve had them for 6 months? Distribute 5-10 business cards a day. You think this may be impossible but really it isn’t. You don’t have to be in a closed setting to give someone your business card. Give your card to the cashier at the Wal-Mart, a bank teller or even the gas station attendant. The more people who have your information the better your odds in making that connection.
• Make a Reference!- Although I am a Diva, my memory doesn’t always work when I want it to. I find cards and can’t remember where I got it. Don’t be like me. Write down on the card where you received it, date, and even some bullets about the conversation you had with the person. These simple tips will help you when fostering relationships by referral, business to business, and/or follow-ups.
• Back it Up! - Business cards have a front and a back. Use as much space as possible to convey your message. The front of the card should always have information available for the “scan” such as name, title, business name, contact info and services. The “scan” is what a person can read in 10 seconds or less. It is important that the front of your card is clean and concise for this reason. The back is your playground.
• Follow up!- Follow up doesn’t mean stalking. Sending a quick email or a handwritten note is a great way to stay on the mind of the recipient. Remember, you are developing relationships not just business.
• File away! - I try to file cards I receive in one location by industry. Of course that is when I am feeling really organized. Diva Solution: take a three ring binder and use baseball card or business card clear insert sheets. Use file tabs for further organization. Be sure to clean out old card with obsolete information every now and then.
• Pay it forward! - Take two cards from people you are comfortable in referring services. When referring the services of others, place your name on the card so they can acknowledge from where the referral came. This builds a two way network and you are just being plain ol' nice.

See, the business card is more than just piece of paper.  Looking for business cards?  Online resources like Vistaprint and 1-2-3 Print have low cost, high quality business card.  Sometimes you can purchase them for FREE. OK maybe not free since you have to pay postage.  The premimum selection and advance editing on Vistaprint gives you even more options.  Places like Kinkos and Staples offer business card services.  If all else fails, print them yourself.  Make sure to use quality paper! 

If you have some tips you have tried and find helpful. Share them with the Shoestring Diva Network. You can comment on this blog, our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/shoestringdiva) or on twitter http://www.twitter.com/shoestringdiva).

Until Next Time….

Smooches