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Add You - Your Business Card Should be Your Best Salesman
Contractors have a moral and legal obligation to protect their employees from harm during the performance of their duties. Providing a work site that is free from recognized hazards is an achievable goal that will benefit both the contractor and the contractor’s employees.The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has developed standards that address most job site situations. Whether a contractor is merely putting up a ladder or actively involved in a steel erection project, there is a standard, or standards, that addresses these activities.A safety program that incorporates work procedures extracted from the applicable standards for the type of work the contractor does will, to the greatest extent possible, reduce the possibility of injury to employees.However, just having
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does yo
Hiring an employee can be a big step for many small business owners. It means the end of doing EVERYTHING yourself and passing off some of the work!In order to make the experience rewarding for both you and your employees there are a few things that every boss and leader should do…1) Reward people for a job well done. Its frustrating working for someone who enjoys all the financial rewards of the efforts put forth by the entire team, especially if they don't recognize what everyone has accomplished and contributed.It doesn't take much to acknowledge the effort of your staff. It makes a HUGE difference in the working atmosphere when you take a few moments to acknowledge your team. People like to know that they've done a good job.2) Always provide a balance between positive and negative comme
In other words, your business card is much more than just a piece of paper with your name, address and phone number printed on it. It is a powerful sales tool. And it should be designed with that purpose in mind.
What can a business card do for your business?
Before asking the inevitable questions about the design of your business card, you should ask what its function in your overall marketing plan is supposed to be. A properly designed business card has at least four important marketing functions. Here they are:
1. Your business card helps you to introduce your company. 2. Your business card provides critical contact information about your company. 3. Your business card conveys your most important sales message. 4. Your business card communicates your corporate image.
1. An introduction to your company
This may seem obvious, but think about it for a minute. Think of your business card as a tool for opening doors. Think of yourself at a meeting, or even at a social event. What better way to introduce yourself to a person than to hand them your business card?
I'm not talking about shoving your business card onto people who don't want it. I'm talking about using your business card as a tool to make useful connections with people who are likely to appreciate the introduction.
This suggests you should think of appropriate introductory "openers" to accompany your card. For instance, say you're at a business connections meeting. Since the purpose of the meeting is to meet people and do "networking", you might try a simple business card swap strategy: "Hi, I'm Harriet Phillips. I'm swapping business cards with as many people as I can. Here's my business card. May I have one of yours for my contact file?"
Every situation will be a bit different, but the function of the card remains the same: it provides you with an excuse to introduce your business to people who might be able to use your services.
2. Provide critical contact information on your card
Before you put your business card into the hands of prospects, you want to make sure it communicates the most important things about you and your company.
Deciding what information is "critical" will vary from situation to situation. The basics are pretty obvious: your name, your company name, your business address, and the most effective way for people to get hold of you -- probably your telephone number and email address.
Rather than putting your cell or pager number on all your cards, you might make a point of writing it on the card when you think it is appropriate: "Here, I'll give you my cell number, just in case you can't reach me at my office number." That gives the impression you're giving this person special treatment.
3. Include Your Most Important Sales Message
Even more important than giving prospects your basic contact information is conveying your Most Important Sales Message. According to Cesar Crespo of Free Card Business Card Opportunities, "Business people often miss a golden opportunity to make their business card a powerful sales tool. Our clients are often surprised at how much more effective we can make their cards."
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does yo
Last time I checked, there were 25,000 response lists and 50,000 compiled lists currently on the market. Among all of these lists, you'll find hundreds that work for fundraising appeals. Actually, you likely won't find them. Locating the best names for your mailing is complicated and best left to an experienced list broker. A list broker is a specialist who researches and recommends lists for you, and manages all the paperwork and other details of renting the list.An experienced list broker: helps you find new listsidentifies profitable segments on unlikely listshelps you create a matrix for testing your mailing against other listsnegotiates the best prices for you with the list ownerrecommends other media (such as email) to consider testing
1. Your business card helps you to introduce your company. 2. Your business card provides critical contact information about your company. 3. Your business card conveys your most important sales message. 4. Your business card communicates your corporate image.
1. An introduction to your company
This may seem obvious, but think about it for a minute. Think of your business card as a tool for opening doors. Think of yourself at a meeting, or even at a social event. What better way to introduce yourself to a person than to hand them your business card?
I'm not talking about shoving your business card onto people who don't want it. I'm talking about using your business card as a tool to make useful connections with people who are likely to appreciate the introduction.
This suggests you should think of appropriate introductory "openers" to accompany your card. For instance, say you're at a business connections meeting. Since the purpose of the meeting is to meet people and do "networking", you might try a simple business card swap strategy: "Hi, I'm Harriet Phillips. I'm swapping business cards with as many people as I can. Here's my business card. May I have one of yours for my contact file?"
Every situation will be a bit different, but the function of the card remains the same: it provides you with an excuse to introduce your business to people who might be able to use your services.
2. Provide critical contact information on your card
Before you put your business card into the hands of prospects, you want to make sure it communicates the most important things about you and your company.
Deciding what information is "critical" will vary from situation to situation. The basics are pretty obvious: your name, your company name, your business address, and the most effective way for people to get hold of you -- probably your telephone number and email address.
Rather than putting your cell or pager number on all your cards, you might make a point of writing it on the card when you think it is appropriate: "Here, I'll give you my cell number, just in case you can't reach me at my office number." That gives the impression you're giving this person special treatment.
3. Include Your Most Important Sales Message
Even more important than giving prospects your basic contact information is conveying your Most Important Sales Message. According to Cesar Crespo of Free Card Business Card Opportunities, "Business people often miss a golden opportunity to make their business card a powerful sales tool. Our clients are often surprised at how much more effective we can make their cards."
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does yo
Start a small business to provide yourself with the challenges needed for a fulfilling life. If you are ‘bored’ or you are ‘unhappy’ in your current position, you could start a business. During the day, if you constantly think about how things could be different, and that you have ideas that you know would be successful if only given the chance, you already possess the needed drive to be your own boss, and to start a business.Having the drive to start a small business is the first step in being successful in any business. Perhaps you feel that you want to be your own boss so you can allow everyone else to do the work while you reap the benefits, this is not the basis for a successful business. First, you must want to be successful, the right frame of mind is important. Think about these topics: Are you up for th
This suggests you should think of appropriate introductory "openers" to accompany your card. For instance, say you're at a business connections meeting. Since the purpose of the meeting is to meet people and do "networking", you might try a simple business card swap strategy: "Hi, I'm Harriet Phillips. I'm swapping business cards with as many people as I can. Here's my business card. May I have one of yours for my contact file?"
Every situation will be a bit different, but the function of the card remains the same: it provides you with an excuse to introduce your business to people who might be able to use your services.
2. Provide critical contact information on your card
Before you put your business card into the hands of prospects, you want to make sure it communicates the most important things about you and your company.
Deciding what information is "critical" will vary from situation to situation. The basics are pretty obvious: your name, your company name, your business address, and the most effective way for people to get hold of you -- probably your telephone number and email address.
Rather than putting your cell or pager number on all your cards, you might make a point of writing it on the card when you think it is appropriate: "Here, I'll give you my cell number, just in case you can't reach me at my office number." That gives the impression you're giving this person special treatment.
3. Include Your Most Important Sales Message
Even more important than giving prospects your basic contact information is conveying your Most Important Sales Message. According to Cesar Crespo of Free Card Business Card Opportunities, "Business people often miss a golden opportunity to make their business card a powerful sales tool. Our clients are often surprised at how much more effective we can make their cards."
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does yo
What’s your definition of success? You’ve probably heard it all before about the secret of success. The majority of people would say that having lots of money would be their definition of success. Success means different things to different people. Success can come in the form of happiness, developing quality relationships, goal achievements or a healthy lifestyle.So how do you become successful? First, you need to ask yourself, what does success mean to you and what will it bring? You need to have a clear target in mind of exactly what you want. If you say I want to own a house; you need to state exactly what type of house. How many bedrooms? Where would it be?Is it big or small? If you visualize it, your goals will become more realistic and obtainable.Your pathway to success is determined by your action
Deciding what information is "critical" will vary from situation to situation. The basics are pretty obvious: your name, your company name, your business address, and the most effective way for people to get hold of you -- probably your telephone number and email address.
Rather than putting your cell or pager number on all your cards, you might make a point of writing it on the card when you think it is appropriate: "Here, I'll give you my cell number, just in case you can't reach me at my office number." That gives the impression you're giving this person special treatment.
3. Include Your Most Important Sales Message
Even more important than giving prospects your basic contact information is conveying your Most Important Sales Message. According to Cesar Crespo of Free Card Business Card Opportunities, "Business people often miss a golden opportunity to make their business card a powerful sales tool. Our clients are often surprised at how much more effective we can make their cards."
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does yo
When Should Marketing Take a Front Seat?At some point in a company's growth, there comes a time when it decides whether the product or service it offers has exponential growth opportunities. If these opportunities exist, then a strategy must be formed to take the company to its full potential. Often this involves a shift from a sales-driven focus to a marketing driven status.All change in the corporate world is stressful, even if it is positive change. Nevertheless, the move from sales to marketing is one of the most stressful. Why? Because it entails leaving "what brought us here" and embracing a future with which we are somewhat inexperienced. The entrepreneurial spirit that spurred the company growth in the first place needs to be harnessed and yet stimulated in a manageable way.
If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?" If you don't have a "Most Important Sales Message", you should create one. It is a brief, succinct statement of what your company is about. It is the answer to the question: "What does your company do?"
Sometimes this kind of answer is called an "elevator speech". You're on an elevator and somebody asks you "What does your company do?" You have six or seven seconds to give a memorable reply. Good elevator speeches go beyond hackneyed answers like "We do web marketing" or "We make bowling balls." They are confidence-inspiring marketing statements: "We create websites that sell tons of products for people." or "We make the world's most beautiful bowling balls."
Your MISM (Most Important Sales Message) will often be a "product" (as in the bowling ball example above), but it should always be accompanied by a "pitch" of some kind or another. Often this will be what we usually think of as a slogan.
For your elevator speech you need a seven second slogan. For your business card you will need the same slogan in four or five words at the most. It must be boiled down to an string of words that not only sounds good, but looks good on the card: "Websites that Sell Like Crazy", "The World's Most Beautiful Bowling Balls", "The Discount Real Estate Guy", "The Source for Cottages and Summer Homes", "Beautiful Color Vinyl Banners."
4. Be Consistent with your Corporate Image
Finally, make your business card marketing consistent with your corporate image and the rest of your marketing materials. Usually this boils down to basic things like your choice of colors, typeface, and layout style. And of course you will want to include your company logo.
Usually your marketing consultant or graphic designer will want to plaster your logo on all your marketing materials, using the logo as a substitute for real marketing design. "We must convey a consistent corporate image" is the usual mantra. What ever you do, don't ask "Why?" That question opens the way for tedious theorizing about "the long term importance of developing a corporate image."
You would be better to agree. "Yes, by all means, we want to present a consistent corporate image." And then add, "But I want this card to do some selling for me, so I would like to give the sales message a bit more prominence than usual."
In other words, use the usual corporate colors, typeface and layout style. Include the logo too. But give prominence to the sales message. Show a picture of your product. Or if you think you are the product (as most real estate agents seem to think), then include your own picture. But don't forget to enhance the photo with that slogan we talked about in the previous section.
And now that you have a killer business card, get out there and start handing them out.
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