you remember how proud you were the first time you saw your name in print?


Most entrepreneurs feel that same flush of pride when they gaze on their new business cards. That small piece of paper represents years of planning and effort and hard work and dreams. The thrill of seeing "your name in print" on a business card is hard to beat.


Unfortunately Ilkay Gundogan Jersey UK , other people couldn't care less. Your business card, the one you're so proud of, is just another advertisement ? another piece of clutter to file. It's no more or less important than any of the many business cards that cross a prospect's desk at any given point in time.


So how do you make sure that your card is one of the few that attracts attention Gabriel Jesus Jersey UK , gets kept, filed, and actually used when your prospect needs your product or service?


It pays to think about the reasons people keep cards to begin with. Often Fernandinho Jersey UK , it's not for the reason you expect. Understanding this critical concept can dramatically affect the design and ultimate effectiveness of your card.


Let's say that you install and maintain swimming pools. You meet Nancy Newcomer and have a great conversation about landscaping around in-ground pools. You're eager to conclude the conversation by giving her your business card because she certainly displays a lot of interest in your service. She's a "hot prospect" for sure!


Not necessarily.


Nancy could just as easily be asking because her neighbor has a pool, or because her mom had a bad experience when they installed their pool, or because she's always liked to swim and loves plants too Fabian Delph Jersey UK , or because she collects business cards and doesn't have one with a pool on it, or because she's new in town and you're the only friendly person she met today.


In fact, according to Dr. Lynella Grant Eliaquim Mangala Jersey UK , author of "The Business Card Book", there are eight reasons that someone may decide to keep your business card.


1. As a link to a potential customer or client


Let's say you're in network marketing, and John Johnson mentions that his wife used to be in MLM Ederson Moraes Jersey UK , too. She liked the business model but just wasn't happy with the company. Odds are you'll keep John's card because it's a means of contacting John's wife about your own business opportunity.


2. As a link to a resource or a supplier


If you're in the construction business and meet someone who sells hard-to-find lighting and fixtures, you'll probably keep their business card.


3. As a link to a colleague


Many business people keep business cards of colleagues and competitors. Perhaps you refer business to each other during busy periods, or work together as members of an industry association.


4. For social David Silva Jersey UK , non-business reasons


Maybe you couldn't care less that Kelly sells car insurance. She's awfully cute, though...


5. For referring business - it may be passed on to someone else


If your neighbor has had a hard time finding someone who washes windows, and you meet someone who's just started a residential window washing service Danilo Jersey UK , you'll probably accept their business card and pass it on to your neighbor.