There are hundreds of thousands of small business start-ups every single day. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these businesses fail. How can you differentiate yourself from your competitors to ensure the success of your business? To survive as a small business owner, you need to set yourself apart from your competition in every possible way. Every little bit counts, and every tiny detail is significant.

Business cards are a valuable promotional tool. No matter where you are, you never know who you may run into – perhaps you meet someone who brings value to your business, or a potential client interested in your product or service. Your business card is not only your corporate identity, but a useful means to market yourself.

You should always give your business card to every new contact you meet. You’re probably thinking, “I already do that”, right? Now what if I were to tell you to give each new contact ten business cards? Your new contact may know ten more people just like him or her! Imagine how far those ten business cards could go. This is a perfect opportunity to advertise your business for free. Never underestimate the power of network marketing.
Consumers appreciate incentives, deals, and promotional offers. Motivate your target audience by offering a referral fee, discount, or bonus gift to those who send you referral business. For example, write your contact’s name on the back of the business cards you give them. When the business cards are presented to you at a later date, check for the referring partner’s name on the back of the card, and award that person accordingly. This is a win-win situation for all parties: satisfied customers, rewarded referrers, and a profitable outcome for you.

Turn your business card into a deal maker. Depending on your company’s product or service offering, the back of your business card could be used as a coupon, a guaranteed discount, a free consultation, or a cash-back bonus with a purchase. Give your prospects an incentive to keep your business card, instead of dumping it in the pile with all the others.
Don’t expect business to magically fall in your lap. Distribute your business cards every chance you get – bottom line! It is also not a bad idea to show others that you are interested in what they have to offer. Ask for their business cards, and ask them for more than one! Give them the idea that you have business to send to them. Your new contact is sure to look more favourably upon you right away, and you have now paved the road for a mutually-beneficial business relationship.

A business card is much more than a 3” by 2” piece of cardboard. Your business card is the face of your company. It is a part of your marketing campaign. Its distribution allows you to brand and promote your business. Make your business cards a part of your every day wardrobe. Don’t leave home without a stack of them in your pocket.

Adrian Ionescu is an online marketeer for GLPrint.com, a business card printing service provider based in Toronto offering various formats of business cards and a gallery of customizable business card designs.