Don't Let Your Business Card Get Trashed

Most business cards get ditched within the first two hours of being taken. That's the problem with handing out business cards; the act is actually 90 percent ineffective.

Your business card shouldn't be a substitute for your networking capabilities. You have to do the hard work first, become memorable. Identify the people you know can help you achieve your goals and those who you can help to achieve theirs. Don't just hand out the card while sipping cocktails at a seminar or your card will be amongst the thousands thrown away every week.

After you've determined who may be a valuable ally, convince them that your resources can be beneficial. Give them the desire to have a professional relationship with you. Successful networking takes energy, but if accomplished they'll want your business card and they'll hold on to it. It won't be another bit of cardboard that gets tossed out.

This doesn't mean that business cards are not an essential part of the networking process. They help to convey, in a simple form, that you are available to offer your services.

This copy from a business card did a pretty good job:

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The card is simple and straight forward. The copy doesn't leap off the page, but it makes a simple pledge. That is all you need to accomplish with a business card. If you try to do more with your card, you run the risk of failure.

Two key tips to a good business card are:

* You want your business card to be believable. Don't claim to do more than you really can, everyone will know.

* Clear, concise copy. Less is more.

* Keep the graphics simple. Don't go overboard, but leave room for a creative touch that makes your card unique by ordering a high quality plastic business card.

Remember, the main thing is to do the selling yourself.

This article was provided by Plastek Cards, a maker of all your high quality plastic card solutions.