You’ve heard it alot… Brand this, Brand that. Well have you considered branding the one thing that you are giving out every time you meet a potential client, or networking with a counterpart? Brand your Business Cards!!! It’s too simple to just put a clever message or your company logo that sticks to the little guy in your wallet!

But you need to consider more than just the logo or saying to really brand your business card. First you must identify the message you want to send. Are you trying to be a green business? Then why not make business cards that send that type of message. For example a few remarkably creative minds has created customized business cards that are actually plantable! Now this may actually cause problems down the line because all your prospects are actually putting your little marketing device in the ground! Look below and tell me if you have thought of something this creative recently!

If you looked at that and thought that wasn’t good branding then you might need to take another look at yourself and reconsider your calling in life! To really brand yourself with a business card you have to think above and beyond the simple message and find a unique way to engage your target audience. Maybe you are not into lawn care, or sharing memories; big deal! There are other great ideas out there besides a plantable card! Maybe you are into sport memorabilia? Then get some cards that are the same texture as a basketball.

I’m sure you get the message. Branding is all about creativity and finding great way to say the same stuff a different way… because it’s all been said before!!!

You are obviously a very intelligent business person or you wouldn’t be here already, but even the most savvy need a little push in the right direction sometimes! So if you are looking for creative ways to market your small business, without spending a dime, then read on fellow entrepreneur! Here are 6 fantastic ways to market yourself!

Write Articles and Columns

Are the expert in your field? Well you should be or least act like it! Experts write, and write alot. Why? Because they want other people to know that they are experts!!! So act like them! Get out to your local papers, newletters, and publications and ask them if you can write a monthly spot regarding your industry. Most of these guys are dying for quality (and free) content anyways. All you need to do is say that you want a small advertisement right under you column or mention it in the last paragraph!

Create Youtube Videos

This may sound a little difficult, but with any modern digital camera you can make your very own videos. Heck you can even use the webcam on that fancy new macbook you just bought! The key here is not make commercials (unless they are super unique and funny) but to build authority. You want to make instructionals, how-to’s, and any other type of video that can cast light on your excellence!

Join Local Clubs

What a better way to network and meet potential clients that to get out and meet them! Join every single club in your community that could even remotely produce a potential client. Be forward, a little pushy, and let them know you are looking to expand! People will go out of their ways to help people advance in life. You just need to be the one they are helping!

Abuse Social Networks

This should go without saying. Get on facebook. Get on twitter. Ask your clients to engage and share your business. It’s too easy!

Bribe your Customer

Give your customers and clients and incentive to share your business. We can all count on one thing in life, other people’s greed. SO USE THAT! Tell them that you will give them 40% off of their next order if they refer a paying customer to you. Do anything that you can to use them to bring you more business.

Make a Splash!

Finally, just get retarded. Make waves in your community. Donate to a cause, throw a parade for deaf animals, host a world’s strongest child competition. Just get out and get known. This will attract more attention than any of the above. Do you think it’s an accident that Red Bull sponsors all the craziest sports and ridiculous outings? NO! They want attention and to be there when the next Evil Canevil jumps over the Atlantic Ocean!

These are just a few ideas for your business marketing… Just get off your butt and get to work!

So you all think you know something about business cards, but the truth is you are all truly misinformed! One of the best movies of all time has an awesome scene that tell you how to be a BC Bad man…

So get your free business cards and be a awesome specimen of excellence!

It’s true. According to this middle aged man you have terrible business cards! They are worthless and you will never be as good, cool, or handsome as he is! The truth is you can have awesome free business cards without having to be as self-righteous or condescending as this guy! The video follows…

Here is another Business card magic trick to go with our last entry! It uses the same methodology but you can give out two cards instead of one!

Get some free business cards and try it out for yourself!

If you have ever thought about how you hand out your business card or spend any time networking with business cards then you know how important the actually presentation is! To often we see the person we just handed our little card to just shove it into their pocket without ever noticing what is on it. Most likely this person just pocketed it as a courtesy and will dump it into a trash can as soon as they can!

Well if you change the presentation of your card to be something more entertaining and memorable then you may have a chance to keep your card out of the dumpster and possibly even generate a new business relationship! Using this little bit of magic your show your client a “blank” business card then print it right from your hand! This trick takes only a few minutes to master and once done correctly is an extremely effective illusion! Now go get some free business cards and try it out for yourself!

Watch the Video here

As everybody knows free business cards can be a pretty good form of marketing for your business and there are some times when you should give it out. Some are often prone to make a mistake by being too tame when it comes to passing out their free business cards, and this can is a huge networking mistake, while others give out business cards even if people don’t seem interested.  We all know that there are some situations where handing out your business card is very smart, and knowing what these times are can help you network your business better.

Tip # 1: Give out Free Business Cards at Events – The type of events you should do this at are usually work oriented, and a great method for networking with new clients and business contacts is to attend these types of conventions, picnics, etc.  Many business persons can leave these meet-ups with a quantity of free business cards from numerous people, so be absolutely sure that yours is unique.

Tip # 2: Make sure your new clients get a Free Business Card – When you land a new client, make sure to strike conversation, and make sure to give them a business card so they can contact you. If they are satisfied with your service they offer word of mouth advertising, which is prices. Having your business cards will allow them to have all the info needed to send business to family and friends.

Tip # 3: Give out business cards at job fairs – Many types of people go to job fairs to get a job, and while they are looking at the card you can tell them about your business and what you do. It worth it to market your business, and to think outside old marketing ideas to help it spread.

Tip # 4: Give your business card out when you ask for one - The exchange of business cards is a ritual in many countries, followed frequently in the business world. Ask the other person for their business card, normally they will ask for yours in return.

Tip # 5: When a need arises give the person a business card – This just means to give out your card in converstations where someone express a desire for a type of service you offer. Make sure your timing is appropriate because it would not be in cool to hand out your business cards at the funeral, but if you are a detailer and you someone who talks about needing a car cleaned in the grocery store line, you should give them a business card.

Tip # 6: Get your business card up on the bulletin boards - Think grocery, gas station. Doing this allows you to use your card to reach an a ton of locals and you may be surprised by how much business this can generate. Think about your local population and then think of reaching a percentage of these people for cheap, simply by putting your business card on the board.

Your business card is not just a little wallet or pocket filler. You should try to max out its use by trying to give them out as regularly as possible. Here are several methods you can give people your business card, and you probably haven’t thought of these before. These are great way to get out your free business cards.

1. Leave your business card at your local coffee place - You do not have to leave a card every single time. But more than once is also ok especially if you haven’t done so in a while. If they don’t have a bowl for business cards, which is a bit unusual as most do, then talk to the floor manager and suggest it! The same goes for a local restaurant you often frequent.
2. Insert your business card when mailing bill payments. Hey, when you receive your bills, you get advertisement, correct? So why not apply the same? This is not a matter of ‘getting even’. It’s a matter of simply getting yourself out there. You never know on whose hands your business card will land.
3. Include your business card when emailing resumes or when sending a Thank You note after a job interview. A business card is just that small, yet extra push you need to ensure you’re always in the minds of recruiters and potential employers. Don’t be beaten by those that think to set themselves apart!
4. Hand over your business card even to co-workers. When you visit a branch of your office, attend a convention, or business gathering with co-workers you don’t normally come into contact with, then there’s no harm in handing over your business card.
5. Insert your business card in presentation materials you use. If you find yourself making a presentation to a group, one of the best ways to ensure you give out your business card to everyone attending the presentation is to insert it in the materials attendees will use. This way, you don’t have to ensure that you meet and talk to each and every single attendee just to hand your business card.
6. Hand over your business card during gatherings at home! Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? When parents come over for your kid’s birthday, be ready to discuss careers and hand over business cards. Do the same when you’re picking up your child from another kids’ home and you happen to talk to the child’s parents. If someone new arrives in the neighborhood, you don’t need to throw a party but what about a bouquet of flowers from your garden with… yes, your business card thrown in?

A business card can be a extremely powerful networking and marketing tool and learning how to make your business cards stand out is vital. Maximize the times you can distribute it and hand it over to someone and you’ll be surprised at how business opportunities seemingly pop out of nowhere.

Now know the reasons to have your business cards printed online, (and hopefully have already taken advantage of the free business cards we offer) it is time to put them to good use. High quality business cards which are unique will stand out, and you may run out quickly because everyone wants one. There are some business card tips which will help you make your business cards work effectively for you, resulting in more business and business contacts than ever before. With great business cards, it is not uncommon to see your business increase, and even double at times.

What to Do Once You Have Your Business Cards at Hand

Check if the potential receiver is interested in your business.

Asking “Would you like one of my business cards?” can put a person on the spot and may make them feel obligated even if they do not want a card, which will end up with your business card in the trash later. Instead, you can watch for signs of interest during the conversation, and then say “May I give you one of my cards?” if the person seems interested. This not only keeps the person from feeling like they must take your business card, it also keeps you from wasting your cards.

Indicate what’s different.

Once you have your business cards, tell everyone that your new cards are in. Almost everyone you know will want one, even if they have one of your old ones. When you give out one of your new business cards, advertise the unique aspects of it.

Point out any features which are different from the traditional white card, and mention the attributes which make your card one of a kind. Many people have business cards which contain things on both sides of the card, and if yours has this feature make sure you tell people when you hand them your business card.

Establish rapport with the receiver.

Make sure that you have a connection with a person before you give them your business card. Make eye contact from the very start, give a firm handshake but do not grip tightly, and start a conversation, it does not matter what small talk or topic you discuss. The important thing is to establish rapport with the individual before you give them your business card. Too many people pass out their business card to every single person they come into contact with, whether the person even wants or needs the card or the services offered by the company.

Give your card only to those who may have a need for it.

Business cards can be a big expense, depending on how you choose to design and print them, and should thus be given to people who may have a need for your services or help increase your business contacts. Handing out your business card is a form of networking to benefit your company, and as a result this will benefit you. Remember to emphasize the benefits of your business during the conversation, and look for interest from the person before handing them your card.

Hopefully, these business card tips help prevent you from making mistakes which will end up costing you lost business, wasted printing expenses, or both. Your business cards can work for you if they are used correctly so be sure not to waste them by giving out your cards just for the sake of ‘handing them out’.