The Razor Sharp Business Card

Do you have a business card in your pocket or purse right now? Is it a good business card? When I ask this question in my seminars, I get all kinds of funny looks and reactions. Most people seem surprised that I would ask if it is a good card. A dull business card is like a dull sword or knife. It won’t cut much. It is of limited value.

If you have a business card, this would be a good time to take it out and examine it. Ask yourself these questions:
Does your business card tell people exactly what you do, or does it just tell them who you work for, or what line of work you’re in? This is extremely important.

1. Does your business card have multiple ways to contact you? (at least three)
2. Do you use your entire business card or only half of it? In other words, is one side blank? If so why? If you have a definite purpose for the blank space such as writing estimates, that’s fine. But if there is nothing on one side of the card when it’s handed to someone, you are wasting half of the card. Blank space never sold anything and never will. Use the available space to sell!

If you think people will automatically flip your business card over to see what’s on the other side, forget it. They don’t think that way. So here’s a little technique that will take care of it. Simply flip the card over in your hand just as they reach out to take it. This shows them that there are two sides. It works.

Does your business card move people along to another place? Does it offer something for going to your Web site or calling your office, such as a free report or free service or discount.

Is there, in fact, a specific call to action on your business card? Does it tell them to call your office today to schedule an appointment? Or is it – in and of itself – a dead end?

Does your business card stand out from all the others in the pile? Is it a unique, eye-catching color that can be spotted from across the room? Is it an odd size? Would there be any chance your card might subconsciously end up in someone’s hand in a fishbowl drawing?

Is there a distinct advantage that your card presents over the others? Or is it just another plain, boring, probably mostly white business card?

After someone reads your business card, do they look up at you and say, “Wow, how do I get this product/service?” or “Wow, that is awesome!”

Why would anyone choose to keep your business card over all of the other ones they receive? Is there a free gift or other legal bribe attached to your card? How many different business cards do you have? Do you have different ones for different occasions or purposes? Is there a reward for returning the card to you at a later date?

Now, let me ask you this question again. Do you have a good business card? If not, I’d advise you to get one. Having a good business card and knowing how to use it is a valuable tool for every pest management professional. A razor sharp business card can cut to the chase and carve out some very nice referral business for you. 

The author is a former PCO who spent 33 years in in the pest control industry and now is president  of Briar Patch Marketing (www.TheNetworkingNinja.com), Roswell, Ga. He can be contacted at hcoleman@giemedia.com.

hor of The Networking Ninja Handbook. He can be reached at hcoleman@gie.net or visit www.BriarPatchMarketing.com.