1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Business Cards for Marketing? Seems a Given but Just Wait!, September 23, 2009
This review is from: Turn Your Business Card Into Business (Paperback)
I admit it. When I opened my first retail store in the 70s, I thought of business cards as too officious for my branding--you know, something that CEOs handed out, though I'm not sure they even called them CEOs back then.
At some point I realized that business cards are essential and even if you're branding isn't . . . mmmm . . . corporate, there are lots of ways you can jazz them up. Later, when I started writing, I became so firmly convinced that business cards are a must, I suggested that authors use them in my book on marekting.
The thing is, it never occurred to me there was so much to say and know about business cards until I read Reno Lovison's book, Turn Your Business Card Into Business.
Lovison knows that business cards are still woefully underutilized in everything from the retail environment to their use by authors and other artists. And that they're often designed poorly for their purpose.
Lovison says, "Think about it. Your business card--if properly designed--is like a small advertisement. You probably see the value of advertising in a newspaper or magazine or on the web where we often speak of "impressions." That is to say how often the printed ad has influenced or made an impression on a potential customer.
A business card is no different. It is an opportunity to make an impression on a customer. If your customer takes the card and looks at it three more times in the course of the week that is three more impressions. Three more times that she is reminded of your business."
Reno's chapter on communications strategy is a perfect tutorial in helping people consider their branding when designing a business card.
Reno also reminds folks:
"A card is a better way to advertise than many others because it will probably be seen more than once and is far less expensive per impression."
"Do not be concerned about the fact that the customer will eventually dispose of the card. Customers eventually throw away their newspapers, magazines , flyers and e-mail too."
"Distribute your cards to friends, family and people you meet. Enlist others to be your sales staff by providing them with additional cards."
Per card (and even better, per impression), business cards are very nearly free advertising. You can learn more about business card marketing in Reno's book at [...]. In fact, you may not think something like business cards deserves the reading of an entire book. But it does. Lovison will tell you how to put your business card to work in dozens of ways other than the old traditional model.
This is the definitive reference on using business cards in your overall marketing campaign.
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The reviewer is the author of The Frugal Book Promoter: How To Do What Your Publisher Won't.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More help than I expected, March 23, 2009
This review is from: Turn Your Business Card Into Business (Paperback)
In this easy to read guide, Reno Lovison not only reminds us of some of the marketing ideas we've forgotten, he adds so many more that I will keep it handy as a quick reference on my desk at all times. But my favorite section of the book wasn't the marketing (because that's what I was expecting). It was the section he calls "Communications Strategy" where he gently guides you through exercises for defining your business and your market. Then he helps you understand design concepts and color considerations that many card designers don't bother explaining to us. This little book delivers above and beyond the call to increase our business. Thank you Reno!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, a Business Book With Information You Can Use Today!, March 12, 2009
This review is from: Turn Your Business Card Into Business (Paperback)
I have spent my whole life in sales and marketing, for a variety of high tech companies, and now own a website that provides in-person reviews and video for a resort area of Wisconsin (Door County), namely, http://www.DoorCountyNavigator.com.
How to Turn Your Business Card Into Business is an easy to read book, full of examples and ideas of how you can better market your company through your business card. With over 25 years in sales and marketing, I found the book to be insightful, and a reminder, even for professionals, that simple actions, that we may often overlook, can make a difference to our business.
I have read the book cover to cover, and it made me just focus on including business cards with every invoice that goes out, including one with every "marketing" letter that goes out to solicit business from a new customer, keeping some in my wallet to hand out to people you meet and so on. I got a call the other day from an existing customer who owns another property now, and said "I got your letter and your card and thought I'd call you about using your services for our second property."
The bottom line is this: business cards are a very inexpensive way to market your company, and this book reminds you of that, and offers many, many ways to get the word out about your business through your business card. As a professional, I would highly recommend this book, and would even suggest, if you manage people, to buy a copy for each of your sales and marketing people, or anyone in your company who has a business card!
This investment will pay for itself quickly, improve your image and demonstrate how accessible you are. Buy it and benefit! I love this book!
Dan
http:www.DoorCountyNavigator.com
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