a community of practitioners

Business cards

Take one of your business cards out of your wallet, card holder or purse. Look at it. Look again.

What have you got on your business card that makes you feel like it is a great tool to hand someone?

What is the main thing that stands out? Is that the message you want?

I was at an event last week where a hair stylist gave me her card. Three-fourths of the card was a picture of her big orange cat. Now, I have nothing against cats, but.... and the other side had writing on it. It was a grocery list.

Do yourself a favor - Take your cards out and look. I am sure a lot are happy with your cards, but are you using them? Is the box of 879 out of 1,000, still over in that box in the corner? Hopefully, you are running out and have already got the new batch on the way. Now they are getting out there!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joel Kouyoumjian on August 14, 2009 at 5:33pm

A lot of MT's have a habit of listing modalities on their cards. But to many prospective clients, modalities are kind of like that big orange cat on the hair stylist card -- nice to look at, but what's it mean? Often, the lay-person doesn't know Swedish from Deep Tissue (isn't DT just heavier pressure massage?), never mind what myofascial release or neuromuscular therapy is.

I've found the KISS method on biz cards goes a long way toward getting your message across without confounding the viewer. On the other hand, some people do look for certain highlights on cards and in your ads -- perhaps they're looking for a therapist who does hot stone or sports massage. It's easy to overcrowd your card in an honest attempt to get all your information on it. But I recommend you save your real info for a good brochure.

Here are MY main points for business cards. Your priorities may be significantly different:
Your and/or your business name
Type of business you're in (not everyone knows what the LMT after your name means)
Location and telephone number
Two or three specialties (ie, relaxation & medical massage)

Mike definitely makes a great point in suggesting you take a look at your own card. I would go a step further and ask you to evaluate whether your card introduces you or if it sells you and your service -- and which do you want. For me and my points above, I choose to use a card to introduce myself only and save the real selling info for the brochure.

Permalink Reply by Judith Smith on October 8, 2009 at 11:35am

Thanks so much! This is a very timely topic for me as the next item on my list is obtaining business cards from a source other than my home printer.

I looked over my card and saw exactly what Joel said, it's got a list of modalities on the back only, but the front is somewhat 'crowded' looking as it showcases my discounts-available-for list as well as my name, company name and contact info. And it's a VERTICAL card, so that's some serious space-squishing.

I am thinking I will apply the KISS method {which actually hangs on my rearview mirror, lol} to my new cards. Would this:

Company Name/On-Site designator
My Name
Contact Info
"ask about my specials and available discounts"

be too much or not enough?

Permalink Reply by Joanne Kolkebeck on October 9, 2009 at 7:45am

What is the KISS method? I'm not familiar with it....thanks!

Permalink Reply by Carol Gott on October 9, 2009 at 9:38pm

Keep It Simple Stupid

Permalink Reply by Pam Ferriter-Aarli on October 29, 2009 at 9:13am

This discussion has helped alot. I've been shopping for business cards for a couple of months, looking for the perfect one. Now that I have my location it's time to order them. This conversation came at the right time. Thanks everybody!

Permalink Reply by Sidney Duncan III on November 4, 2009 at 7:37pm

I have always used my cards for one thing. Telling people what I do for a living. I haven't ordered at least a few thousand business cards then I feel as if I have not done my best to help people find me when they need my services. Word of only works if the person referring me has my information in front of them. I never horde my business card, they were made for me to give out. I think of them as billboards that fit in pockets. If you cant look at my cards and know what I do for a living I have wasted the most valuable resource I have "time".

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on November 4, 2009 at 8:25pm

Good answer, Sidney!

Sidney Duncan III said:

I have always used my cards for one thing. Telling people what I do for a living. I haven't ordered at least a few thousand business cards then I feel as if I have not done my best to help people find me when they need my services. Word of only works if the person referring me has my information in front of them. I never horde my business card, they were made for me to give out. I think of them as billboards that fit in pockets. If you cant look at my cards and know what I do for a living I have wasted the most valuable resource I have "time".

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on November 4, 2009 at 8:57pm

Keep it Simple Sweetie sounds so much better to me.

Carol Gott said:

Keep It Simple Stupid

Permalink Reply by Mae Onosaki on November 10, 2009 at 1:27am

Mike makes a good point about using the back of your card. And no, not for a grocery list.

I use mine for a "frequent buyer" discount (which is a nice way of making the per massage cost lower for your regular clients).

You can also use it as an appointment reminder card, print your referral program, or list the benefits of massage. You can even use that space to list your key modalities.

To leave the back side blank means there's only a 50% chance you will catch a potential client's interest. After all, your business cards aren't always found face side up!

Permalink Reply by Crystal Dawn Suovanen on November 22, 2009 at 2:10am

These are my cards:

All my printable marketing tools (gift certs, postcards, magnets, car door advertising) has the same theme.

I like how it stands out, gives an offer and it's simple.