Can I Have Your Business Card?

Do you have a business card? Do you keep them with you at all times since you never know when or where you’re going to meet someone important such as a potential buyer, seller, joint venture partner or private money lender?

It never ceases to amaze me how many investors I meet at seminars, conventions or local REIA meetings that I ask for a card only to be told that they don’t have one, haven’t had them printed yet, or forgot them at home!

What’s almost as bad, is when investors hand me crummy business cards with perforated edges that they printed at home or the ones they were too cheap to pay for that say “Business cards are FREE at Vista Print” on the back.

Many investors don’t realize how important business cards can be. They think business cards are made for one reason only… to give people the ability to contact you at some later date.

Most investors overlook the importance of having a professional business card that accurately reflects their brand. After all, business cards are often the first item prospects receive from you and are your first opportunity to make a strong first impression on them – positive OR negative.

Your image, reputation and credibility are everything in this business!

With limited exceptions, it’s fairly easy to spot an inexpensively produced card. If you choose to “go cheap” with your business cards, just make sure you don’t “look cheap”. If you look cheap, what message does that send to the people with whom you wish to do business? Are you really doing yourself any favors by missing out on the opportunity to start building a positive, professional image right from the start just to save a few bucks?

Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to first impressions. Please spend a few extra bucks on some nice, professional looking business cards for impressing people of importance.

Yes, you can still buy and use those cheesy, gimmicky business cards with Day-Glo neon colors or the ones that look like folded one hundred dollar bills for creative marketing purposes, but you should have a professional card as well for giving out to all your VIP contacts.

When designing your business card, think about how you use other people’s business cards and the impression their cards makes upon you. Do you get frustrated when you can’t quickly find the information you need? Do cheaply produced cards make you think less of the person or company represented? Does it take you a while to realize whose card it is or what that company does?

If so, don’t make those same mistakes when designing your business card. Make sure your card provides a positive reflection of you, your company and your brand.

Thoughts to Ponder When Considering Your Business Cards:

1. Does your card clearly state what you do or why you should be contacted?
2. Is your card easy to read so people can easily find your contact information such as your phone, fax, email, website, social networking sites, etc?
3. Does your card make you look cheap and unimpressive?
4. Are you embarrassed to give your card to a VIP?
5. Does your card provide a positive reflection of you, your company and your brand?

Challenge: Get your business cards designed and printed and be sure to bring them to our next REIA meeting.