7 things to do with your business cards

1.    Always have business cards on hand and extras in your vehicle.  You never know where people may allow you to leave business cards.  Some examples:

Business card rack at fast food restaurants.

Local retail shops & Hair Salons

Food Courts in malls, airports or hospitals

Check out my resources page for a free eBook on 43 places to leave your business cards.

2.    Leave cards everywhere you go. When you go out for dinner leave some cards on a nearby table or drop a few on the bar.  You can also leave some in the bathroom.  It may sound gross but if someone is looking for your service or product they will take the card or write down the info on a piece of paper, on their hand or input the number in their cell phone.  You can also leave a few cards in shopping carts at the grocery store.

3.    Swap one for one.  If you meet someone who has their own business ask for their business card but ask for 2 so that you can pass it on to someone that may need there service/product.  In exchange give them 2 cards and ask them to pass on to someone that requires your business service or product.

4.    Be generous.  Give cards out to everyone and be generous.  This includes family, friends, acquaintances etc don’t only give one.  Give them more than a few and tell them to pass them on to their friends and families. Give family and friends a magnet that hold business cards so that every time someone comes over there houses they will see the business card on their fridge and they won’t forget to market your business. 

5.    Ask for referrals.  When giving out business cards ask for referrals.  Ask them to pass it on and that you will give them a thank you gift on all successful referrals by giving them a monetary gift or your product or service for free.  As an example: every referral give them $10 or $50 depending on the value of the service or product.

6.    Take advantage of all occasions.  No matter what occasions you attend there is always a possibility of a prospect.  I am not saying go around and introduce your business but make friends and if they ask you what you do tell them and give them your card. You can ask them what they do and of course they will end up asking what you do too. Don’t give them a sales pitch because that may upset the person who arranged the special occasion.  You don’t want people to think that you only went to market your business. You won’t be invited anywhere and can ruin your social life.

7.    I know this may sound crazy but it may work for some types of businesses. I know some direct selling mom’s do it with their home based businesses.  When giving out candies for Halloween throw in a business card with the candy but only for the smaller kids.  Older kids check there own candy so the card will just get tossed out.  With the smaller kids one or both the parents will check all the candy and will see the business card.  Maybe do up a cheap batch of business cards or write up a note on your card and put a note on it such as HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM your business name here. Maybe make up a batch of 50 Ziploc bags with good candies or chocolates (nut free) and add your card.

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