Customer Reviews

Turn Your Business Card Into Business

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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.

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!

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

This business book of big business card ideas began with the author's first run at entrepreneurship. In the Preface Mr. Reno Lovison described his childhood profit-making Kool-Aid stand. He was merely a post kindergartner, a pre-first grader! I found his account to be not only humorous, endearing but inspiring as well.

His personal sharing was truly a celebration of the capitalistic society that we enjoy in America. Capitalism does work and kudos to Mr. Lovison for taking the time to nail this fact in place from the very start of the book.

Page Three hit me hard, "First of all it is very helpful if you understand how marketing is different than advertising. The main thing to remember is that advertising is a part of marketing." As I continued reading I realized a very important fact that I had never understood. In understanding the interplay, one can effectively incorporate their business card as a mega money saving tool to not only get business but save $$ (advertising is expensive!).

A challenge using an impressive formula was to give out 1,000 business cards per year which broken down amounts to 21 cards per week. The author shared the idea of putting the cards in a business card folder each week and by the following Monday all the cards should be gone. Repeat.

Good ideas came in two's, three's and four's. I loved the fishbowl ideas. How many of us haven't seen that big old fish bowl sitting on the table at boat shows, corporate seminars, home shows, etc.? In Turn Your Business Card into Business the author shared ideas I had never seen before. Great ideas!

You must check out the Wingman Strategy on page 23! Here are five ideas of how to get your business card to travel far and wide with little effort on your part: 1. Include your business card in the envelope with your bills 2. Leave under a tip when you dine 3. Wherever you vacation, leave your card wherever and whenever you can 4. Throw your cards in the air every time you sell a car (if you are a car salesman) - have to read the book 5. Any service occasion such as a wedding photographer - place your business cards on the table and as guests arrive they will not only know who you are, but can pick up your card on the way out.

I enjoyed reading Turn Your Business Card into Business. I gleaned so much from the author's instruction on communication, planting seeds that will grow, image development, increasing word-of-mouth business and so much more. The author's encouraging writing style was inspiring and friendly.

I learned much and will put into practice all the tips, tricks and good practices....starting Monday. There will be no time to waste as I have 21 business cards to hand out. It will be easy though because handing out business cards does not have to be intimidating, aggressive or awkward. It is easy when you realize planting seeds is the key. One day at a time. One business card at a time leads to one new customer. Before you know it, your seeds will bring forth a fruitful business endeavor.

Buy this book today - before buying new business cards!

Visit the author's website [...] to buy this book and for more helpful hints on business card success.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for book review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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I ever bought "It's in the cards", and read carefully, it changed my life. I designed a business card display with rollers[...]I think this book will bring me news ideas. [...]

The "Distribution Strategy" chapter of this book motivated me to seize many more opportunities to hand out my business card and talk about what I do. More importantly, this book helped me to be much more concise and focused regarding my marketing strategy.

This is a very useful book. It's the first book I've come across that really makes a full case for the effectiveness of making and passing out good business cards and how important they are to being more successful and to selling more of your product, if you do that. I found it full of very practical ideas not only for making better use of your business cards, but also with lots of clever ideas about marketing your business and yourself. Lovison's book have given me some good idea's, like using the back of your business card as a coupon for the products I market (dvd's for cats to watch) and to use the back of my business cards to put the schedule of the local little league team, making it something that potential customers will really be appreciative of and hold on to my card longer. And I like that he talks about marketing yourself beyond just the use of business card. Lots of information on how to communicate what it is you do to other's in very concise understandable terms, just like your suppose to be able to do with the words on your business card. And not being in the printing business, I really appreciated the book's chapter on the technical aspect of getting your business card designed and printed and the lingo that designers and printers use. After reading this book, the next thing I plan to do this week is rethink and redo my business card, so it will be more attractive and more effective, now that I have the motivation and confidence to make sure I hand out so many more of my cards then I've ever done before. I would recommend this book for any one who relies on clients or customers in their business, those in the process of looking for a job, people that have a story they want to share with lots of others, people who sell a product, etc. Really just about anybody out there. I market a dvd movie for cats to watch at VideoCatnip.com and will be putting newly designed business cards into the hands of all I meet and a few extra in the package with each dvd I send to a customer, so my satisified customers will hopefully pass them along to other cat loving friends of theirs. Until I read this book, I never quite realized how effective and with such little cost, my business card could be. And after reading this book, never again will I leave home without having a large handful of business cards in my pocket!