Photo: Dominika Roseclay / Pexels
Everyone uses business cards, which makes them seem essential, despite the fact that we all know blending in with the crowd is not a great marketing tactic. Whether you’re looking for your dream job, planning on attending a networking event, or launching a new business, creating a positive impression is key. Here are six ways to do that without having to fall back on the tired old business card:
1. Useful products
When you hand over a business card, it’s likely to be thrown in with a pile of other similar cards where it will languish and eventually be forgotten. One of the best ways to combat this is to have your logo and contact details printed on something that prospective client or contact will use every day. There are plenty of promotional products available, from travel coffee mugs to bottle openers, bags, keyring flashlights, and more. Choose a product that’s both practical and relevant to your business, and you’ve got a calling card that will never be forgotten.
2. Stamps
This ingenious trick allows you to turn anything on hand into a business card, thus showing off your creativity while saving you money on printing costs. Simply have a stamp made with your logo and contact details, and you’re ready to network anytime, anywhere. You can even get keychain versions that have an ink supply in the screw-on cap.
3. One card to rule them all
This option technically involves having a business card, but you don’t give it out in the traditional way. Instead, you have it printed with a special ink that conducts electricity. Rather than giving the card away, you place it on the recipient’s smartphone, and the ink transmits your contact information like magic. This will make you stand out in people’s minds as someone who’s well ahead of the curve.
4. Tools of the trade
Making your business card a tool of the trade for the field you work in is a fantastic technique, allowing you to demonstrate your practicality and ingenuity along with your contact details. If you’re in IT, you could use a flash drive; if you own a bike shop, then a handy multi-tool would be the way to go; if you’re in the hair or beauty industry, you could have your details printed on pocket combs. Whatever industry you’re in, there’s bound to be a creative tool of the trade you can use.
5. Coins
While cards are easy to tear or lose, coins are sturdy and carry with them an inherent sense of value, even if they aren’t representative of real currency. Having your details printed on a coin (with a headshot to complete the look), makes for a durable calling card that’s sure to be a conversation starter. These are easy to customize and even easier for people to store in their purse, wallet, pocket, or desk drawer. And who wouldn’t remember the person who gave them a coin instead of a boring old business card?
6. Art
There are many ways in which you can turn a bland old business card into a work of art that people want to have displayed on their office desk rather than tucked away in a drawer somewhere. Once again, you need to get creative, come up with an idea that matches your niche, and then work with a designer to make it happen. Some ideas include mini skateboards, lego figurines, puzzles, and even augmented reality cards.
All that’s left to do now is allow your imagination to run wild and find a way to perfectly customize one of these ideas to your industry and area of expertise.
