I remember Tom Hopkins saying that “when you hit pay dirt . . . you keep digging!”
A few months ago, I stumbled on an idea that turned out to be quite lucrative for my business.
I wanted something that could give prospects and clients a quick “at a glance” overview of all the services I offer.
Why?
Because its way to easy for us to become pigeon holed into being a provider of one service and meanwhile we offer 10! More specifically, I didn’t want my audience buying the other 9 somewhere else!
Why else?
Because I know my audience is too busy to be continually thinking “What else does Paul offer?” and I’m not about to spend all my efforts becoming “That guy” who continually says “But wait . . . there’s more!”
So I enlisted the help of my designers and they came up with this PDF that I now include with every proposal. Feel free to click on the picture below if you want to see it full size.
The results have been mighty cool!
I decided to run with this theme and asked my designers to create a 2 sided business card.
There are lots of personal branding folks out there who tell us we should have a picture of ourselves on the card. I was uncomfortable doing this because I started my career as a pressman and . . . I can tell you first hand that I drew some pretty hideous stuff on the faces of those who dared to include their picture on their printing.
Castain is no pressman’s bitch!
But seriously . . .
The card is a 4 color 2 sided card on a nice glossy heavy stock (like a firm hand shake from a dead tree)
On one side there’s all my contact info. This posed a challenge for me because my official title is “Vice President of Jedi Mastery” which conflicts with my rock star motif, or so I thought, until I saw this . . .
And that was all the freakin evidence I needed! Thank you PhotoShop!
Here’s the front of my card . . .
On the other side, there’s that list of all those services I provide.
I’ve only had the cards 2 months and the payout has been incredible!
Here are a few situations . . .
I’ve had people at networking events say “Oh wow, I didn’t know you also did __________” and our conversation has moved quickly into some needs that they have in those areas.
I’ve sent them in my thank you cards and had people call me with additional business referencing the back of my business card.
And I’m not going to lie. I never get tired of watching executives crack a smile when I meet them and they tell me “That’s a really cool card”
Guilty as charged your Executiveness!
But this all leads to a really important question . . .
There are many who feel that business cards are almost useless these days.
What’s your opinion?
If you’d like for me to send you my card, please email your contact info to
Paul, tremendous card. It looks “cool” but still effective. I think many people lose sight of their message and try to focus too much on the cool factor. Its seems you have found a great balance.
As for your question I believe their is still a place for the business card just not as prominent as it used to be. Some people still use rolodex, don’t use social media etc. and this is the best way for them to retain our contact info.
Other people who I connect with online I feel no need for their business card and/or for them to have mine. That’s my short answer.
Keep on rocking, Jedi style, Paul!
I really appreciate that Adam . . . Thank you!
I agree. In many ways it isn’t as prominent. My feeling is that we need to have a card and since we need to have one, why not have a little fun with it, underscore our brand and have it serve as a mini brochure.
Thanks again Adam!
Nice post and those who think business cards are dead are just using the same cards our grandfathers used. I use a card that looks exactly like a 100$ bill when it is folded, and it has my info on one side and the 100 bill on the other. I get the OMG moments when I give my card out. It creates a stop in time and a look on their face that cant be replicated, pure satisfaction and the creativity comes alive. It fits my space. Do something or say something that has not been done and watch the results. Hope this helps!
That’s a brilliant idea Daniel!
We need to stand out and make people stop and think!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
A big fan of both the motif and the services listing.
Business cards, like almost any marketing material is useful or useless based on its intent, purpose, and EXECUTION. You have achieved yours by creating a fun, interesting talking point with the rock star persona and ensuring your clients / prospects know exactly what you offer.
Color me a supporter of biz cards done right.
Thank you Damian!
Great point about intent, purpose and execution . . . Well said!
Pure awesomeness. You rock!
Thank you Sean . . . I really appreciate it!
Very catchy, Paul!
This is great, Paul. We’re just in the process of re-designing our cards and I love the ideas you’ve given here. Great stuff. Thanks!
I’ve used the two sided card for years. You exchange cards and almost alwys the other person says thank you as the card dives into their pocket never to be seen again before it hits the trash can!
Just as they are about to shove it in their pocket I say, “By the way, my specialties are listed on the back of my card.”
They stop, turn the card over and start to read – They will never forget my card!
When I follow up with a call I suggest I am the guy with my specialties on the back of my card!
Thank you and please be sure to share your new card with me once their done!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and say that.
Much appreciated!
Paul, we have used a similar approach from MOO.com for years. These folks do a great job on two-sided business cards. We sell a software product and have added a number of screen captures to the back of our cards. I can do entire demo from by business card! Also, prospects can take the card and use it to promote the product to others within their organization. Best thing we ever did.
I love this idea Norm!
People are busy and need their info quickly. Sounds like you scored a home run!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!
Thanks for sharing the card idea.
I am currently in a job search and did an idea similar.
Here is my example…
Kudos… Jedi Master
Thanks Greg and best of luck to you in your job search!
Very effective, Paul. I am in commercial printing sales and I too have a 4/4 business card. On the back of the card we print a QR Code with links to our website. Once on the site, one can see all our products & services. This takes what would normally be a static but nice looking card & transforms it into an interactive mobile call to action card. Best regards –
I like it Lance.
A great use of technology!
Thanks!
Paul,
Great idea. I especially like the idea of including a company PDF with a proposal (or in our case a boat Listing Agreement). Thanks for the tip.
Larry
A sincere honor Larry!
Thank YOU for taking the time to stop by!
I have used a “run of the mill” business cards since i was 19. Its time to embrace the bold. Thanks for the ideas and encouragement. Maybe if you get a lot of cool cards sent you way you could post the best ones on the website.
Great idea . . . Will do!
Thank you!
“By the way, my specialties are listed on the back of my card.” Brilliant and I shall swipe this idea from you 🙂
Thanks Jon!
Paul, you rock! Love your energy, message and consistent approach to your mission. Keep on truckin.
What a cool message!
An all caps THANK YOU for that my friend!
Your Business Cards ROCK!!! You are most definitely a SALES ROCK STAR! What a pleasure it is to learn from a Jedi Master!
Very kind of you to say that Mr Zimmerman.
Thank you!
Steve and I are happy this has been working so well for you – and thanks for the plug! – Jessie
Paul nice touch. I have been putting QR type codes on the back of my bc cards, which leads them back to my website/blog. When I hand them a card I make sure I give it to people with the QR code up (they look like deer in headlights), then they can turn over and see my other information.
I’m a huge fan of the business card and the post card for asking/reminding the prospect “Do you need done what I do?”
Me too and quite frankly the price is right too!
Thanks Thomas!
Love your card! We recently updated our cards in a similar way – but more to show other divisions of our company that we can ‘cross-sell.’ I love it – it reminds me to mention them! The only thing I miss is that if I made a cold call I often wrote a personal message on the back of the card and now there is no room to do that – so I have to be creative!
I was thinking the same thing as I moved to a two sided card.
That and the fact that I miss the ability to write my own notes and reminders on them as note cards 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by!
A sincere honor Jessie!
Nice approach Roger. I’m seeing more and more of these QR codes and they definitely serve their purpose.
One of these days I’ll actually get off my butt and put one on my cards.
Thanks Roger!
Paul,
I still save business cards and I know many others who do also. Sure I put them into my digital contact manager, but I still like to look at them from time to time. And, as you have pointed out, they can be a pretty good marketing piece when necessary.
Cheers,
Marc
I use picture cards and as I hand someone the card, face up, they usually comment on the picture. My response is “Yeah, that’s there so you’ll be compelled to turn it over and read the back.”