Feature Article: “7 Tips on Making Your Business Card Work Harder for You”

Update: I took some time off from writing this newsletter to attend to family health matters.

Upcoming Workshops: Linkedin to the Max!
7th session, Thursday February 10

Recommended Tools: Two books for bloggers: one for beginners and one for users of WordPress!

Hi

As you may have heard, my wife has taken very ill and is fighting a brave battle with cancer. That's the main reason I've taken some time off of writing this newsletter, so this is the first issue I'm sending out this year.

You can still reach me at 905-844-4247 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm EST), email or if you're calling long distance call toll free 1-877-IBIZ-269.

In other news, the registration for session 7 of my popular Linkedin to the Max! workshop, is open, and there are a few spots available. I started using the networking site about 3 years ago and today I make about 20% of my income from Linkedin. Please register today for the next session. With your ticket you will also receive a copy of my educational audio CD "Linkedin: Social Networking for Professionals" worth $24 on its own.

Cheers,

Boris Mahovac R.G.D.

“7 Tips on Making Your Business Card Work Harder”

OK, when's the last time you updated your business card? Take a look at it now, and see if there's room for improvement. Just for your reference, here's a sample of a well-designed card.

1. use both sides of the card to deliver your message;
    
2. have a clear, benefit-driven statement that addresses your prospects needs/wants;
    
3. include a call to action, such as "Visit our web site to [abc] and receive [xyz]";
    
4. ask your printer about using AQ coating because it will protect the ink from smudging, but will allow your prospects to write on your card with a regular pen.
    
5. if you're really cash-strapped you can get your cards for almost nothing on line at VistaPrint.com, but I'd recommend you invest in a nice custom designed card, which will project a more professional image.
    
6. a definite no-no is using pre-perforated card stock you can buy at office-supply stores, and printing off your business cards using your ink-jet printer. Yikes! This simply screams amateur!
    
7. If you attend a lot of networking events, where you may leave your cards unattended for anyone to pick up, I'd recommend not using your real email address, but list a Yahoo, or similar account on the cards, so that you can protect yourself from unwanted email. Please note: This advice can backfire in some situations, because listing a Yahoo account may look unprofessional. Consider your options carefully with this one.

My clients get the benefit of one-on-one instruction in the art of Social Media Marketing. If you're confused about how to fit social media into your marketing mix please book a complimentary meeting or toll-free call so we can find out if I would be a good fit to help you get clarity on these issues. If you’re on a limited budget, you can learn at my live workshops or self-study courses.

Copyright 2010 Boris Mahovac R.G.D. all rights reserved. For reprint rights contact me.

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I am an eMarketing Consultant, Developer and Speaker. I run iBizAcademy.com dedicated to business blogging, social media marketing and web development. I also run an Email Marketing Consultancy and blog at YourEzineCoach.com.

I help solopreneurs and small business owners promote their business online, using social media marketing, business blogging and email marketing.

I regularly host group workshops and seminars, and provide one-on-one instruction to clients wanting to develop their online presence.

Please join me on Linkedin. I'm not so active on Facebook and Twitter.

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