Be remembered with business cards

Business cards make you memorable

As long as you are meeting other humans face-to-face, you need business cards. Cards have never gone out of style or usage. A well-designed business card, printed on quality stock creates a credible image of you and your business.

In fact, with faster, cheaper production methods, cards have become a more popular and unique marker of your business identity. Businesses are experimenting with the size, shape and material for their cards. Wood, plastic, multi-ply, and laser cut are just some of the options. Pictures aren’t just for real estate agents any more. Consider adding one to your card to help people remember you.

Many people have multiple streams of income or are transitioning into a new career. Have cards printed for each, with a look that reflects the image of that business. Never try to combine businesses on one card.

Take cards with you everywhere, and keep extras in your car. Everyone is a potential customer, friend, or vendor. Always ask for the other person’s card as well. When they hand it to you, make sure you look at it, read their name aloud, and make a comment. Sometimes it can be helpful to make a note on the back of the card about how you met, or something that makes that person memorable. “Costa Rica, zipline, needs website.” “Vendue roof, accountant.”

Enter the information in your contacts as soon as you get home or back to the office.

Within the next 48 hours, write a brief email to the person. Tell them you enjoyed meeting, and name the location or event. Suggest the two of you get together for coffee to learn more about each other’s business. You have now made a new contact and added a name to your email list.

Keep all contacts. Even if you don’t do business together, you will quickly become a resource for other people. You will be the go-to person for connections. You make yourself memorable in a positive way. I know calligraphers and caterers, purveyors of couture bridal gowns. I also know a guy who can remove an old oil tank out of your basement and an equine veterinarian. You never know who you will need, or who will need you.