Interior Arrangements | The Two Most Important Rules for Business Cards

Two Tip Tuesday
...helping you build a better business!

The Two Most Important Rules for Business Cards

Keeping in the spirit of the NEW Year, I want to stress the importance of reviewing, refreshing and re-energizing some of the most powerful (and smallest!)marketing tools that hopefully you are using in your business. If you aren't, make it a priority to get them done....because these simple strategies work!

Oftentimes, once we complete a task on our business start-up or marketing to-do list, we tend to forget about it and go on to the next thing. The problem with this way of thinking is that clients tire of seeing monotonous and/or dated marketing pieces. Many times without even a glance, they are thrown into the 'circular file' or shredder.

Tip #1: Got Photo?!

3 Reasons why you should use photos in your marketing materials:

1) Trust

Personal photos are often used in businesses such as real estate, home services, decorating and public speaking where relationship building is extremely important. They give potential clients a non-threatening way to begin getting acquainted with you, which is especially helpful if you're in a business that requires a great deal of trust or confidentiality.

2) Recognition

A business card, brochure or website with your photo on it will help a new contact find you at a meeting or luncheon and recognize you when you cross paths in your community. If you frequently make initial contact with someone on the phone or via email, sending them a card with your photo on it before you meet in person is a thoughtful gesture.

3) Adds interest

A photo can be more than just a headshot. For instance, incorporate an element of the service you offer in the photo. Show yourself in your work environment...if you are a real estate agent, show yourself surrounded by SOLD signs or leaning against a front door with a large door key in your hand. A redesigner could be seated on a sofa in the middle of beautiful lamps and accessories. A stager might pose in a newly staged room with an OPEN HOUSE sign nearby.

Also, think about sharing unique information about you or your business, an example might be a photo of you and your favorite pet (dog, cat, bird, horse). Animals have a way of connecting people and making you more approachable.

Tip #2 Business Card Boosters

Look at your business card through the eyes of your client. The image presented must represent you and your company, as well as describe the benefits you provide.

Your business card MUST:

Feature a strong, visual logo, branded image or photo
Stand out from the crowd--especially your competition!
List your menu of services..you can't sell if you don't tell!
Be printed on a sturdy paper stock

A Wasted Opportunity!!

The majority of business cards have no message on the back--what a missed, marketing opportunity! You can double the effectiveness of your cards by adding valuable information about your business services on the back of your card. For instance, the back of my card reads:

*************************************************
Services

Interior Redesign
Using what you already own!

Real Estate Staging
helping prepare homes for sale

Shopping
for or with you

Corporate & Business Image Enhancement
waiting rooms & reception areas

Gift Certificates
for interior redesign & staging services

***********************************************

Remember, first impressions are important. Your business card is often the first promotional material a person receives from you. It's also the thing most people keep to remember you by...make it a lasting impression!

Staging a living room