Who says you cannot market your products and yourself through business card printing. The truth of the matter actually is that you can do this quite well.
In fact, everybody can invest in a little business card printing of their own to further their marketing goals. You do not believe me? Well let us see how they really work for marketing. Let me tell you a few facts.
Three main elements can make such tools work for marketing. There is the "word of mouth element", the "impression" element and the "authority" element. Each element plays its part to get you some marketing advantage.
• The word of mouth element – You probably have heard of the phrase, but just in case, "word of mouth" refers to the spread of information through people and social networks (the real kind not the virtual kind) by means of talking or by reputation. Business cards give this marketing advantage. By spreading them to a few select people that have many connections and friends, you can spread information about yourself and your business through them via word of mouth.
If you become a good partner with those key people, the information will spread that you are a great person to do business with. In time, through simple talking and recommendations, you should get the word out through the social network that you are the person to be contacted to do business in your industry. It can be a subtle and long effect but it works.
• The impression element – Now on a more basic level, the power of cards in marketing is based on people's impressions when they see your card. This impression element acts on the memory of people. If you live a good and lasting impression through your cards, chances are good that people will remember you when the correct opportunity presents itself.
By achieving a good impression with a lot of people using your personal or professional cards, you can basically market your image and reputation through them. In time, you will reap the benefits of more business opportunities just because of your impressive business card.
• The authority element – The final element is the authority element. These marketing tools give you that aura of authority in your field. By displaying your name and your prominent position, you basically introduce yourself as a professional or an expert in your industry. If you create a color business card that is impressive enough, people will respect you as an authority and will always go to you when they need some of your expertise. Another subtle element gives you extra chances of business deals because of your marketing cards.
• How to market through business cards – So the question is this. Well, there are just three simple steps to that.
1. Design – First, you will need a design that is uniquely yours. It is important that you create an original design so that people will remember you distinctly from others. As a marketing card however, it is important to add extra information such as details about your products, services and special deals.
2. Print – Second, you will need to print it quite well. Since it is best to print high quality marketing cards, you will need to hire a professional printer. Look for some online business card printing services online if you can to mass-produce. It is best to have them made with that professional tough.
3. Distribute – Finally, you should do full-scale distribution every day. Anyone who does not have a card yet must have one. Whether it is a chance meeting with a stranger or a formal meeting with clients and potential investors, it never hurts to hand out your card.
Great! That should give you a head start. As you can see, it is quite possible and it can give you real advantages. So try using them now!
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
About the Author: http://www.upublish.info/profile/Kaye-Z--Marks/17321
Business card printing: http://www.printplace.com/printing/business-card-printing.aspx
By: Lydia Ramsey
Do you sometimes wonder where your customers have gone? In a study by the International Customer Research Institute, individuals gave the following reasons for becoming "non-repeat" customers:
1 percent died (makes you wonder how they responded)
3 percent moved
5 percent said friendships
9 percent said competition
14 percent were dissatisfied with the product
68 percent cited an attitude of indifference by employees
How many times do you think that employee attitude is communicated by phone? Very often the telephone is the first and only contact that people have with your organization. Make sure that this experience is the best you and your employees have to offer so that first-time callers become repeat customers.
Smile when you answer the phone. Even if your hair is on fire or the last caller chewed you out, pause for a moment to put a smile on your face and in your voice. Believe it or not, people can hear you smiling through the phone.
Answer the phone on the first ring, certainly no later than the third ring. If people have to wait through rings four and five, they begin to think that you have closed for the day, gone out of business or just don't care. We live in a world that expects instant gratification. Be sure you meet your customers' expectations.
Ask permission before you put someone on hold. You may have multiple lines ringing and a line of people standing at your desk, but wait to hear the caller's response. It is that person's choice to hold or not. Try not to turn this move into a power play. When you come back on the line, thank the person for holding. If you have to ask the caller to continue to hold, offer to take a number and return the call.
Transferring calls should be done with care. Before you connect the caller to someone else's extension, make sure that person is in and able to help. There is nothing more frustrating than being transferred over and over again and having to retell the same story to a multitude of different people before finding the right one.
Before you send the call to co-worker, give the caller that person's name and number in case there is a disconnect. Better yet, tell the caller who you are and how to reach you if there is a problem. You will have an extremely satisfied customer.
Always make an offer of help. It may not be your department, your issue or your job, but if it is the customer's problem, you need to show concern. Never tell the caller " 'I don't know'" or "I can't help you." The best response to a problem is a genuine "Let me see what I can do or who I can find to help you."
You will win customers and influence people every time when you use good phone skills.
Author Bio
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site Manners That Sell.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
