The lowly business card. It’s been around for so many years that it’s practically ignored as a viable marketing method and treated as a mere calling card, or a way to easily provide your contact information. But business cards are so much more! From the design down to the smallest printed words, your business card can be used to market your REI business in tremendous ways. If you use them properly.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your business cards and see these pint-size marketing materials for what they are, the most potentially profitable tool in your REI business building arsenal.
Be sure you have business cards with you at all times. Just as you make sure you have your car keys and wallet with you when you walk out the door, check to be sure you have some business cards as well. When you’re running low, order more. Never allow yourself to run out of business cards.
Use them. While it sounds simplistic, you’d be surprised at the number of professionals who never bother to hand out a business card. If someone asks for your phone number, give them a business card. If someone wants to set an appointment with you, use the back of your business card to jot down the time. Make a point of handing out cards at every reasonable opportunity.
Practice proper business card etiquette at all times. While you want to make the most of your business cards and use them whenever you can, you certainly don’t want to become obnoxious about it. There are times when you should not hand out a business card unless one is given to you first. And if you get someone else’s card, look at it. Don’t just cram it in a pocket without comment. Letting others see you value their card, will help them to value and respect yours as well.
Jot a personal note on the back of any business cards you mail. That way the recipient will know you didn’t just mindlessly add a card to their envelope without thought. Use the back of your card for short thank you notes, “thinking of you,” and other ways to further an actual relationship with those you give your cards to.
A business card is a great way to ask for a referral. Instead of handing out just one card, give out two at a time and let the recipient know you are always looking for referrals. That’s a great way to get your card in the hands of more people, and a quiet, non-aggressive way to market your services using your cards.
Once you’ve begun using your business cards more frequently, you’ll almost definitely begin to notice an upswing in your business. By getting your name in front of more people you’re much more likely to make connections with an increasing number of solid real estate investment opportunities, a greater number of quality tenants and lenders who can help you grow your business. And to think, this can all happen by using this lowly piece of paper called a business card.
