Without a plan to distribute your cards, there's no need to print them in the first place.

Many fall into the trap of thinking all the thinking about business cards is over once the order is placed. Wrong! The average person has more than half of business cards still in the box at any given time.

Make a plan to empty your box of cards in 3 months or less, after all, those little cards are your most pwerful marekting tool.

Always carry cards with you. Always have them handy. "Let's see, I've got one here somewhere, no, that's a card I got yesterday, no, that's my kid's picture, here it is, no, that's not it either.."

Always keep them fresh and flat. If they look worn or dirty, pitch 'em. You should be able to quick draw your card faster than Gunsmoke's Matt Dillon. If somebody gives you their business card, you should give them yours in return, face up.

Think of your card as a print ad for you. Leave it everywhere. More ad exposure leads to more business. If you designed your card well, your home address is not on it so you can leave it anywhere without fear a burglar will come visiting.

Many stores, banks and restaurants have bulletin boards. Keep a few push pins in your car.

Always drop your card in the fishbowls offering a prize.

Enclose a card with every check you send to pay bills.

Leave one on the table with your tip (as long as the tip is not embarrassing).

Give one to friends "Do you have my new card?"

Keep a supply in a cardholder on your desk or at the front counter.

Ask your spouse to always carry your cards, ready to deliver should they meet someone who might be interested in your product or service.

Keep spare cards everywhere so you never have to grope for one, or worse yet, not find one and end up scribbling your name on the back of someone else's card.

Put the info on your card in a sig file that automatically appears at the bottom of all your eMail. Get my article that show you how, step by step. MailTo:SIGFile@BigIdeasgroup.com.

If anything on your card changes, bite the bullet, eat the expense, and pitch 'em.

Your business card is more than a reference tool. It can be your biggest marketing advantage for people to remember you and forget your competition.

For more about buiness cards, get my article "What Does the BACK of Your Business Card Say?" MailTo:BizCardBack@BigIdeasGroup.com

©2005 BIG Mike McDaniel, Professional Speaker and Former Major Market TV News Anchor. The BIG Ideas Group helps small business grow with mastermind groups, seminars and sales training. MailTo:Mike@BIGIdeasGroup.com http://BIGIdeasGroup.com

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