business cards

[ahop23]

Do you all keep business cards with you at all times? Do you think that this is still an effective way to market your business? i always have mine but wonder how far they are really getting me. Do people generally just tuck these away never to be located again?

 

[Brian McIntosh]

I've always got a wee supply tucked away somewhere just in case. As for how useful they are, I suppose it's always good to get your name out there.

 

[TomB]

i have to say i always have mine on me as well.

An usually a few of my clients as well, you never know!!

Its amazing how many times i've had a conversation in a pub with someone saying oh a i need this or that and then i say oh well i can do that for you, here have a card and then i get a call or email.

 

[Greg Findley]

I always keep some on me, you never know when you might bump into a potential customer/client! and there's nothing worse than having to scribble your contact details down on a scrappy piece of paper/old receipt for them to take away.

...and yes I still think its an effective marketing method, especially really well designed cards

 

[gamecockfan]

Do you find that self-prepared cards can be just as effective as those which are professionally designed or do you think this is an area where you need to leave the design to the pros?

 

[nothing does]

Design should always be left to the pros

 

[stugster]

The cost of getting a designer to do your card shouldn't really be extortionate: especially if you commission them to just do all the work (headed paper, compliment slips, business cards) in a "one'er".

But, if money is tight, design the first 50 yourself, and then, once you've got a bit more cash available, get the designer to do a re-design and then get a sh*t load printed once!

 

[Former Member 1]

Disappearing past posts not withstanding....

Personally I feel a good quality business card is an essential. I've had an uncomfortable few weeks just recently as I had plans to move our 'phone number over to voip but hadn't decided on a provider... This of course left me with cards I was reluctant to hand out (as they'd have the wrong number on them) and no way of commissioning new ones... A few awkward moments with new clients 'fluffing' my way through the exchange of cards ritual...

Good quality cards needn't be expensive. I have a contact who's doing me 500 gold foiled on plastic for just over

 

[Pixels Ink]

I'm never without my business cards. As someone has said, there have been lots of occasions where I've been in the pub / out socialising and someone has wanted my card either for themselves or for a friend. I've won more than a few jobs when i've been out not actively seeking work. Always a good thing

 

[davidc]

As you all know. Running your own business is 24/7. I always carry cards, and have always had them professionally designed, and printed. First impressions are so important, and a business card should reflect you.

 

[Power Lunch Club]

Okay folks, answer this question....

How many of you have pile of business cards give to you, which have an elastic band round them and have never been looked at for a long time?

Gordon
PLC

 

[davidc]

Hi Gordon. I must admit to being a hoarder, as my wife puts it. I always keep business cards, and I do have many that I have not looked at in years....nestling away in a folder..but you never know when you might need the help of a .........

 

[Former Member 1]

Hi Gordon. I must admit to being a hoarder, as my wife puts it. I always keep business cards, and I do have many that I have not looked at in years....nestling away in a folder..but you never know when you might need the help of a .........

Funny you should say that.....

Last night I came across such a folder. At least three of the people in it are dead There are several cards that show the various incantations of companies that have long since gone t*ts up, folk that now live in Spain and a bloke that my brother (who's a cop in Hong Kong) lifted and had put away for 8 years for fraud....

 

[nothing does]

I too have such a folder (box). Everyone in it will shortly be receiving my new ezine.