As a small business owner, you always have to be on your toes, in order to network or acquire new customers.  It’s extremely important to convey a professional image at all times and to know how to use your business card to its maximum potential. Here are a few basic rules to follow.

-          Do not hand out your business card to everyone you see. It’s true that you want as many people as possible to become familiar with your business, but that’s what advertising is for. You shouldn’t slip business cards into people’s hands or interrupt them while their speaking with someone else. Common courtesy applies.

Just because you handed out one hundred business cards at a tradeshow doesn’t mean you actually made meaningful connections.  Be selective about the people you choose to share your information with.

-          When someone asks for your card, ask for one of theirs in return. If nothing else, this will allow you to contact them at a later date, to follow up, and to capitalize on your meeting.

-          When receiving someone’s business card, treat it with respect.  Do not stuff it immediately into your pocket or purse.  Actually look at. Commit the person’s name to memory, and make sure you have the correct pronunciation. Now is the time to ask these questions, not later.

-          Before you hand over your business card, write a quick note on the back, regarding what you talked to this person about or why they need your information.  This will trigger their memory later on and keep you top-of-mind.

-          Never include a business card in emotional or personal correspondence. Whether it’s condolences or congratulations, it’s not about you.

 Follow these simple rules to make the most of your business card and all of your interactions.

Full-colour, high-quality postcards are an inexpensive and effective way to market your small business.  One of the first steps to creating a successful marketing postcard is to set a goal.  What do you want to achieve by sending this postcard? Do you want to promote new products? Do you want customers to visit your business at its new location? Once you have a goal in mind, create a message that is direct and simple.  You want your readers to know exactly what to do after receiving your postcard.

Also, be sure to focus your marketing efforts on mailing lists that will pay off.  When targeting consumers, consider where they live, what they do for work, what they do for fun, and whether or not they have children.

Advertise your day care business by mailing to families with school-age children.  Market your landscaping business by mailing to upscale neighborhoods with large homes and yards.

Also, create postcards for inactive customers.  Let them know how excited you are to be of service to them.  Try designing oversized marketing postcards for  special events or to include more information for your customers.

Check out this helpful article from Profit:  How to do more with less.