Are Your Business Cards Collecting Dust?

In this article I am going to talk a little bit about business cards and what they can do for your business. When I had my first business cards printed (a long, long time ago) they ended up sitting in the box for the most part. I did on occasion hand them out to friends and family but at the time I had no clue how to properly use them.

It wasn’t until I started getting serious about performing that I began to also get serious about the business aspect of my magic. No longer were my cards collecting dust. In fact, they were getting in the hands of potential clients all over the area so much that I had to order more, lots more.

The business card can be a very powerful tool. Use it!

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to using your business card along with extra tips on the design.

The Do’s (Things you should be doing with your business cards!)

• Use them; you spent money for them so get them in peoples hands.
• Always provide a couple cards rather then just handing or sending one out. The person may end up loosing one or giving it to a friend who could also book you.
• Send cards out along with any promotional material including contracts, thank you letters, newsletters etc. Every mailing you do should include a couple of business cards.
• Toss in a couple business cards when sending a check to pay a bill, leave a couple at a table with your tip for the waitress, put a small stack or post a couple on community bulletin boards.
• Include all-important information including email, website, phone number, and what you do!
• I give small stacks of 50 to 100 business cards to some of my close friends. When they are out at a club, on vacation somewhere, or dining out they usually leave behind a couple of cards for me. Plus you never know whom they might meet and they can easily build you up as being a heavily sought after performer… aren’t friends great!
• A great idea is to have a coupon on the back of your business card. Women love coupons and they will hold onto your card longer knowing there is a chance to save a bit of money when using your services. This works great!
• I recommend having your picture on the card. It reminds people of what you look like and they will remember you better.
• If other magicians offer you their cards take them and hold onto them. You never know when you might need to contact someone to help fill in for a booking you can’t make and it is always great to network and make new friends in the industry. Don’t limit taking just cards from other magicians; take cards from places you frequent like restaurants, clubs, and resorts. You can also take cards from other businesses like insurance companies, car dealerships etc. Every business card you get could be a future client!!! $$$$$ If someone offers you his or her card, get it!
• Learn a few tricks that incorporate your business card. This is a neat way of getting your card in their hands and it will make them hold onto it as a souvenir.

The Don’ts (Things you should try and avoid all together!)

• Don’t use your printer to make up your own business cards. The quality just is not the same as having them professionally done. It isn’t that expensive to get them made!
• Don’t use any free business card service like Vista Print. Having an ad on the back of your card looks unprofessional and cheap. Don’t be cheap.
• Don’t use cheap “magic” clipart or standard logos like playing cards, top hats, and rabbits.
• Don’t use your birthday party business card to try and book corporate work and vice versa. Business cards have become very inexpensive to get done. If you are going to work more then one market then you need to invest in getting more then one card printed.
• Don’t clutter your business card up with too much nonsense. As stated earlier, basic info is all you need.
• Don’t copy the designs of others. Try and make your card unique.

I highly recommend www.printsmadeeasy.com . They have good prices and an online design center so you can do all the work yourself. They also have templates you can use and edit to your liking. Remember to stay away from cheap logos and clipart.

Search around the Internet to see what other company’s offer and go with the one you feel will work best.
27 Jul 07 | Articles, Magic business

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