STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD With Business Cards That Get Attention

What makes a successful business card?

A professional business card should be designed to attract and acquire new customers to your product or services.  Not only is it an advertisement, a networking and lead-generating tool, it is a visual representation of you and your business.  The bottom line is if it is not bringing you business and presenting a professional image of you and your company, it is not working.

For many people, the business card is the only marketing tool used, especially for those just starting in business.  People frequently think a business card that can be designed and printed on their home computer will be a good enough tool to get them noticed and remembered.  The truth is business cards are one of the most overlooked of all business tools.  A well-designed, professional card makes you and your business look professional; a homemade business card typically gives the impression of an amateur taking a stab at being in business.

TIPS FOR BETTER BUSINESS CARDS:

·       Use a compelling image that complements what you are trying to sell. 

·       Make it different enough to capture and retain attention.

·       Use at least one hundred pound card stock and multiple, bright colours.

·       Picture business cards with photos that stir emotion are some of the most effective, but are not appropriate for all business images.

·       Use non-standard materials such as plastic or coloured stock, even something out of the ordinary is bound to be kept and remembered.

·       Be different with shape, such as over-sizing the card or making it in the shape of your product.

·       Changing direction with a vertical card can draw extra attention.

·       Cards that fold in half or tri-fold can be like mini-brochures.

·       Produce multiple interesting cards that encourage people to collect them.

·       Utilize a noisemaker attachment, or even a distinctive scent, but do keep in mind that many people are allergic to perfumes.

·       Include all standard contact information such as a company name, address, phone numbers, fax number, website and e-mail as well as your name and title.

·       Include a logo, picture or graphic image that you will use consistently on all of your marketing materials.

·       Include an advertising slogan that stimulates an emotional response, announces a distinctive brand identity and acts as a directory to your specific customer.

·       Keep it simple with no more than a few different fonts and stay away from unusual fonts that are hard to read.

·       Use a font size large enough for people of any age to read with ease.

·       Never use cards with outdated information.

·       Keep information to the point and as brief as possible.

·       Utilize the back of your card for product information, testimonials, a special discount or free trial of your service, a calendar or something that they will want to keep and use.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

·       Chances are that if you are not going through a few thousand business cards a year, then you probably are not close to utilizing every opportunity to market yourself and your business.

·       If your card does not stand out when placed on a bulletin board with numerous others, it probably isn’t good enough to be remembered.

·       When you hand your card to someone, if they do not make a favourable comment about your card, it is probably not good enough to be remembered.

·       When handing out a business card, always ask for one back and utilize the opportunity to follow-up within a few days, adding this new contact to your mailing or E-mail list. 

Win/Win Negotiation 

What makes a successful negotiation?

You not only get what you wanted in the first place, but the person giving it to you is enthusiastic because the result benefits them too.  Both of you feel a sense of accomplishment and you were each treated fairly in the process.  The integrity of both parties is preserved and they are comfortable enough to want to deal with each other again.  And there is a sense of security that both parties will keep their word.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

AVOID A MEETING ON THEIR TERRITORY

People tend to have the most intimidating power in their own environment.

• Meeting in a location where you feel the most comfortable will give you an advantage.
• If you cannot convince them to come to your location, try and offer to take them to a neutral location where you feel comfortable. 
•             If meeting at a restaurant or other public place is distracting or not private enough, then by all means find a location that suits you and the situation best.

PICK A MEETING AT THE TIME OF DAY WHEN YOU ARE AT YOUR BEST

• If it takes you hours to be really alert each day, then do your best to avoid meeting until later in the day; however, if you are sharp as a tack at 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning (typically a time when most people are most distracted), then schedule accordingly!

ALWAYS ARRIVE EARLY FOR YOUR MEETING AND NEVER, EVER BE LATE

• Being on time validates at least some of your professionalism and being late will disrupt their day and put you at an immediate disadvantage for everything you are trying to accomplish.

AT THE MEETING, POSITION YOURSELF FOR THE MOST POWER

• If you are alone with an opposing group, sit where you can easily make eye contact with all of them without stretching and turning.
• Learn their names and use them immediately.  It helps you to prepare by getting the list ahead of time.
• If you have a large group opposing their small group, sit together for the influential power of the team.
• If they have a large group opposing your small group, then intermingle as much as possible to diffuse the influential power of their team.

PRICE IS NOT ALWAYS A KEY ISSUE

• Find out ahead of time what is the most important to them and figure out a way to fill their needs in your initial proposal.

THE FIRST PERSON THAT MENTIONS A NUMBER ALMOST ALWAYS LOSES

• Compromise is almost always expected in any negotiation.
• Never offer a range of numbers you will accept; it will instantly be assumed that you will accept the lowest number you mentioned or the middle one at best.  Use this knowledge to your advantage if you are offered a range of numbers as your choice.

DRESS FOR PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT

• Prepare far in advance by pre-selecting the colours and outfit that not only fit the environment of your location and are appropriate for the situation, but that also make you feel enthusiastic and empowered.
• Never wear perfumes or colognes.  Many, many people have allergies and this would disrupt focus.
• Clean breath with a smile and neat, clean appropriate clothing is essential.  If you have tattoos, hide them.  Keep jewellery, make-up, etc. to a conservative minimum.
• Be energized in your personality.  Almost no one wants to do business with someone who is not enthusiastic.  If this is not your general personality, then plan and prepare to make it happen.