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Tip 131 - Four Tips to Make New Connections Fast
Today's emailed Tip of the Week (sign up here if you haven't already!) provides four quick relationship-building tips. One of them, from Word of Mouth Marketing author Andy Sernovitz, is, "Put something interesting on your business card."
Who has an interesting, innovative, or generous business card to share?
Posted by Keith Ferrazzi on August 15, 2008 | Permalink
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We print our purpose, mission, vision and strategy right on the back. It quickly tells people what we're about. Plus, our mission is my job title - that always gets a comment. Title: Director of Mission Fulfillment.
Posted by: Glenn Garvin | Aug 15, 2008 10:21:07 AM
Business cards are very important. There are 2 sides to each card. USE THE BACK. That is my tip. Don't use the back for what you do, use an emotional tag line that will connect to what you do. Most people don't value the business card. Long after the net working event is over, you want your potenial new client to be able to find you in that large stack. I know mine can, they always do.
Posted by: Fran Biderman | Aug 15, 2008 10:24:20 AM
My cards have my mugshot on 'em...laughing up a storm. Gets people all the time...plus it's on my sites, my newly launched book...and me!
Posted by: Kimberlie Dykeman | Aug 15, 2008 10:37:05 AM
I am a commercial insurance agent and I specialize in technology. One set of cards have me listed as "account executive" but another set are just for my niche which say "technology insurance specialist". I really think this sets me apart from the generalist out there working on a tech account.
Posted by: Andrew Cohn | Aug 15, 2008 11:31:38 AM
I borrowed a great idea from the people at Apple recently. I work as a recruiter, and when I see really good service, I always am interested in the person. Usually, before I hand them my card, I'll write something on the back like "Your customer service is OUTSTANDING! ...We should talk" and have found that for a lot of people it makes a big difference. I get calls from that time and time again, weeks after I've given them my card, where they will come back to me and want to know what I want to hire them for. You never know when just pointing out how hard someone is working will make a huge difference in their day and their outlook/attitude on things.
Posted by: Heather Blume | Aug 15, 2008 11:37:48 AM
With my card, I keep my branding consistent with color and creativity. The front of my card has a thought-provoking list that reads: "distinctive, creative, bold, persuasive, eye-catching web/graphic design. What is your design vision?"
I list how I can benefit the client and make them think about how these benefits tie in with their design vision. Lastly, I end my list with my web site: www.ICanCreateThat.com - Get a good web domain that is memorable.
I end with strong confidence that I can help the client achieve their vision, and my site is also listed on the back of my card--yes, use both sides of the card as someone previously mentioned. Also, a thick card stock makes a stronger impression than a flimsy one.
You want people to talk about your card. Everytime I hand one out, I get a smile or laugh about how they like it. Getting someone to comment aloud about your card is good.
Posted by: Maria Gosur | Aug 15, 2008 12:33:24 PM
Our law firm's business cards are shaped like Lake Tahoe, which is where we are located. We also use Better World Shopping Guides (www.betterworldshopper.com) as business cards by gluing our cards (front and back) to the inside front cover. In this way we share our values, demonstrate our creativity and provide value to our clients and colleagues.
Posted by: Lara Pearson | Aug 15, 2008 2:58:00 PM
I definitely make use of the two-sided card. The front is eye-catching with an evocative painting and the back has my headshot and more info about my practice. People love examining my card.
I really appreciate the tip, Keith, to add something useful or interesting to the card in the form of a helpful tip.
I think what I'll add is a phrase I told a client the other day: "If you're walking around feeling unsupported in your life, stop and consider gravity."
Posted by: Rachel Whalley | Aug 15, 2008 3:51:23 PM
My card is bold. Check it out at www.ryanpaynemedia.com and let me know what you think. You can also sign-up to receive 30 Days to Growing Your Business Using A Business Card. This is one tip a day that I have accumulated from successful business people. Hey Keith maybe you could send me your own tip? I would be grateful.
I am currently a Junior at Baylor University and paying my way through college. Therefore if you like the cards you see I would be more than happy to earn your business and create a personalized card that says, "WOW!"
Ryan
www.ryanpaynemedia.com
email: ryan@ryanpaynemedia.com
Posted by: Ryan Payne | Aug 16, 2008 12:01:15 AM
Our business card has simple graphics with only two pieces of information: our web address and a recycled paper logo. All contact information for staff is on the website.
Some people really like this, others don't. But it communicates two important messages about the company. First, people think, "wow, this is different," which is exactly what we want them to think.
Secondly, it corresponds with our belief that the world of brands and consumers has changed so fundamentally from the "old" ways that you're going to have to work a little hard if you want to be successful. You're going to have to figure some things out and use technology in different ways. It's surprising how many people get that from the business card.
Posted by: Josh Levine | Aug 16, 2008 9:59:32 AM
Having a pic of yourself on the back of the card is a great way for people to remember you. Every person I've given my card to has commented on how unusual it is and how its such a good idea. I'm not photogenic at all, but I think that makes it all the more memorable :)
Posted by: Emily | Aug 17, 2008 10:11:47 AM
I have business cards with different humorous lines on them. I have to get to know the person I'm talking to to guess which line they will actually find funny. It's a great way to encourage yourself to get to know someone first before giving him/her a card. I've also had such success that one person said she carries the card with her to show people because it's so funny.
I have also in the past given out cards that were original works of art. I found an artist to draw up little characters and then I would add my information next to it. I would then tell contacts to hang onto it or frame it -- it could be of value!
Posted by: Anne | Aug 17, 2008 11:52:52 AM
My business card has my photo and contact info on one side, and on the back offers a free report.
I am a big believer, in offering a valuable free report, free audio, 1st chapter to your book ect..
that will allow someone to learn more. Plus you have given them value first with your offer of a valuable educational piece of material that can help them.
Larry Benet
The Connector
Posted by: Larry Benet | Aug 17, 2008 2:33:29 PM
Oddly, the other posting attributed to me is not mine. Here is essentially what I posted --
I use a double-sided business card that is shaped (die-cut) like Lake Tahoe, where my firm is located. My name and contact info is on the front of the card and my main service offerings are listed on the back.
I also use a shopping guide that rates products and companies on their environmental and social responsibility as a business card (www.betterworldshopper.com). I glue my cards (front and back) to the front inside cover of the books and hand them to people as a "gift of shameless promotion".
Posted by: Lara Pearson | Aug 18, 2008 1:07:40 PM
I was introduced to Moo.com. They put out a mini-card and I love it! My pic is on the front and name, phone, e-mail on the back.
Because the card is so small you need to turn it sideways in your desktop card holder to keep up with it. Another reason I like it. It also makes a great gift.
Posted by: Karen Shiveley | Aug 27, 2008 2:27:58 PM
