Brandon Hopkins () -

Contrary to popular belief, the best use of business cards is not making origami or collecting dust. But, in this article you will find 5 of the most effective ways to use your business cards on a daily basis!

When Joe Girard, the world's greatest salesman, was selling cars he would frequently go to Detroit Lions football games.

Even though he could afford more expensive seats, he chose to sit in the upper deck and whenever the Lions scored, he would throw business cards off the top deck onto the expensive seats below that offered a discount on a new car that was only good the following day.

Joe Girard's example leads us to our first point:

1. Be Creative

An instructor at a karate class might hand out business cards at his son's t-ball game that say "First Lesson Free with this card". A pet store owner might give out business cards that have an offer for a free goldfish, or 10% off a purchase over $100.

No matter what your type of business, there is a creative way to get your business cards into the hands of buyers.

If you can think of these creative ways before your competition does, you are one step ahead, and you will see the increase in business.

2. Remember the 1 to 1 ratio

The 1 to 1 ratio is the easiest formula you'll ever need to know. If you talk to someone for more than 1 minute, they should have 1 of your business cards in their hand. That is the 1 to 1 ratio.

Basically that means that you need to find a way to talk about what you do, and get your business card in their hand within the first minute of the conversation.

Think of it as an elevator conversation. This prospect will be getting off of your elevator soon, so you have a short time to get that business card into their hand.

3. Make them keepers

Once you have your business card in the hand of your potential prospects, what is going to make them keep it?

Unless you are selling air and water, potential clients probably don't need what you sell, but hopefully they want what you sell.

Since most of us are not in a need based business we have to get our potential clients a reason to remember us and keep our cards.

Why does someone want your business card? If you cannot answer that easily, maybe it is time to think about a new business card design .

Does your business card have valuable information on it? By valuable I mean a map, discount, calendar, measurements, charts or anything relevant to your industry?

If it doesn't, you may want to think about adding a value feature to your business card.

4. Leave them where you spend your money

Just last night I went to eat at a Mexican restaurant, and sitting on the counter I saw about 30 cards for a car salesman sitting in a plastic business card holder . I asked the girl at the counter why they were there and she said "He said he was going to leave them for customers."

This is just one example of somewhere you could leave your business cards. Other places include barber or beauty shops, medical offices including dentists, family medicine, chiropractors, and hospitals.

These places are prime territory!

Remember to ask if they mind, and tell they how much you appreciate it.

5. Ask for an opinion

"Can I ask you a quick question? What do you think of my new business card design?" Then you hand them a business card.

No matter what they say, now they have your business card. When they try to hand it back, tell them you had thousands printed, and they can have that one.

Thank them for their time and tell them if they ever need what you sell or promote, your contact information is on the card.

If you were able to implement just one of these 5 ideas each day, you would have more business that you could handle!

About the Author

Brandon Hopkins is the owner and founder of Business Cards Free , the most informative business card site on the internet. He is available for speaking engagements, article writing and business card advice. He may be contacted through his website at http://www.Business-Cards-Free.com .

• http://www.Business-Cards-Free.com

Comment #1 Pete101 from NJ -

That is actualy a very good list. I myself don't give out business cards much as I don't like to be bothered ;)

Seriously though, being that I just began a business a few months ago, I am now realizing that getting as many business cards out there is the most effective way for me to drive new business. Thanks for the suggestions, I will put them into practice.

Comment #2 Ralph from New York City -

He forgot the most important point of all... remember to put your web address on your card!

I don't do business with people over the phone. The internet or not at all!

Comment #3 Spongebob from The Ocean -

Business cards are great because it is as close to good free advertising as you can get. The cost per card is very minimal and Ralph is very right, email email email. It is an internet world these days.

Comment #4 Erica from Business World -

I'm a Salesperson and I keep tons of them in my purse just for the sole purpose of maybe needing to leave about 20 or so at a restaurant or something like that. I will generally look in a place of business that has a bulletin board and tack some up there as well.

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