Some Novel Ways To Use Business Cards

When we think of business cards, we imagine small rectangular printed cards sized for the wallet, for which it actually was designed. It is something to carry around in the pocket until needed, and then referred to.  And most of the time, that is just the only way the business card is used.

Business Cards in the Restaurant

However, there are novel ways business cards may be utilized to expand business. For example, if you are a restaurant manager or owner, you can print for your serving staff their own cards, which they can give to the client at the start or at the end. Train the staff to say, “Hello, my name is “blank” and I am at your service. Please request for me next time also,” or words to that effect. It achieves several things: it personalizes the service, which puts blame on the staff and not the entire restaurant in case the service is unsatisfactory; grants importance to the staff, that  may even prevent the staff from leaving because he will anticipate the return of the client, especially if the client is a generous tipster.

Business Cards as Referral

Another method is using business cards as referral card. Give your customer the card and ask him to write his name and address at the back and pass it to anyone else who might need your business or service and offer a discount or some other incentive to the new customer. When such a card comes in, send a small thank you note –and a new card—to the original customer plus may be a present or coupon for redemption when he next comes in. in this way, you build goodwill and loyalty as well as expand your clientele base.

Business Cards as Point of Contact

Enclosing your card in the package of ordered goods is also a prudent way of personalizing service and firming up the clientele. It demonstrates to the customer that you have personally seen to the filling of the order and that if there are problems to contact you right away. Little gestures such as that can boost customer satisfaction and thus business.

Business Cards to Increase Networking

You can do the same with customer mailings the company sends out every Christmas season or other occasions, such as birthdays of important clients or persons. Having your card on his roll-o-desk, wallet or business card bin is already an opportunity waiting to be taken that he will use your business sooner or later. If he never will, at least there had been a chance, which would not have been available if he did not have a card in the first place.

Last, you can offer information through your business card. At the usually blank reverse side, you can include tips on how to sell a house if you are a real estate broker, or how to easily detect dangerous wear in a car’s tires if you deal in those goods. Doing so will establish greater credibility for you as well as name recall when your tips become important.

Business cards are meant to be reminders of one’s name and enterprise. Therefore it should be used to increase business not only in the traditional method but in innovative ways. It is a very inexpensive and effective vehicle of promoting any business.