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Small Business Articles - Trade Show Displays

“Be A Name Dropper…”
November 17, 2005 - By Rachele Carl

Are you a “Name Dropper”? Being a name dropper has a negative connotation. But what I’m talking about, is putting your business’ name out in front of potential clients, customers and associates. Otherwise known as promoting and maintaining name recognition.

Are you an active “Name Dropper” for your business? Does your business have name recognition with in your selling territory?

There are many ways to be a “Name Dropper” or to promote your company’s name. Directmail, TV or radio advertising, yellow pages, Money Mailer, newsprint, internet, advertising specialty products or promotional products, otherwise known as trinkets and treasures and, yes, as trinkets and trash.

Not every business or company is the same. What works for your company, may not work for the next. You have to find the way that works best for the products and/or services offered, and yes, for the “B” word: BUDGET. (Yikes!)

You too can be a “Name Dropper”!

Business cards are the most important “Name Dropper” to any business. But not just any business card. Business cards should present the image you desire for your company and for you personally. The following 6 points will help you create the business card that stands out, gets noticed and is kept.

Don’t Overcrowd

Too much information on your business card can send a potential client into “brain overload”. To eliminate this, information can be printed on the back, allowing the front to be pleasant to the eye and the brain. If you don’t have enough information to put on a business card, then consider a logo or some other design to compliment the white space. White space is good, as long as it is not too much.

The Essentials

What should be on a business card?

  • Company name and/or logo
  • Your name
  • Contact information such as,
  • Phone
  • Fax
  • E-mail Address
  • Company Address
  • Web Address
  • A tag line, as long as there is room

What typically is on the back of a business card?

  • List of products and/or services
  • Appointment information
  • Words of encouragement or a scripture (this could be for a church, a psychologist, etc.)
  • Specific store information such as business hours and/or a map
  • List of personnel, with a means of contacting each (this could be used if a company wants to only print one set of cards for several people)

Make it Unique!

The standard business card is 3½’’ x 2’’ and can be horizontal or vertical. Most business card holders accommodate for this standard size. When you are considering ways to make your card unique, keep the standard size in mind. After that, the sky is the limit. Here are a few suggestions for a more unique business card:

  • Thicker Stock
  • Textured Stock
  • Plastic Stock
  • Colored Stock
  • Raised Ink
  • UV Coating (A clear liquid spread over the paper like ink and then cured instantly with ultraviolet light.)
  • Foil Stamped (Method of printing that releases foil from its backing when stamped with the heated die.)
  • Blind Embossed (An image that is pressed into paper so it lies above or below the surface.)
  • Rounded Corners
  • Cutout in the Card (ie: a square hole punched out.)
  • Magnetic
  • Magnetic and shaped (ie: Realtor: house shaped; Sports Apparel Salesman: football shaped; Medical Profession: band aid shaped)

Be Prepared!!

It’s not just for boy scouts! Make sure you carry a supply of cards with you as if they are the most precious item that you possess. If you are asked for a business card and you don’t have one with you, you could be saying bye-bye to a great contact or customer. Always be prepared!

Don’t Keep Them for Yourself!

Business cards are one of the most inexpensive and important “Name Droppers” there are. Don’t hide them under your desk in the box they were delivered in. Set them free! Get them in the hands of everyone and anyone. Hand them out like delicious chocolates!

Put your business cards to work by “Being a Name Dropper… …Your Own! ™”

Rachele Carl is the owner of C4 Creations, which sells products and services that help you keep your name in front of your customers.  You've worked hard to build a good name for your company...  ...don't let them forget it!  C4 Creations can be reached at info@c4creations.com, (586) 949-6029 or via the website at www.c4creations.com.

© 2005 All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be published without advance written approval.


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