Casual Encounters with Business Cards

Promotional Skills for The Chronically Amateur
(How to Get Your Message to the American Sheeple)

Part 17: Casual Encounters with Business Cards
by Shonda Ponder

© 2002, Shonda Ponder

How many people do you talk to every day when you leave your home? As you go about your daily errands, you'll probably talk to at least five new people every day. Wouldn't it be nice to tell them about your message without saying a word?

Business cards are perfect ways to do that. For those of you who are in a hurry to get done what you need done so you can return to the comfort of your home, business cards provide a way for interested parties to get in touch with you at a more convenient time.

The great thing about business cards is that, for some, they are collector's items. Many people will file them away in a rolodex when they get home, even if they never contact the owner of the card. I, personally, use an old shoebox. But, sometimes, you might make an impression on someone who will call you out of curiosity.

In order to make business cards work best for you, you will need to make sure you place certain information on them that will invite the holder to seek information. For instance, if you have a favorite quote that conveys the message you have, you can place that on the card for decorative purposes. The background of the card should also convey your message in some way, although a plainly colored background works just as well -- so long as the needed information is on the card.

A few items that you should try to place on your cards are:

Your name
Your email address
Your web site address
Your phone number
And a post office box address (if you have one)
The name of your organization
Not necessarily in that order.

If you do not have a mailing address with a post office box that is designated for your work, it is always better to leave it off of the card, unless you don't mind strangers knowing where you live.

Business cards are great, for the simple fact that you can give them to anyone without saying a word. When you see that gal at the grocery market, discreetly slip her a card when you hand her your cash. When you go to the movies, or when you are standing in line at a check-out counter or concert, hand that person in front of you a card when you strike up a conversation with him, or vice versa. You don't have to introduce your message when you are busy. Just let them come to you.

Another great idea is to place your business cards in every piece of mail you send: your bills, spam mail return envelopes, letters, inquiries, etc.

Just think of a business card as being you, carried around to many different places, by many different methods. That person who got your business card may take it home with her and throw it in a shoe box for collection purposes. Days later, while she is at the dentist, she may strike up a conversation with someone who mentions a message similiar to yours. She will remember your card, and may possibly get that person's information so she can send them your card.

Never underestimate the value of a casual encounter.