By BIG Mike McDaniel

Not having a business card is as bad as using an eMail address that ends in AOL.com It's just not professional.

With domain names costing less that 9 bucks a year, there's no excuse for anyone in business to have an AOL.com address. With business cards costing less than 9 bucks at the big box store, there's no excuse for anyone in business not to pass them about.

Here are my 9 Big Ideas for Better Business Cards

1 - Keep it Simple
One phone number and one eMail is enough. Be sure to put your website on the card, too. Some cards work great without a street address. Do you need it on your card? Why?

2 - Put YOU in the Middle

Your name is the most important part of the card put it in the middle and big enough to see without granny glasses.

3 - Stick with White

White, glossy, shiny cards say "Business". Pastels and swirls say "Avon Lady".

4 - Forget the Beeper Number

No need to list cell phones and beeper numbers. If you want a customer to have them, it is far more impressive for you to hand write it on the card ("I'm giving you my private cell phone number...")

5 - Don't Do It At Home

For what you spend on blank microperf cards and the time to get it right, you could pay to have them look professional instead of home baked.

6 - Use Both Sides

The back of the card can be used to reinforce your selling proposition. Think of your card as a little newspaper ad. Use both sides.

7 - Throw 'em Away When ANYTHING Changes

Don't be a cheapskate. Spend the bucks for new cards rather than penciling in corrections. Be professional.

8 - Never Leave Home Without One

Always carry a supply of cards. You never know. And keep them handy in a ready pocket, not tucked away at the bottom of a bag, so you can present one with a flourish on demand. Keep a backup stack in the car.

9 - Present It With A FLAIR

Practice offering your card with BOTH hands. It makes a BIG impact. Your goal is to get people to remember you and save your card. Do that by using both hands.

© 2006 BIG Mike McDaniel http://BigIdeasgroup.com
BIG Mike is the Small Business Advertising Expert and author of "Business Cards - Front to Back". This book tells you how to make your business card the most powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. To learn more visit http://tinyurl.com/j6ol3