9 Ways to Manage Your Business Cards

Business cards have been in use since immemorable times and they are still indispensable for any businessman or professional. But you may not be wielding them to the optimum potential if don’t get them printed right, do not hand them to the right prospects or do not keep them well organized. Here are 9 great tips to make your cards do their best for you and your business. 

1. Many businesses don’t realize that there is a lot of free space on their business card which can serve as marketing or advertising space. Many people forget to use the back of their business card leaving it blank. You can add tremendous value to your cards by utilizing the back space to include a few more important details about your business.  

2. Most business cards give prime importance to the name of the business which is highlighted the most. However an additional advertising message if made the most visible part of your card will help your customers take special note of the card and remember your business as well.

3. It has been found that colored business cards are far more effective than plain black and white cards. However many entrepreneurs would say coloured cards would be very expensive. However remember that in the longer run the benefits will outrun the costs. If you cannot afford full color cards you can at least afford a combination of two colours rather than simple black and white cards.

4. Some people tend to overdo their contact information. Certainly it is the most important detail your card must provide, but better keep it to only the necessary information. Say, mention only the email ID which you use for official purposes and leave the rest two which you do not check very regularly.

 5. Cards will work their best for you only if you use them. So after you have got them printed right make sure your cards are not languishing in the drawers or in your bag. Take them along to important events, conferences and meetings and give them to people who might interest you as important contacts and probable customers

6. Stop distributing your business cards like free coupons. The manner in which you handle your cards will also determine whether they will be kept or tossed away in the trashcan. When you meet a prospect don’t be in a hurry to raise your sales pitch and hand out your card. Take a few minutes talking about your business and also show genuine interest in the other person’s business. You can always begin by asking for your prospect’s card and then handing over your own when asked.

7. When you take somebody’s card jot down important information at the back of the card about him or his business that will help you remember them. Generally we end up collecting so many cards that we forget the details in a couple of days after meeting someone. Then finally we sort them out and land them in the dustbin.

8. Keep your cards organized so that you are able to get the information in time without much mess. One way is to file them electronically using products such as Outlook, Google Apps etc. input the details on the cards into your database noting specific details about the person that will help you remember them. You can also scan the card and keep the image.  You may do away with the paper card once you have filed it electronically. You can also ask your assistant to do the data entry for you.

9. Keep your cards in a binder. The market has different types of binders available. Choose your favourite pick. Preferably choose a binder with movable pages so that you can rearrange them as and when required.