The Business Card Message

From the follow article, let me thinking about business card of ours at past, so try to collect some more information about it and hope it's useful for us in future. ~B5tI(^4r
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The Business Card Message
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By Alfred B. Miles  
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UXEXX d:w#g5JJ After reading "The Flimsy Business Card" in your Most Memorable Sale column, I was inspired to write about my own business card tale.
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Several years ago, I was representing a printing and publishing house. There was a jobber, Mr. Riley, who was well-known for his inaccessibility. "Oh, he's a hard nut to crack," the other salesmen warned me. But my company was producing a special line that I felt certain would do well for him, so I decided that it was worth a try.+o B(xFJ"c+{S

Ob#[?,|iwO6xjd1Sy Because he employed only a few people, he and his workers were always traveling, so the only chance to catch him in his office was on Saturdays. Although other salespeople had not even gotten in to see him, much less talk to him, I set out that weekend determined to see him, talk to him, and sell him.|H)`^.y-fic
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Before entering his building, I called to be sure he was in. When a clerk, in a moment of unguarded candor, told me he was there, I immediately entered his office and presented my card to his receptionist.;AUFl,hg)JV Z0{
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"He's not in," she told me. But I informed her that she or someone else had just told me he was there. She shrugged her shoulders and took my card in to her boss's office.
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HeNup.MlJ S7Ug She returned almost immediately and stated that Mr. Riley did not wish to see me. "Please tell him that I have a very special line to show him," I requested. I)I T+O ~(y
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With a show of obvious reluctance, she went back into his office, only to return with my card. On the back was the message: "Too busy to be bothered."
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For a moment, I didn't know what to do next. Then I had a brilliant idea. Drawing a line through his message, I neatly wrote, "What would you say if one of your own salespeople gave up now?"9[
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It took quite a bit of persuasion to convince the receptionist to enter Mr. Riley's office again, but she finally relented, left my card on his desk, and came back out without saying a word.q\,D\t

6?j G Eyr.ej A minute later he called her and asked her to show me in. His first words were, "Young man, I'd say he was a quitter - now let's talk business."7YdR3d#G(U/E
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My first order wasn't a big one, but later I received several large orders from this "tough nut."
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q)L-A7oiP.kf [[i] Last edited by skyfly at 2008-4-29 21:20 [/i]]

Does Your Business Card Pass the Trash Test?
3CPzDd5X*P&}0X Your business card is often the first impression a potential client has with your company. The business card design and message will ultimately determine whether it gets thrown in the trash or filed for contact later.r u0J'n*y sa

t8Ln7z,Se1A` Reach in your wallet and pull out your business card. Your Small Business Information guide has put together the business card test. Learn if your business card will pass or be trashed.,b_+w6sP~ V

#G,],xk'Soz*Zr Size: Does your business card conform to the traditional size of 3.5" by 2"? Anything greater will not fit in wallets or most business card holders. End result trash.9F iCyx2ZF
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Paper Quality: Is your business card design of professional quality or is it flimsy with perforated edges? Cheap cards are trashed.H!EwD4Ym/u3_:i?

)d.u rL-DX? Ink: Drop some liquid on your business card.-fG'g"VMP `
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If the ink runs, it's in the trash.!CS&f i @X&Op-_

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Rxe-V\~"D Color Test: Colorful cards can add to your professional image. Too much color can be detracting. Trash your card if it is black and white or has more than 3 colors unless it's a photograph.1dz3lyz^
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Message Design: Your business card should clearly tell people what you do and offer a meaningful benefit. No message adds confusion so your card ends up in the trash.lz,a v3{ k {b
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g#txA:h Image Match: Your business card design should match your business image. If you're a designer, then the card should be creative. If your card is out of synch with your image, time to toss it.
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Font Size: Is your card crammed with information? White space on the card will make it easier to absorb your message. If you have a lot to say, add it to the back of the business card. Is the print so tiny you have too squint to see it? This one is heading for the trash.
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Contact Information: Your clients or potential clients should have as many means as possible to contact you based on their preference. Your business card design should include: voicemail, phone, fax, email, and website. Lack of contact information puts your card in the trash.^'P*W-q6|%hd
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You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Make sure you invest in the best business card design you can afford. The business card is your introduction to a client, for the low cost per card that is money well spent.
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From Darrell Zahorsky,

Avoid The Nine Most Common F4M U3rQj'U&Q_*m
Business Card BlundersxfLq:wMt e:u&q

_ffW\0o9AL Have you ever gotten a compliment on your business card? Is it something that you're proud of? Does it simply and clearly identify just what your business does, and why people should do business with you? Is it visually appealing?
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)zP8a3_i1|~ If you answered no to one or more of these questions, it just may be time for you to update your business card.'rmg&q
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Because a business card is one of the most important and cost-effective marketing tools a business can have, especially for businesses just starting out. And yet, too often it's a missed opportunity to make a great impression. A powerful and well-designed business card can effectively promote your business. There's a good chance that if the look and quality of your card is shoddy or unprofessional, it may be thrown into the trash.
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l\$zM~ You don't need to be a rocket scientist to come up with a good business card. The truth is -- with a little planning and thoughtful consideration -- you too can have a business card that will draw rave reviews and future clients.
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There are a number of common blunders businesspeople make when it comes to their own business cards. Avoid these and you will be well on your way to having a card that is noticeably appealing and an effective marketing tool.
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IW;I4c \G Blunder #1: Having a Card that Blends in with All the Rest;@a
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The great majority of business cards out there leave no real impression and soon become a faint memory. Leave someone with a card that looks great, feels great and clearly defines what your business does -- and you and your card won't soon be forgotten. &oI:H0n-k.M]

t#ou%dQ{$w5t more message please browse [url]http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/business-card.htm[/url]

I'm sure you must have more effective ways for business cards, hope you should share it with us~~~~~~~~

Yes, you are right, the first order usually is very small, but after your customer's approval, you will get bigh order soon