by BIG Mike McDaniel Small Business Advertising Expert

Without a plan to distribute your cards, there's no need to print them in the first place.

Don't fall into the trap of believing all the thinking about business cards is over once the order is placed. Wrong! The average person has more than half of their business cards still in the box at any given time.

Make a plan to empty your box of cards in 3 months or less; after all, those little cards are your most powerful marketing tool.

Always carry your cards with you. You never know when you may have an opportunity to start a business relationship. Always have one handy. "Let's see, I've got one here somewhere, no, that's a card I got yesterday, no, that's my kid's picture, here it is, no, that's not it either.."

Don't carry worn and wrinkled cards. Keep them fresh and flat. If they look less than perfect, pitch 'em. You should be able to quickly draw your card faster than an old west gunfighter on TV. If somebody gives you their business card, you should give them yours in return, face up.

Think of your card as a miniature billboard working for you. Leave it everywhere. More ad exposure leads to more business. If you designed your card well, your home address is not on it so you can leave it anywhere without fear a burglar will come visiting.

Many stores, banks and restaurants have bulletin boards. Keep a few push pins in your car. Always drop your card in the fishbowls offering a prize. Enclose a card with every check you send to pay bills.

Leave one on the table with your tip (as long as the tip is not embarrassing). Give one to friends. "Do you have my new card?" Keep a supply in a cardholder on your desk or at the front counter.

Ask your spouse to always carry your cards, ready to deliver should they meet someone who might be interested in your product or service. Keep spare cards everywhere so you never have to grope for one, or worse yet, not find one and end up scribbling your name on the back of someone else's card.

If anything on your card changes, bite the bullet, eat the expense, pitch 'em and print new ones.

Your business card is more than a reference tool, it can be your biggest marketing advantage for people to remember you and forget your competition.

© 2008 BIG Mike McDaniel http://BigIdeasGroup.com BIG Mike is America's Small Business Advertising Expert, Celebrated Author, Consultant and Speaker. Get BIG Mike's latest advertising article at http://BigIdeasGroup.com/advertising

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