FHA Mortgage Expert - Tri-State Area - New Jersey/PA/Delaware

All very good points Angela.  Such a simple, yet oft times overlooked way of promoting what you do for a living.  And you never know when that little card will garner you a bit more business.

Jason.....  thanks.... but this is Jeff Belonger.  LOL   I used Angela's card as an example....

But thanks for the comments.   

Good post - I carry my cards in a case but you gave me a great idea of something to get my son for Christmas - Thanks

Very true, I never go anywhere without my cards.  Sometimes it is hard to determine a polite way of passing it off.  I also carry cards of people I know and try to give them referrals and they return the favor.  For instance if I am talking to a someone and they mention they need to remodel their kitchen I will pull out a card for my remodeling guy.  When he hears someone mention they are about to sell their house, he hands them my Home Staging card.  Business cards are probably the best marketing and money well spent.

 Dawn

Home Squad

Great post! 

I just ordered my new business cards and I did the norm - contact 411, pic and logo.  To be slightly different I put a lightened picture of red rock in the background.  Everyone uses the strip and for the most part locals despise the strip..LOL! 

On the back I put my personal logo with a mini resume and a teaser to go to my website to sign up for my newsletter.    I got glossy with the edges rounded. 

While not 100% unique, it is still quite different. 

I am just making this comment so the next person isn't cheated underneath me!

Renee,,,,,  what did you do here?   LOL

 

That's why I did this also... lol  Great minds think a like. 

 

MaryAnn.....  thanks for the compliment and I am glad that I could help out with a Christmas gift.....

Dawn......  I was part of a networking group that we passed cards out to each other... and then would pass them out to potential clients. And let that person from the group, know that they might get a call. Great concept and thanks for sharing.

Renee....  thanks for the compliment. And I like the card... it is unique and should do well for you out in your area. Again... different images for different industries and for locations or regions/areas also.

My Brother spent 12 years in Japan. He told me about the etiquette of giving out your card. He had stated you would offend the other party if you presented your card to quickly and in the wrong manner. As an example he stated that you would never hand it out on a first meeting. They want to get to know you first. Also if you handed it our upside down, tattered or not in pristine condition. This could have a negative impact.

What come to mind is to earn the right to present your card not just shove it down someones throat with little or no value. And definatley present it so the other party see's your information as the card is handed to them.

Great Article.......

Doug.... thanks for that awesome input. And thanks the compliment.grapefruit

Angela.... thanks... you should do a spin off blog of this and include all of what you wrote about.

PS....who is that girl? 

Great Post Jeff! It's so easy to get caught up in other marketing efforts, yet most of my business has come from a business card. I need to go back to the KISS formula..Keep it simple stupid!

Scott

Hi Jeff,

Great reminder! I always carry mine with me and keep them in a case as well.  Can't tell you how many times I've been given a tattered bent card..yuck

Scott....  thanks for that compliment. And you are absolutely correct, that it is easy to get away from something so simple. Angela Phillips, in her comment above, brings out some great tips. 

And yes, getting back to the basics... KISS...

Monika.....  thanks and thanks for stopping by.   I will be honest, I have given a few bent before..... 

Tell the truth... doesn't a home-printed business card on wimpy paper exude about as much confidence as a Realtor® driving a front-end damaged '86 Mazda with bald tires?  Hey, people want to work with people that are [and at least accasionally try to look] successful!  You design a great one and I'll help you print copies that make you look good.  It's still up to you to get them in front of the eyes that need to see them.  Great points, Jeff!  We almost apologize for passing cards along when other cultures treat them as what they are:  calling cards for reference to make a connection!

Great post, Jeff and thanks for using my card.  Because we are in technology, we tend to go for the wacky, tongue in cheek branding- our other company actually has cards that are half clear plastic.  My biggest pet peeve are those cheap home printer cards- they make me feel uneasy about the quality of the company if they'll skimp on business cards.  I almost always throw those out. 

Hey Jeff,

I just ordered new cards yesterday and for the first time ever I have my picture on them. I keep cards on me at all times. In my wallet, in my car and in my breifcase. I sold insurance years ago and was taught as an agent without a contract and a biz card is unemployed. Never leave home without them.

The more you include,

the more they can find,

it's an important part of you

you can leave behind

The basiscs always work. Good post.

Merry Christmas everyone

I laminate my cards and use them for luggage tags.

www.homerome.com

Baltimore,Md

Jeff  B,

Great post and a good reminder/refresher for all. I believe we all can get a little lax from time to time on how we conduct business and forget about all the "small things" that are an integral part of our day to day business, image and self-promotion. Not to mention cent for cent, dollar for dollar it is still the least expensive form of advertising......geesh.....take advantage of that!

Margaret! I do the same thing. I laminated a bunch when I went to Business Connections for the Home Builders association. People were fishing them back out of fish bowls or asking me for one. Hint - after laminating I put a ribbon in the corner like a book mark. There is something about laminating them that won't let people throw them out.

Hi Jeff, like the hat, here is a tip I learned, if you use the back of your card to write a note or number on, fold the card in half before you put it back in your pocket. That way when you reach into your pocket to hand it out, you will notice the crease and give a new card instead. Merry Christmas.

Great post, Jeff. I think we all get caught up in throwing our biz cards around wherever and to whoever we can, without much thought as to the process. I try to get my card out as often as I can in promotional literature I mail or have available at Open Houses.

I really enjoyed reading this post. I have read alot about business card promotion and in agreement with all points mentioned.  Some of the guerrila tactics that Angela listed, I tried and and discarded for personal reasons but they are all viable.

 

Thanks for the mention Jeff...

I posted about my business cards sometime ago, just not so eloquently..

 

Moo

 

I would never think of making cards without a picture on them.  You meet someone and give them your card.  Two months later they can't put a name with a face.  I also give my cards in magnet form.  i find they tend to hang around longer.  Several of my referral clients have several and give them to their friends.  I then restock them.

 

 

These are great tips.  I am in the process of revamping my business card and now before I go to print, I have some work to do!  Thank you.

"Key point: Giving your business card.  If you want to pass out your card, and the person that you are speaking to has not asked for it, ask them for their card first. If they still haven't asked for it then, this might mean that they don't want it and there is a good possibility that they will throw it away, says Mercedes in her article. "

 =================================================

I ask for their card last if not offered.  I run into people that sometimes do not have cards on them (like in a conference room)........is this (my experience)..because I'm in Title as opposed to some of your type of interfaces?

what is your personal take on 'cards'?

 

I collect business cards. I have over 5000 of them.

I wonder if the v-card will eventually relpace business cards, though. 

This is a great post Jeff.  And I also want to add that in Japan, the quality of your business card is extremely important - as Mary pointed out, cheap cards say a lot about the person or company.

Here's our latest version.  Rick and I have 2 sets of cards, one with photos (the one posted) and the other extremely simple (with no photo) for our Luxury and Commercial customers (2 worlds with totally different target markets).

We have a two-sided card and the front is the same for both of us - the back has either my contact information or his.   I love Mary's idea of a clear card - nothing like handing out something that is classy but at the same time very different.

I thought of putting my business card on the Free Magazine Homes for Sale..but I wasn't sure if the advertisers in that magazine would complain because if found out...I just used that magazine for free advertising...What are your thoughts on that?

Phyllis Pafumi - ReStyled to Sell Home STaging

I carry four different Harper Team business cards with me. The image and text on the front remains the same except the background color changes the same as our website when you change categories, The info on the back of the card is different. I can easily grab the right card for the person I am talking to.

I try not to be caught without my business cards, but sometimes find it difficult!  As a women many of my pants are pocket free and carrying a purse in a crowd isn't good either. 

Chris H...... I agree about the car thing. I can remember my first year in the business, after having a veru good year. I went out an bought a new Nissan 240sx ..or was it a 280?  lol  Anyhow, new sports car off the lot... and my next client that I went to their house, commented on it, because you could tell it was new. They joked, because we became friends... but said... so, that's what are rate pays for?   lol

Mary...... thanks for the compliment. And I like your card and agree, the clear card would be good also, but depending on your type of business.

Bryant..... what picture did you put on your card? Would love for you to come back to this and share that card.

John....... thanks for the comment and compliment.

Margaret.....  great idea and it works. My previous company, when we worked one of the booths for the real estate convention once a year in Atlantic City, we had a laminating machine. And laminated our card to the back of their card for their luggage. It was a hit.... and it was great advertising for us.  Thanks for the reminder. I am going to buy a laminating machine now.

Ron..... thanks for the compliment and the comments. You are absolutely right....  that we forget about this small marketing aspect and the cheap cost. I am going to use this as part of my marketing and business plan for 2007. Thanks!!!

Dena.....  I like the ribbon idea. Very creative and thanks. And in my comment to Margaret, I talked about what we did when I laminated cards for the realtors.  thanks

Michael..... great tip. I put so many business cards in my pocket and sometimes keep the same ones with me for a week, that I have collected from others.... that I put numbers and notes on the back of them, that this is a great idea. Because I sometimes have to double check my card before handing it out, because I use my cards at times to write notes.  Thanks again for the idea.

Jeff...... Thanks for the compliment.  And yes, even though they say don't throw your cards around, I have previously, depending on the type of function and such. But yes, some great tips here.

Peter...... thanks for the compliment and the comment in regards to what Angela wrote. Sure, some are different tactics... but some really good ones also. Again, different tactics for different businesses.

Jeff, some good, insightful points. We've had some very lively and passionate discussions in my last two blogs and the one that Russ did as well. I think the jury is still out though. It really all boils down to personal preference and how you want to communicate/market yourself, your message, and your services. What works for one person in a certain market won't necessarily work for someone else. I've been to Japan on business before. It's a fascinating culture! And business cards are HUGE! I had mine printed in Japanese. Like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angus... my pleasure... I think you have a great marketing tool at your disposal. And I am jealous....  and it looks good....  not tacky at all....  Moo terrific!!!

Randy....  I never had my picture on my cards.... but I am doing new cards now...  before, I just had so much info on the card. I like your card, especially since you are in Hawaii...the shirt goes well.

Debi...... glad that this post could help out. I love the sharing of these and other tips on Active Rain...

Rob..... because of your business, I guess I would hand out cards last, if I was a title clerk or rep. at a closing. How does your card look?

Brian...... I have a couple hundred of cards also.... but I really don't think the "V" card will EVER replace business cards. Never....  it's personal, great advertising...sometimes a great way to start a topic of discussion. And... I would have to copy your e-mail down to send you my "V" card. right?  So, my e-mail address is on my business card.  :o)

I have my photo on both my business cards (and with one of them, just about everywhere else).  The standard head and shoulders photo I still have  lots of cards left, and I've never had any comments about them.  The one with me and the horse, I've gotten lots of comments, mostly from people who say they decided to contact me over other agents in the first place because of that photo.  I'm about to have to have those reprinted (going to tweak them a bit). 

When I'm at a restaurant, I'll leave a business card with the tip.  I also try to have some of the gold-colored dollar coins to leave as the tip - a little pile of those on top of the business card makes a visual impression that sticks.  If not, tucked into the pocket with the signed charge receipt.

My husband is a printer, so I can play with cards and ideas more than most.  One thing we're about to do (an idea of some of his employees) is get my card printed on label stock.  I leave magazines (homeowner or horse-related) with my business card attached at the hairdressers, at the doctor's office, where I get my oil changed - any place that there are people having to sit and wait in need of reading material.  With the label stock, it'll be a lot easier to just stick those on, rather than having to staple a business card to them, and it'll be less in the way. 

 

Ines....  First, thanks for the polite compliment..  2nd.... I really like your cards. Different style and I love your logo. Yet basic, it stands out. On the back of my card, I have this: The referral of my service to your friends and family is the highest compliment I can recieve.

Overall, I am glad that I did this post and after the research that I did, I learned a lot..... and leanred a lot form these great comments. Something that I am going to use against my competition.

Phyllis..... my personal opinion is that they wouldn't be to happy about it.

The Harper Team.... curious to as what colors that your business cards are in and what the 4 different categories that you use them for.

Chris T....... I have the same troubles when I don't carry my purse around either....  LOL  I need to get a business card holder because I stopped carrying a wallet around. I have a money clip that I carry my id's around, a few credit cards, and my business cards. Oh yea, and my money....  lol Hence the reason why they are bent sometimes.  not good....

Rich..... Thanks for the compliments & the comments. I have never been to Japan before...  one of the places on my tour map to go see in the next 5 years.

I also like the color scheme on your card. I like that orange and brown on the off white backrgound. I can't think of the word to express that color....  help me...  ;o)

Tricia....... I have seen your card before, with you & Mr. Ed, I mean the horse. AT first, when I first talked to you and saw this, I was like....  hhhmmm...  does even sell residential homes. But after you explained to me that you not ony specialized in farms, large land with property...etc etc, but that you also did investment properties and residential homes....  it does make sense for your area. And you actually look down to earth in them.

Plus..... it must be nice that your husband is a printer, so you can get a lot of advice and different ideas and looks. 

I can't get my card to upload here, but I have enjoyed seeing all of your cards; you are a group of creative people!

Carole.... e-mail it to me.... I'll try for you.

I believe a business card is an extension of a business. A well-designed, eye catching business can wow the person receiving it. It definitely beats the other person with just a plain card.

Loreena... yes, very true.... but it also depends on what type of business that you are in. There can sometimes be that grey area....   ie...  I work in the dance industry....  a card with neon letters might be okay. But for a financial planner.....I don't think so. Overall, thanks for the input.

Unless, perhaps, you're a financial planner whose target market is the entertainment industry or something similar.  Your target market needs to be considered as well as what you do. 

 

Tricia....  true...good point. In this case, if they had a husband or a wife as you do, who owns a printing company.....  ;o)  Who could have 2 to 3 sets of different cards made up..... 

or as the Harper team.... they have 4 different types of cards... that are even 4 different colors...

I know you have a few different ones also.... because you do a lot of farms and hourses and such...

Tricia- I do the business card labes on magazines.  It looks so good and they never get torn off or get ratty looking.

Tricia...  I wanted to point out your tip of leaving your business cards when at a restaurant, leaving a tip. Interesting.

I would love to take a poll of people that read this.... and if you were waiter or waitress, what would you think?

Jeff, I can't claim credit for the idea.  It was taught to me by my sales manager who got it from a top producer, IIRC at a national conference. 

I ran it by my son and daughter who had both been waiters before doing it, though. ;-)

 

Tricia... credit or not, I think it's a good idea. I was in the food service industry for close to 10 years.... not sure how I would have handled it, but I was still 23 or so when I got of it. I just wrote a blog on first time homebuyers and how young they are. This idea could actually work at times. Here is that post that I wrote:

Buying your first home can be intense.......

Overall.... I like the idea.....  and you said you have two kids that waited before. How would they react if someone dropped a card with their tip. I would love to hear from more people that worked in the food service industry and what they would think. 

My son says, no telling how many waitrons have the funds to buy a house, but the info is always useful and it can't hurt.  My daughter thinks it's fine.  When she was waitressing, and her SO needed to have some work done on the house, and they needed to have some work done on the cars (hail storm), she gathered up business cards from the "regulars".  So it might work better at places that you're a regular, but since even though I like to try new places to eat, I do have several where I go frequently where it would be even more effective as a reinforcement of seeing my face often - it puts the "what" with the "who". 

 

Tricia.... I use to have some regular places that I went.... but it just got old after a while... a while being 2 years.... lol

But I do agree.... about doing this were you frequent often. Like I said... I like the idea and thanks for sharing. 

I do leave my card with my tip in a restaurant. Usually I'll write something like "Thank you for the great service" or "Thank you for taking such good care of us" on the back. 

Debi.... thanks for sharing. I am going to start doing this. Just another way of networking and advertising.... thanks

Jeff,

OK, most comments have been done already, so this may be a rehash. 

Your business card is a traveling billboard, so treat it as such.  One of the benefits is that it has two sides, so use both and stop wasting space. 

I always have several with me (except times when I ran out while on the road.)  I don't keep my picture on mine (I don't want to scare people...lol) and keep it reasonably basic.  Here is mine...

Unfortunately, The graphics didn't convert well, but you get the idea.  I am going to make changes when I get new ones ordered, but I will continue to use both sides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Robert....  I like the front a lot and I love the back.... and I agree about not wasting the back of the card....  I have a saying on the back of mine...  and did you see Ines's card?  Up above.... they have a front and back that is good also.

thanks for sharing.... 

Jeff,

No problem.  There are some good cards here, and thanks for the compliment on mine.  I appreciate it.

Robert.... what is your take on the comment by Tricia... and leaving her cards when she tips someone???   I would love more opinions on this. I think it could work in some cases. Besides....business cards are cheap. I love learning new tips and ideas from people in here...

Jeff,

I think it is a good thing for some people.  I would recommend that you at least have a reasonably good rapport with them and leave a reasonable tip, otherwise it could easily backfire.

I also post cards in my local grocery stores on their boards.  I don't do it very often, but once in a while, I throw a few up there next to the real estate listings.  I also stick them in my mailings to those I still mail my payments to.

 

Robert.... sure, anything could backfire. It's called risk... but you can usually feel anyone out, while talking to them, even if a waitress or waiter....etc etc...  if you get along, they are nice, and pleasant... go for it.

 

Yes, I am starting to leave them all over.....   again, you just never know.  thanks for sharing. 

My current card is photoless...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caron.....  I like it.....   it's clean, different, with a slight flair to it.....  and not to busy. Just my opinion.....  thanks for sharing.

"I would recommend that you at least have a reasonably good rapport with them and leave a reasonable tip, otherwise it could easily backfire."

There is that.  However, given that I'm the mother of two people who at one time supported themselves waiting tables, I have a tendency to overtip, if anything. ;-) 

And if I were so unimpressed with a waiter that I was inclined to leave a less than adequate tip, my impression would likely be that I didn't want to work with them, anyway.

My business card is on bulletin boards all over the place.  Oil change place, feed store, gas station - I've always been a bulletin board freak (I'm one of those people who actually reads them), so I know where a lot of them are.

Again, it does have to be a business card that's not the same old same old or it turns into wallpaper in those situations. 

 

Caron - I like your card a lot - it separates (visually) all the important information we need to include without crowding it. 

Tricia.... some more great points....   especially the last one, in regards to the bulletin boards and that your card should be different.....

I also agree with the rapport thing and if they weren't that good... a lesser tip. If and when I come across someone that is average or not that good... I still give them at least 15%.....  but luckily, that has been rare. I do hate telling bartenders on how to give change. When they give me big bills back... I tell them, "I guess you didn't want a tip?"  in a question... when they stare at me and say..."what do you mean sir"  I give them my advice, but only once... ALways give the consumer back at least a ONE dollar bill....  so if you have to give back 5 of them instead of a 5 dollar bill, then do it.

Anyhoo...getting off track. I like this... thanks Tricia... and as I said before...I was in the food service industry for a good 9 years...  busboy, waiter, and bartender... 

Ines... you snuck in there.....  I agree.....  I am still trying to design mine while adding a picture. Scary, huh?  lol   I might just keep it like Angela's style.... Ines...any comments and or thoughts?  

Jeff - you need to know the reason for having the picture and what message you want to convey to your customers.  In the case of Rick and myself, we want to convey a loving couple very much in love, does it work?  you be the judge.  I'm steering towards photoless cards because they are more professional. In the case of mortgage brokers, I have never seen the purpose of having a photo on the card.  You guys mostly work from an office and people will see you at the setting you design for them (under the right light and atmosphere of your own office).  It is very personal, but I would keep the photo out ( I love what you include in the back though....don't stop that).

We (husband and I) worked at a restaurant for 2.5 months in 2005. He's always dreamed of having a restaurant business and I suggested that we should worked in one and see if we really liked it. After that experience, he decided NOT to pursue this dream (yippee for me!!!). I learnt alot while serving as a waitress. And definitely exceptional service brought alot of good tips!!! Some as much as 50% and one person 110%. Coming from the waitressing side, definitely leaving a memorable tip is good and like Debi, leaving a great Thank You note will be great.

I have a blank back card (for purposes such as this) and one with my mission statement at the back.

It also depends your objective of leaving your card behind with the Thank You note. If it's to thank the person for great service and to lift up the long & tiring day of your server, then leaving such card for any appropriate age group will be appropriate.

Ines and Genius...  or should I say... "Super Genius".  thanks.....  so, what you are trying to say is to keep my ugly mug off the card...  lol

Seriously though...that is one reason why I never had my pic on the card. I found it had no true purpose. Sure, I am out and about, meeting with realtors, clients, and other contacts... but if they want to see my picture, they can go to my web.... right?  

Thanks for the input.... helped me make my decision....  and I like the back also... thanks.... 

PS... Ines... if you can guess where Super Genius comes from, I'll give you a gold star.... 

Very helpful review--I always have my business card with me--never know when you're going to find a good purpose for it. 

Diane.... thanks for stopping by and you are exactly correct in saying this.  thanks

here's my guess - The Road Runner - DO I WIN??

Wyle Cyote --  and your prize.....  you have the pleasure of getting to know me.  LOL   

Ines....did you google that?   I use to love that show when growing up and my nephew who is 7 was saying this all weekend... He would say,,,  "Wyle Coyte, Super Genius"    lol     I thought it was cute. Anyhow, Great guess.... 

BUT OF COURSE I GOOGLED THAT!! Athough I used to be a huge Road Runner and ACME fan - it was in Spanish...super genius would not be the same.

You owe me a prize - the "pleasure of getting to know you" is not going to cut it!

;o(      Okay, what would you like dear?   How about your next client gets a free appraisal from me when I do their mortgage?  And it won't be included in the price of the loan.....

 

Or......     hhhhmmmm          ??? 

the "Hhhhhhmmmmm" is making me nervous so HOW ABOUT A GOLD STAR and we'll call it a day!

LOL...  wow.... that was easy.  There was nothing negative with the hhhhhhmmmm...   but I am game with the gold star.

   Here ya go....

 

 

you gotta post it on my blog not yours silly!

LOL.... which blog do you want me to post it on?  And you can leave a link here, I don't mind. Use me....  ;o)   And I love being silly....

PS...Ines...since you don't want this star, can I have it?   But seriously.... tell me which blog, I'll jump on in.....and give you your Gold Star... 

You are so funny Jeff - I was just kidding - although I just posted a consumer blog called:  Winter Boating in Miami

Thanks for letting me USE you....and thanks for the gold star. (was is made by ACME?)

rut row....  I was used?   I'll check out your Miami blog.... and I will keep you posted when I come and visit...

The gold star?  I made that, what are you talking about Willis..... 

Come on Jeff - all of Wyle E. Coyote's stuff was from ACME - don't you remember?

yes, it was.... I just had to throw a Scoobey Do in there....  actually, the dog from the Jetsons, Astro.....  lol

After many years I still use the "7 seconds presentation".  At the store, gas station, or whenever I meet someone I take the opportunity to do it.  I use to pass 10 cards a day, now I have only get to 5, but I consistently do it, day after day.  Here is how it goes:

After breaking the ice with a smile or a friendly comment, I start:

"Could you do me a favor? (I never got a NO for an answer).  Here is my business card.  I'm a Realtor in this area.  Could you pass this card along to a friend or acquaintance that may have interest in buy or sell a home?  Are you planning on buying or selling yourself?   Ok, thank you then, and have a great [day, afternoon, evening, weekend, whatever].

I get a bunch of "off the wall" calls from people I don't even remember I've met before.

Nilton.....  that's interesting.  It basically comes down to how we all market each ourselves.  Thanks for sharing.

I left my pic off my card, but have been recently convinced to put it back. It was explained to me that many people have trouble remembering names and faces after just one meeting - especially if the meeting was weeks ago or longer. I am going to have a re-design of my cards and I thank all of you for sharing - what a bunch of great, creative ideas.  One tip I discovered.  Even though I keep my cards in a metal case, I like to have 'extras' with which to refill the case.  Unfortunately those 'exta' cards got dirty, bent or whatever in my briefcase.  So I wrapped then in a piece of small notepad paper and rubber banded that 'package'.  Now if I need refills away from the office they're crisp and clean.  And they don;'t take up a lot of room, either.

Robert.... thanks for stopping by and for your input. I will say this, if I do put my pic, I lose a lot of space and mine might look cluttered...  now I am back up in the air on it....  ;o(  But for now, I am getting new basic cards. I will share later... And yes, there was some great stuff and advice and tips shared here.  thanks again.

Yes, Business Cards are  a very important part of the Real Estate Business.

George Jordan, Owner/Broker

Red Soil Real Estate

www.buysellpei.com

902-962-2050

PEI, Canada

George.... thanks for that great comment. It is funny on how so many of us over-look this though. It even made me more aware this as I researched it and wrote about it.  thanks again....

And George....  check out the new post that I wrote yesterday....  it can tie into this and business cards...

Marketing YOURSELF or your COMPANY...... Part 1 of 2

A very awesome posting.  Everything you do reflects on how you conduct business.  Like in your suggestion, being pushy on giving your card out is not a good idea, it might make the client think that you'll try to push a loan that they may not want on them.  On the flip side, if you present your card when welcomed, your odds on getting a call back from that person will increase.

One thing I like to do is when ever I'm out, I'll try to make a reason to pass out my card.  For instance, I just got my oil changed and when the mechanic was finished, I thanked him for his great service and told him "If you ever need the same type of courtesy and great service you gave me in the area of real estate finance, then please call me."  Now I may never get a call, but everyone knows that in this business, it's a numbers game.  But the point is, he welcomed my offer and thanked me.

Thanks again Jeff for the great info, and to live by your suggestion.  Here's my card. :-)

Phillip.... thanks for the comments and the compliment. Even though it was mentioned in the comments to pass your cards out when out and about...  ie: restaurant (to a waiter/waitress), to a mechanic...etc etc. I liked what you had to say on top of it. Throwing in the phrase that you appreciated their professionalism, the service, etc etc...and if you ever want the same, look me up. I liked that. Thanks for sharing a different view.

New cards on order, from a local printer. 

For one thing, I want a LOCAL service provider who will tell her friends what a great guy I am.  That's Part of the value I get for the price I pay, as far as I am concerned.  ("You only need one deal to pay for the order...")

I want to avoid the torn, rumpled card, so we are going with a 15 point paper, which should be in approximately the 130# range.  I want a card with "muscle."  If it gets rumpled, it will not be a random or unconscious act.   I accept the thought that a wimpy card is less powerful.

And I have no interest in the free on-line print houses.  When you turn my card over, you will receive a little more sales pitch for....ME!  You won't see "Provided for free by....."  I think that undermines your professional demeanor significantly.  I touched on this topic in "10 indicators your real estate agent may be a part-timer."

 

Mike.... thanks for stopping by and for your feedback. After reading what you wrote, it makes me look into my next order with details...  thanks.

These are some awesome ideas....thanks for posting this, Jeff!  Thanks also for directing me to this blog...I don't know how I missed it!

Judy.... my pleasure and thanks for the compliment and your input.

How about my card, how does it compare? Visit my blog on the cheesiest Realtor slogans

 

Frank Borges LL0SA- Virginia Broker/ Owner FranklyRealty.com

Blog.FranklyRealty.com Featured in BusinessWeek, CNBC, WSJ etc.

                      

 

Frank.... very different, I will say that. It is unique....  it is catchy. Question and I am no expert when it comes to marketing and advertising. I do know that realtors can get away with these methods and I am not saying that this is a bad thing.

But getting back to my question...  do you have two sets of cards?  sets... lol  I guess that would be in tennis. Seriously though, this would be great to do on a brochure that would be kept in gyms......  have you tried that? The card......  it does have a different flair to it and I would love to hear other realtors opinions about this card.

Frank... thanks for sharing this... 

I picked up a Realtor card with a guy wearing boxing gloves.  I thought it unique and rather funny.  I ASSUME the meaning was that he would 'fight for his client'.

PERSONALLY..... I would NOT use this guy if I needed a Realtor.  I truly saw the card as 'gimmick' and 'unprofessional'.

The tennis pic?????????  What's the meaning?  The message being sent? I have a Ninja forehand? :^)

 

Rob.... look at what it says under his picture....   Now Serving You.  ....   hey, it is marketing.  In regards to the boxing one, I would have to see the card. Especially to see what was written on the card.

I honestly can say that it wouldn't make a difference at times. Sure, would hand these out in Beverly Hills, Ca..???  No....  location, location, location.....   but, it could be useful in some areas. 

Overall.... I guess it's easier for me not to judge because I am in the business. Hey Ines, are you around?  You always have a good opinion about this.  What about Tricia Jumonville? 

And Rob... thanks for the input and your comments. Maybe title is different?  I think many realtors use 'gimmicks' in this sense, as marketing. It's not like you work for Morgan Stanley and sell stocks. DO I think there should be professionalism within the real estate community?  Yes... but look at Randy from Hawaii... he wears a Hawaiian shirt.. it's more common there.    

Wow, I didn't even connect the 'Now Serving You" to the pic.

 Jeff -

I think it's dangerous to market across the board with the ASSUMPTION that people can connect with tennis (in this example) and the term 'Serve".  Also note the picture is not in a 'Serve" stance ....heck, is that in a house?  Is he passing the ball onto me? Is there a ball in the pic? :^)

If it 'works' great.  I think people, even successful people, forget to back up to see if they could be MORE successful. This TYPE of card could turn off 5% of potential clients.  Flat out turn 'em off.

I avoid sports related themes when possible in any mailings/thank yous to a broad market.  I don't think everyone FOR EXAMPLE would get "Any way you slice it...." with a picture of a golfer....

 

My 1/2 cent.

I'm guessing that his target audience is people that ARE interested in sports.  Since niche marketing is so important in real estate these days, it's not a matter of worrying about turning off 5% of the total market, but of connecting with your target market.  Many people could probably care less, or don't like, my photo with  my horse, but as I said above, I've had many people tell me they called because they saw that photo - even people who weren't buying horse property but investment property in town.  Some have called me because their kid saw the photo and said, "We have to use her!". ;-)  I have never gotten a single comment about the cards that I have that are the regular business cards. 

So just because you don't like sports or tennis doesn't mean that there aren't sufficient people out there who would be more likely to repond positively to a photo showing it to provide quite a tidy living for an agent with that target market. 

As for that card in particular, I'd say have a new photo taken, the same, but on a tennis court, and use it.  But that's just my subjective opinion.

Rob....  I respect and understand your approach to this. And I agree, it could hurt. But again, depending on your market, what you market, your local...etc etc.    Your audience could be a health club....???? 

In regards to flat out turning people off?  yes, true...but what about those that you get more business from, because of this. Last, yes, we can pick this card apart, like if we were in college in front of a professor and an expert. But you know what, just as in a criminal case, both sides always bring in their experts. And both sides usually have cases and or thesis's, opinions, etc etc......  as I stated before, real estate can be one type of business to where you could get away with this. 

As I stated before, I hope to hear from Ines and Tricia also....   

Tricia,

I agree 100% that if someone is going after a specific market...by all means, get that message across.

BTW - while there are a LOT of tennis fans, and people that play as a hobby/excercise..... they are not (in my part of the universe) synonymous with 'Sports Fans".

Tricia....  thanks for stopping by. For the most part, it makes sense. And both you and Rob agree, that at least the picture could be done over again.....  as you stated, at least on a tennis court or on a racket ball court. Rob did ask these questions, about the place that it was taken at or near.

Rob, when I said "people who are interested in sports", I was referring to your more general statement about sports-related themes.  Could be tennis, could be football, could be (and here's one with a really HUGE target market, but one that's being targeted by a lot of agents) golf, could be anything.  You'd pick up the people who are interested in your particular sport, of course, but just like with my horse photo, which picks up people interested in horses but that do many different things with them, from trail riding to dressage to jumping to just messing around, etc., the photo of you highlighting your sport of choice would appeal to some just for the idea it gives of someone who is interested in sports in general.

I just think that we have to target our business cards as much as any of our other marketing. 

Jeff, I think that changing the locale would give more oomph to what is already a good idea. 

 

Tricia and Rob....  thanks for your added discussion with respect to your input, opinions, and feedback.

Where is Ines?????? 

Anyone call?

I had totally missed the whole discussion and hope it's not too late.  The bottom line is that we all have a way to do business, we all have a way we want to be portrayed or represented and nothing like a business card to do so.  I personally can see a lot of these examples as "gimmicky",  but that's me.  I can certainly see someone with a great sense of humor picking up Frank's card and saying....."I would definitely have a drink with this guys....I won't be bored one second" and others saying, "are you kidding me?"  - sorry to pick on you Frank.

Frank has made a choice here, a conscious choice to make a statement.  I think I said it before, but I have 2 sets of business cards, one with our photo and one without.  Certain businesses call for simplicity and elegance, and the photo may not be regarded as "professional".  Thanks for inviting me back Jeff.

I called the Ines Busters......

Yes, Frank, we aren't picking on you here. As Ines stated, hence the reason I wanted her to come back, is because she stated that she has two sets of business cards. As I said before, I would spruce up the card, making it look like you are on some type of court.  And I agree with Ines..... you will be able to click with different groups with that card, and yes, personality has much to do with this. Good luck with the cards and keep us posted on the comments, as Tricia has with hers...

Ines... thanks for stopping by....

Jeff - you need to see Frank's other cards - check out his last post (I could not read it all because it was too long...sorry Frank....my attention span is limited) - he has a great card with a really obnoxious hill billie picture and his logo is something like "from trailer park to mansion" - he is definitely an "out of the box" thiker.

Ines..... is it on his profile?  Thanks for the heads up...

Read his latest blog - there's a video in the beginning - and he shows the other business card - it's pretty funny.

I missed this blog the first time it was posted.  There's some differing opinions on what should or shouldn't be on the business card, but as long as you're comfortable with what you pass out--and you have to pass the out!--then make your business card what you want it to be. 

I give out my business cards to EVERYONE I meet...and you can get 250 for just the price of postage from www.vistaprint.com.......

NOW there is a low cost marketing strategy............. =-D

I hope this doesn't appear critical or snobbish.  I've always had a total dislike for the 'free' cards with the advertisement on the back.  Professionally printed biz cards are likely the cheapest marketing materials that we all have.  I think you should go the other way.  Hire a photographer for a great photo, maybe even a designer to create a great card.  Then professional color printing shouldn't run much more than $60/1000 and I'm sure you could find something cheaper if you shopped around - something without the 'printed free at VistaPrint' on the back. If you're giving out a lot of cards, order 5000 for a cheaper rate.

Ines.... I still can't find what you are talking about. Could you e-mail me the link?  jbelonger@comcast.net  I even went to his profile and his last 3 blogs. I didn't see a new card and I did come across a video, but it was some woman talking about phones and mentioned real estate?  thanks, jeff

Jim & Maria.....  not a problem, I am glad that you found this. I think this is one of my better blogs and I enjoyed writing about this and learning the Japanese customs. So, thanks for stopping by.  

Overall..I agree, you should be comfortable about what you pass out. But I would always ask for other's opinions also.

Alex.....  hey, I always believe in cutting costs,.... but I read Robert's comment and I agree with him. But just my opinion and too each his/her own.  thanks for sharing this though, I am sure this could help out some people. 

Robert....   it's not being snobbish, just your opinion.  As I stated to Alex above, I have nothing wrong with free things..... but I myself would rather pay for the cards and keep the back of the card for myself. I didn't go back, but look at Rick & Ines's cards.... they utilize both sides. So do I.... I am going to scan my card, front and back to show many of you. I actually have a statement on the back of my card...   "The referral of my service to your friends and family is the highest compliment I can receive."

Thanks for stopping by and your input. 

Just checking out the all time high posts.  I don't keep business cards of other people. Mostly everything I have is via email.

Ardell....  thanks for stopping by...  yes, I have a lot of e-mails and save many of them...  but I also keep business cards. But I usually put them in a data base afterwards.  thanks for your input.

Thanks for sharing Jeff.  I never knew the importance of the layout and presentation of business cards.  Good job.

George.... thanks for the very polite compliment and for your feedback.  thanks

I always carry buisness cards. It is my calling card! great Blog

frank rubi

www.7824.com

Frank....  yes, like a calling card.... I like that. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the compliment.

Lena....  I like them both. I guess it would depend on who you gave them out to.... and where.  One shows your human side and the other shows your business side.

Hey Ines and Tricia... if you can come back and give some input to Lena's question... thanks. 

Hi Jeff - I appreciate you calling me back on this but I am far from being the credit card expert.

Lena - I will be try to be as objective as possible -  The photo with the cat may limit your market, there are a lot of people out there that don't like animals and specifically cats (I'm not one of them) who may not want to use your services because of that shot - it's your decision to say if you want that or not.  I know when I was new in the business I did not want anything to limit my customer base.

In the second card you look extremely serious - I also started with a black card and later realized it was hard on our facial expressions - We found that a professional photographer was key for the picture and the more natural the better - we've done outdoor takes for all our photos.  I know some agents like to take glamour shots - that's up to you.....make sure the picture looks like you, because you want people to recognize you from your business card and marketing.

I personally like the second card better - more from a compositional point of view - but that's subjective.

hope that helps,

Ines

Ines....  I never said you were a credit card expert.... lol  But as a card expert? I just think that you have had some great feedback on many of the cards and I value your comments. Just call yourself my key expert, but not in the court of law.  lol

Lena..... Ines does make a very good point in regards to cat lovers and animal lovers. I am sure that you get many nice compliments because it looks so sweet and nice, with the cat and all. But I know from past experiences, that so many people talk through their teeth also. Do they really mean it?  Most of all, will it keep themselves from using you. As Frank Llosa has in his card above.... the tennis racket. Good gimmick and would be good to hand out at the gym and such.... but you need to be careful on how it might affect the rest of your market.

We aren't experts...at least I am not... but good to hear other's feedback. I have learned a lot. Besides...even the experts have 'opinions'....   

Well, you know me, I'm all about having a critter on the card because it's served me well and it also serves as a filter for the market that I serve for the most part.

That being said, the only way I can give good feedback is, what's your target market?  That really should determine your business card.  If it's pet folk (and there's an AR group, Pet Friendly Real Estate, and a network, if it is), or if you want to eliminate those buyers who are going to be bugged by the fact that a pet has lived in a house ;-), then the kitty on the card is right on target. 

If your target market is something else, either card might be right, or the kitty card might be inappropriate, or you might need another kind of card entirely. 

I like the photo on the right better, and I'm fond of unusual backgrounds - black, colorful, scenic - because they make the card stand out in memory (and on bulletin boards) and be more likely to be the one pulled out deliberately rather than just at random.  Also, unique cards (with a horse or a cat or playing tennis or golf or whatever) can also, in my experience, serve as an icebreaker and conversation starter - and that is the initial goal, right?

Not a very direct answer, I guess, but if you'll define your target market, maybe I can do better.

 

Jeff - that cracked me up!  I meant business card expert - that's what happens when you do too many things at once!  OOOOPs!

Tricia.... yes, I know you and animals. Thanks for the feedback. I guess with cats though, you need to be careful. As you stated and Ines, knowing your target market. Let's face reality, there are many that despise cats or don't care for them. And hate to say it, some people will make their decision based on this. It's a cold hard fact.

Again...Thanks for your input and feedback .   Hey... what does your husband have to say about cards in general, since he supplies them?

 

Ines.... I figured you meant just business card expert. But maybe Rick has a different opinion on that. Maybe he calls you the credit card expert, the expert of how to use them.  ;o)   By the way, are you telling us that you aren't good at multi tasking? 

Don't even try it - I am the QUEEN of multi tasking........when I'm awake!

Ines... I know you are. I was teasing and just seeing if you were awake.  lol   :o)

Ines...

I did exactly the same thing as you two... when I was with Re/Max, I had one card w/photo and foil balloon that I used for my residential clients...my commercial clients got one with a much cleaner look and just the foil balloon...

the last company I worked for as a mortgage broker had beautiful cards - but alas my name was way too small!! there was no PERSONAL in the PERSONAL PROMOTION!  It is great that you have the R&I so stylized as well!

I just noticed I need to scan in my current card... I'm debating Photo/No Photo in a change I'm making to it.  The one big thing is that I do have the company logo on there that could shrink a bit... but the thing that I did to make it more simple was to take the three office locations (and since I don't work from any offices and I do NOT want mail at them) and put them on the back in b/w so they don't clutter the front.  I hate the picture now, though... (scan stinks!)

 

I also made cards for my wife and sister in law's businesses.  My wife is a chef and caterer - my sister in law a pilates instructor... all they have is a nice background with a great font - name email phone

David - I always like mortgage brokerage cards to be pictureless, but that's my choice.  Unless you are a yound HOT model....then it's ok (just kidding).  I just think the business of lending money is a serious one and the marketing is different - but that's my take.

you don't think I'm hot??

I agree... I did the picture thing at the request of the company

theoretically, cards with pictures are relatable to the recipients and therefore have a higher call back ratio

on the flip side, I'm sure some of my pictures could scare away more business!

you said it David, not me     :)

David... thanks for stopping by and for sharing. You mentioned that you were in real estate?  I guess now mortgages?  I see several people in the mortgage industry with their pictures on it. I think it's more of a social thing...possibly a cool thing from the loan originators perspective. But like Ines, because it's finance and lending money, I would think the business card should be more on the traditional business side. I was trying to scan my new card in now, but I am having problems. Maybe tomorrow. 

But David and Ines, thanks for sharing.... 

I have always found it interesting how under appreciated the business card is.  It is the lasting first impresssion.  The quality matters the message matters.  It is unique to you and your company.  As an investor who has dealt with many realtors and there cards the real only unique thing about the majority of them is your picture.   Does that set you apart from your competition? 

I also find humour in someone who deals with millions of dollars of investment and they print there cards off on the home computer...I'm not judging that they don't do what they say but I have more questions and my due dilligence will go up.  Cards are probably one of the best returns on marketing investment.

Keenan..... I totally agree....it can be a lasting impression. It's such a cheap investment, that can go a long way. And I agree.... not only the people that make some good money get those cheap cards... but even if you didn't make much, $100 can go a long way in regards to some great quality cards....  even a box of 500...some what thick cards...neat, and those that stand out.

Thanks for stopping by and for your feedback. 

Late again for the party.....

Lena - "hate" the cat photo.  What's the target market again? Animal lovers versus non-animal lovers versus 'don't care either way'?  Did you happen to do any market research or focus group studies on the reaction to presenting yourself with the cat?  Just curious if the downside was overwhelmed by the upside.

David - I like a no pic card. One of the most notable observations with pic cards (and I have hundreds), is that the person I meet in person does NOT look like the pic.  People either cannot afford or choose not to update their cards frequently enough IMO.  Not NEARLY enough.

I am sorry, but the cards with the animals are really tooooo funny. I don't really think it's business-like, but we do get a chuckle around the office when we see one! We also have the laugh about the brokers in our area that are still using the same picture after 10 years! we have a policy to update the picture every 2 years, no matter what!

Rob....  thanks for your input, maybe a tad harsh.... but at least honest. As I stated before, unless you were marketing animal lovers, you just need to be careful. It's the facts of life.

In regards to pictures....  have no problems with realtors and their pictures.... but loan officers?  Just doesn't seem to fit. Even though I have thought about it several times.  Finances?  Financial?  Money?   Pictures?  Maybe for the FBI....  ;o)

Sandy... thanks for stopping by and for your feedback in regards to the types of cards. Do you have one to share? 

Lena - I didn't mean the comment to be harsh (thus the quotes around "hate").  Dislike is a really what I meant.  The text on white jumps out nicely and I in no way was referring to YOU in the pic., just the concept

Basically a similar take that I had earlier in the blog regarding photos with guys in boxing gloves and tennis (?) rackets.  I PERSONALLY find them odd, and I haven't gotten a very good reply regarding market research as to the upside versus downside on the 'gimmick' cards.

Boy, that was confusing!  My email notice of Rob's comment had my name on it - see he caught and edited to Lena.  And, Rob, for my horse photo, I guess you could call my "market research" a couple of decades of involvement in the horse world and seeing not only what I responded to but what the other horsefolk around me responded to in the way of marketing, before I ever got into real estate with a horse property specialty.

Interestingly, while I got the predicted positive response to the horse photo from my horse property target market, I've received an equally positive response from people who aren't officially "horse people", including an investor who told me he chose me because of the photo - his little girl liked it and told him he HAD to use me!<G> 

And, as I said, it can serve as a screening tool, always - after all, some agents wouldn't want to work with someone who was cat-aversive. ;-)

 

Rob....  I only brought that up because your opinion is greatly appreciated and I agree with it. A lot of it has to do with market...but more so with cats. Just in regards to peoples perception.

Tricia....  hey... in all honesty, the horse picture in my opinion is totally different than a cat. It stands out for several reasons. And yes, you are in a different market. And I am assuming that Rob was just referring to cats and not animals....  I do believe that your's is totally different. Again, my opinion.

 

For anyone else....  please don't hesitate to share your cards with us.. PLEASE.....  just opinions in here. But some good sound advice from what I can see.  

Like with most graphic elements, I tend to like simpler looking cards.  That said, anything out of the ordinary in the business card world is immediately memorable.  I always have card envy of those cards with extra length or fold-over and stand-up types.  For some reason, the cards seem to go the extra mile so one might think the Realtor does too?

I can't get over the life of this post. 

 

That's funny Joe.  I used to travel quite a bit to the Pac Rim, India, etc... I found myself using scissors to crop the cards in order to fit them into my wallet or card holder.

Why can't the US standard be the world standard for everything :^)

I leave two of my cards at the gas pump everytime I get gas. I've gotten a handful of calls on them.

Tricia - Horses are neutral.  No idea why.  Just never personally ran into a 'horse hater' (other than me when the #3 horse came in fourth at Belmont last year and ruined my Trifecta in race 8) :^)

Joe P. .... I agree... depending on the type of business, I tend to like those that stand out. But for the most part, simpler usually is more practical and doesn't look cluttered. But again, it depends on the business.

Rob...... I will agree with the size though. Joe mentioned that he likes the extra length cards. Me?  They are a pain if you are putting them in a card holder. I think it takes away from the card. Besides, it goes back to the card being cluttered with too much info.

Eric...... that's another great idea. One thing I have learned. Business cards are very inexpensive. So why not leave them any where?  Talk to people... ask them if you can leave them your cards. What's the worst answer?  No?  

Rob...... I agree about the horses being very neutral. Even though an animal, a lot different than a cat.  And a dog could be different than a cat, because of that saying.... a dog is man's best friend. Again...people and places. Your market area.... what you are trying to target.

One of my new business cards.....  this card has some extra weight to it... quality, doesn't bend as easily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BTW: Who knows a good and cheap printing company.

Axel & Bea......  . ask some of the people around here on Active Rain. When you say cheap, how cheap?  My opinion... what you usually pay for is what you get. Business cards should be a very good investment. Even if it was $100 for 500 cards, it shouldn't matter. That would be considered great and cheap advertisement. Just throwing numbers out there but also making a point....  thanks    PS... doesn't your company pay for your cards?

Jeff, I like the new card!  Very clean and professional.

As for a good and cheap printing company, well, there's Priority Copy where I get my business cards, post cards, and just about everything else.  Of course, in the interests of full disclosure, my husband owns it, so I get my stuff a LOT cheaper than most folks ;-).  But they're very good, and reasonably priced, even if I do say so myself, and you get individual attention. 

 

Jeff... I agree - you get what you pay for unless you're amazing with formatting and such...

I use vistaprint because I have a lot of experience with layout and such and no one can tell i use them

but you're right... the company cards should be cheap.  Merrill Corp does cards for most major names in real estate...

on the other hand - I don't agree with that because I also believe that there is a difference with you - a corporate employee type - and with real estate agents... for the average independent contractor (I'm included in there!) the Agent's name needs to have its own power and recognition.  If you're really new, you need the Big Name and Logo of the firm to help you gain credibility - but as you grow as a professional you need to make your name bigger than the firm's... why? portability.  If you're too tied to that logo, it will be harder to leave.  Plus I love that people put office numbers and 800 numbers that could get intercepted by people on floor time... you need to direct all calls to yourself because you are an INDEPENDENT contractor... that being said - should something arise that creates a rift with you and your broker, having name recognition will make your broker irrelevant in your marketing.

I personally don't like the logo of my brokerage on my card and I am about to order more WITHOUT it or with it minimized.  I'll keep old cards for the display at the office and just in case I get cornered... but at some point you need to look out for yourself...

Alex and Bea - don't go too cheap... especially if you're making one card for the both of you.  You'll get discounts doing over 2000... and if you're going to invest in some graphics etc then go ahead and do it right ... just make sure to give them out as often as possible

 

Wow I feel a little odd.. My business cards generally feature one of my listings that I am trying to sell.. yes they have all of my contact info but instead of my MUG they have a picture of the listed property with number of rooms, price, sqr ft. etc.  I also use these cards are listing tools.  Seems to me I am selling my clients house first and me second. 

Tricia......  thank you. Yes, simple and clean is usually a good look. Especially in mortgages. Besides, the weight of the card is good also. They don't bend so easily.

David..... some good advice all around. Thanks for sharing your opinion. Overall, I just believe in very good quality when it comes to cards. One of the cheapest ways to market yourself. Spend the money, don't be cheap, it shows in some cards.

Sean......  great idea. I use to supply cards like this to my realtors. I would make up about 50 cards, 25 post cards with the same info, so they could send them to other realtors..... and open house sheets.

I only wish there were more bulletin boards to post my business cards too. It seems like there are fewer bulletin boards than there use to be. I also like hanging around book stores and putting cards in real estate books, and I always leave them on tables and desk in buildings I go to. I even leave them in public rest rooms.

 I collect business card. So guess what id like from everyone.

 

           John Puckett 2841 N.E 13th. Dr. Gainesville,FL. 32609

Kenneth....  that is something I never look at myself for information and or contacts. That is bulletin boards... I wonder how many people actually do, when it comes to real estate and mortgage financing.

The bookstore thing is a different idea. Thanks for sharing..

John.....   could you just copy and print mine from here? 

Jeff, I don't know about Kenneth, but I put mine on bulletin boards (and HAVE gotten a couple of leads from them that I can directly trace to that), more for "name recognition" than anything else.  Someone looking at the bulletin board while waiting for their oil to be changed, or looking for a horse for sale on the feed store bulletin board, will see my card (and I always leave three or four tacked together so they can take one if they want)  and then, another time, see an ad, and then maybe get a card from me, and when they ARE looking for an agent, my name will be lurking there in the back of their mind just waiting! ;-)

Periodically I go by and check the cards and see how many are left and replenish.  Since I have to replenish frequently (and it's not because the store owner's removing the cards because there'll be one or two left), clearly some folks are taking them. 

 

Thanks for the post and all the great comments.

I really appreciate all the great insight.  I always wonder what impact the actual appearance has.  I do not mean the home printed version.  I am talking about a customer designed one versus the standard purchased off the web format.  Does it really make a difference.

Tricia.... this is something that I am going to look into, especially around town. And I guess going back and checking twice a month at least, should give you a good idea if people are taking them.

Wayne..... thanks... I have tremendously enjoyed the comments also and have learned a lot.

Patrick.....  This happens to be one of the better blogs that I put together. A lot of great information shared here amongst the members. As I stated before, I have learned some good tips.  thanks for stopping by.

Great information...

Thanks!

Beth Patnode

I have had great luck with passing out cards and keeping my past clients stocked with cards.  Actually a client took cards over with him to Iraq.  Now, that is an advocate.  And, and yes, it is one of the cheapest forms of advertisement out there.  Plus, when it is accompanied with a stellar referral from a past client you can't lose!

Great Post!!   Will use some of your recommendations.

Great Ideas.  Thanks for the information.  This is something to think about when I order new cards.

Beth..... thanks and my pleasure....

Paula.... cards are such a great way. In regards to the client taking them to Iraq, wow. What a great feeling....

Barbara..... thanks for the compliment. Let me know how it works out and what works best for you.

Greg.... thanks for the kind words and it's always something to keep in mind when ordering them. Especially the weight of the card....

 

Great post Jeff! Lots of good information. Last week I was working with clients from Norway looking for a luxury home and at our first meeting he handed me his business card. Yikes! I was caught without mine. Luckily we had been corresponding for some time before they made the trip here and he had all my information, but I should have had one of my cards for him on our first visit.  Good points!

Jeff, great post, thank you so much. Got some good ideas here.

 Angela, love your ideas, thanks.

Rick & Ines, your card is awesome!

Thanks Axel - we're in the process of tweaking, since we are getting a new site and new image - I will post my new one when I get it.

Ines

Thanks Jeff. There is some great information that you posted.

I agree entirely with you Jeff. Your business card is the most important marketing device.

Excellent information. I always carry my cards with me wherever I go and try to pass out at least 5 a day, sometimes I do it, sometimes I don't. Don't be a "secret agent", let people know you're in the business.

Margie.... Thanks for the compliment. As I have stated before, I even have picked up a few good tips here. Thanks for your input.

In regards to your Norway client...  rut row. ;o)  That they handed out their card, but that you didn't have one handy. 

Axel.... thanks for the polite comment and for thanking others....

Ines..... looking forward to your new card. Going to put Project Blogger on there?  ;o)

Greg.... thanks for your comments.

Joey.....  glad that we both agree on this. Not only the best type of marketing,but extremely cheap.

Leonard......  just last week, was the 2nd time in about 10 years that I can remember that I didn't have any cards on me. I mailed a few out and I forgot to reload. Thanks for the compliment and for stopping by, And I like what you mentioned about the secret agent thingy...

Here is my business card.

I have gotten a lot of positive feedback on it.

I also give out my business card at restaurants.

You never know they may be looking or know someone looking for the services you provide.  I also put my cards on any bulletin board that I see in the community. 

There has been some great suggestions on this post.

Wow that was some cool business cards. I don't have anyway to get my card on here but Its a heavy stock with a dark blue background. very nice

Ben

Rhonda..... that is a very nice business card. I like the background on it. Very appealing. thanks for sharing.

I agree, there have been a lot of great suggestions. And yes, I am going to start to use the bulletin boards. thanks for your feedback. 

Benjamin......  thanks, I think there were some great business cards also. But you don't have a way to get it on here?  You don't have a scanner or know someone that does?

 

 Hey Ines....  Ever get those new cards done yet?  

not yet Jeff - working on getting my new site first, then the cards - I will LAUNCH all my new marketing together - promise to post it here.

After reading what you wrote, it makes me look into my next order with details

Ines... looking forward to it.

Rickey.....  I am glad that this could help some.  thanks for stopping by. 

A great reminder of something so basic, we often forget about it. My card intentionally has nothing on the back and no picture. I want to appear as professional as possible. How many doctors or lawyers or financial planners would have pictures on their card, or stuff on the back. Keep it clean, professional and simple.

Sorry, i do not know why it came out so big.

Ralph.... thanks for the comments. You bring up an interesting point in regards to doctors and such. I do think realtors are different from that though... and I don't have a problem with pictures. But loan officers?  A little different..

Carl....   thanks for the card. Check out this blog in regards to pictures. Resizing pictures to your blogs and or comments .........

Okay, this is a great idea, and I am totally about having my photo on my business cards. My question? HOW do I upload it to here?

Jeff,

     Thanks for the help I am definitely going to have to read more into your tips, but it is Friday night at 8:39 PM and I have an Open House tomorrow at 11am so time to spend a little time with the Family.

Teri....  I sent you a blog that I did with Kristal Krafts link to her blog in regards to adding pictures. Looking forward to your business card.

Carl....  my pleasure....  it turned out much better. Now, go enjoy time with your family.

Jeff,

     Again thanks.

 

 

 

Carl.... my pleasure.

Great ideas Angela. I like the one about stapling your business cards to the real estate magazine. 9 out of 10 of those magazines are going to end up in the trash. But at least they will have your business cards. Also,I think a good idea is to tell the Store Manager of a particular store that if you let me put my business cards,I will buy a certain amount of gift cards in this store. Buy some gift cards and clip each gift cards to your business cards. And whenever,someone buys something,they can put the gift cards that are attached to your business cards in the customer's bag - It's a thought.

Lanre.....  I like the gift card idea....  I am going to start working on the bulletin boards in town, at the grocery store.... etc etc.  thanks for your input and feedback.  And welcome to Active Rain....

Hi All,  Just thought I'd share my newest business card.  This is my condo business card (front & back) that reflect the branding of my condo blog.   Let me know what you think.  The scan doesn't look that great though.

Jeff

Thanks. I really appreciate that.

 Ben

I like the business card man.

Ben.... I like that. I like the style. I guess it's great if this is a big market for you iin your area. Do you have another card also?

Lanre.... my pleasure and thanks for stopping by. 

Hi;

I agree, I went to a networking event a few weeks ago and another Stager asked my name.  When I told her she had no idea who I was.  (She did not go, OH HI I KNOW WHO YOU/COMPANY ARE!).  But when she saw my business card (it has a house with blocks on it, quite catchy) see new the business right away. She said that she had been looking at my webiste for awhile now and really liked it and found it very informative and laid out great.  (What a compliment).  So when she saw the business card (is the same as the header on my web site) she then new who I was.

Debi Stephenson

room2organize.com

 

Debi.... thanks for sharing this with us. Do you happen to have your card saved, that you could show it to us? Possibly scan it for us?  thanks, jeff

Yes I do have a business card that I can send you.

I sent it to you through e-mail.   Hope it came out OK.

Thanks

Debi Stephenson

What a great post. You should check out the post by Debra Gould, 'What To Put On a Home Staging Business Card'. A distinct diffence in styles.

Here's the Front of mine:

 

Debi... I did receive it, but it's in a PDF format and I don't have the software to save it. I will try later, unless you can upload it here. You must be able to since you sent it to me.

Dane.... thanks for sharing this. Different for staging.....    

Jeff

Very interesting post, I wasn't aware that there might be proper etiquette in handing out your business card. I don't usually offer one until I am asked for one. There were some great follow up post and some really nice cards shown.

Thinking of a card as a mini billboard message I think that many including myself fail to include what's in it for the person you are handing that card too.

I can remember a day when it was a big deal to have a business card, today its like having a cell phone.

I do like your post with your little girl on the page and am wondering is that part of your business card as well?

you know that at times rereading blogs is a good thing.  This one is a blog I read again and picked up more things.  Thanks.

Gary.....  I knew there was some before I did the post and the research, but I learned so much more from this.

And yes, the mini billboard is a good one. But a having a business card is like having a cell phone?  I disagree a tad. You can still advertise with your card. But you are correct. When I had my 1st business card back in 1991 at the age of 24, was like a big deal. And that was for my own business at the time. Landscape design.

Thanks for stopping by and for the polite compliment. 

Dave... thank you very much. I would agree at times. And I am very glad that this was my blog, because I have been following each and every comment and have learned so much.

So... curious, what else did you learn from this? 

Jeff - yes, I have 2 different business cards.  One for condos only and one for other residential properties.

Jeff,

Great post.  I thought about using photoshop to create a ridiculous card but then ran out of time.  Appreciate the star and stop in and say hello if you make it to the Outer Banks - just don't originate any loans out here.

Refer

Refer

Refer

Refer 

Ben.... you should share the 2nd one with us also.

Ronnie.....  thanks for the compliment and my pleasure. In regards to the Outer Banks, I did one about 3 months ago. Sorry....  ;o)  Don't worry, it was a referral.....

Thanks This is a great post! I already printed it out and working on some of these ideas!

Tiffany!

Tiffany.... thanks for the compliment.....  yes, there are some great ideas that I even never paid attention to.....

Jeff -  as usual from you,  great points! You had mne restocking my wallet with business cards -    Lewis Poretz

Jeff,

Very good ideas from everyone. I liked Renee's idea about the use of the back of her card. She has a mini resume on the back and an invitation to opt in at her website. It is also a good idea to offer people an ethical bribe to join your list. For this you can offer them something for free, like a special report or e-booklet about something they want more information on. That way it is a win-win situation - they get an information product from you and you get their contact information so that you can market to them over and over again.

Lewis......  thanks a lot, I appreciate that.

Connie.... very good point about what Renee had mentioned.....  thanks for stopping by and for your input.

THanks for this post! I love to see what others use for their cards- one of the reasons I like to collect them. After my freind returned from Japan, she explained the etiquette used to receive a busines card and it made a big impression on me.

I personally use a double sided card, in matt stock, so I can write on it if needed. The image I have uploaded is a tad bit brighter than the actual one LOL 

Sarah....  I like it..... it's fresh and different. I am not an expert on the types of cards. I don't flashy cards....well, in this business that we are in. I think for a realtor, showing some color and or personality is good. One thing that I did notice is that you have no address on your card. Maybe below Real Estate Specialist, in small print, put the areas that you service?  Or your town & State?  Just my opinion.

In any case, thanks for the compliment and for your comment. I will have to admit, this was one of the better blogs that I did, because I also found the Japanese etiquette to be interesting... and that I learned something from this. I also had fun doing this. And I would have to say that this is in my top 10, out of about 150 posts in 7 months.

Thanks for sharing this and for stopping by.

 

I've enjoyed everyone's ideas on business cards. 

Just wanted to share what I have on the backside of my card - it's a Tip Chart. 

The idea is that people will put the card in their wallet for future use on "Tipping".

When conversations turn to real estate they can just pull out my card and pass my contact info on to others. 

I always send out 2 cards - one to pass out to others & one for their wallet.

It works great for me!

Cheryl....   now that is a very creative idea. Thanks a lot for sharing that.

Question.... are able to track on the amount of business that you get from that?  Asking clients how they heard about you?  I would be very interested.  thanks again.... 

I always ask how someone got my name. 

People talk about the great chart on the back of my card all of the time.

Actually, it's a great ice breaker as a hand-out.  I find that many people get a bit defensive when speaking to a realtor - & they seem to think they know it all - but I always turn the conversation around to the useful info on the back of the card & people change right before my eyes.  We talk about want they want to talk about - then I always leave them with, well now you know a great realtor that you you can call anytime.  It seems to be working for me.

   

Jeff.... thanks for the feedback.  Glad it works....

 

Could either one of you....  Cheryl or Jeff, please scan the back of your card and upload it to this post? I would love to see it.  And I am sure others would like to see it as well.....  thanks.

 

Here's Our Card...

Cheryl....  thanks for sharing this. In all honesty, when you mentioned a tipping chart, I wasn't thinking.... I was thinking of referrals.... lol  But this is a different idea also....  thanks again.

Jeff,

No doubt that this post was a great post as evidenced by it's life and ongoing comments. I checked the comments  box....and you keep coming back. Over and over :) Good job!

Jeff,

I forgot to add that I have nicknamed this post the "Energizer Bunny" post...as it keeps going....and going.

There are a few of those here in the Rain.

Ron....  thanks for the comments and for the compliment. Do you have a card to share?

Jeff,

I have a card but no ability to scan it and show it here. Thanks for asking!

Ron....  it's 2007....  what's up with that?  ;o)

Jeff,

Well I have a scanner that is down. I have tried to troubleshoot and think that the driver may have been corrupted. Just need to make the time to finish or buy a replacement.

   

Double sided, laminated! 

 

Business cards ARE one of the best methods of marketing...they're very cost effective!

Ron.... I'll send you mine...  ;o)

Vicky.....   I like the double sided.....   I think you should utilize the whole card, but not bunch it with too much info.  thanks for sharing this.

Ricardo....   I agree, they are cost effective....  it kills me on how so many people that I meet in this business that don't always have their cards on them..... wow.....

I forgot that I posted my tennis business card here months ago!

 For those of you that are curious it was never given to one tennis enthusiast. It has nothing to do with sports whatsoever. The point of the card is to make fun of Realtors. Why do Realtors use photos on their business cards? Consumers think this is cheesy, so by going over the top, they laugh and they say "At least he isn't another cheesy Realtor."

Also while it might offend 5% or 50% of the viewers, the pass-it-on factor is 10 fold. People will take this card and show it to a floor full of officemates. Yeah 5%-50% might not like it, but will your boring card be shown to anybody?

Probably not! How about these cards? I actually have a series of 10 of these. They are collectibles.  

Frank.....  thanks for sharing this....  I guess they can be creative. But I am not sure if I would do a business card to poke fun of, knowing that people might pass it along.....    especially if you don't hand them out to the tennis enthusiast. I guess I have a different outlook on cards. 

The sunburn card.... again, thinking on your feet. I like creative minds, I just don't think I would use them though.  Again, thanks for sharing these....

Hey Jeff, i tried to get this done with my kids on my back so forgive me for the look, my view is, (Less is More) we are selling ourselves first, i love good looking busines cards, but i also like simplicity...

Thanks,

Tom Weiss

Tom......   I would have like to have seen the photo with the kids on the back. Some might think differently on it, but I think it could add a good touch. Family and all....  just like I have my picture on my profile with my niece.

Thanks for sharing this....

 

Business cards are like rental signs that people can hand to friends.  :)

They are a GREAT source for traffic.

Great post. a card is something they cand hold. That gives it value.

Aubrey.....  very good point and analogy, about business cards being like rental signs.  Thanks for stopping by.

Shaun.....  very good point also, because they can hold your card. Thanks for the compliment.

Ines... are you still getting comment updates?  If so, have you received your new cards yet?  Would love for you to share them with us.....  thanks

I actually have a graphic designer working on them right now. I was waiting for my new miamism site to be up and running.  Will post them when I have them.

A great post and also a lot of good comments from others. I feel that real estate agents should have pictures on their cards ,so that sellers can identify them when they go to show the house. It will prevent agents from sending an unlicensed assistant to show the house, using their card.

 

Ines.... thanks, really looking forward to them. You and Rick do think outside the box, to be different, but to look professionally.  thanks.

Gita... that is a good point and I think more than half of the agents do have their pics on their cards. It's the loan officers that have their pics on their cards that I usually don't get. Thanks for your input. 

Nice post Angela.

      I would like to add my experience with a business card. I had a regular old business card with no picture and rather plain. I had some new cards designed with my picture on it and believe it or not my business has doubled. If you are going to be one of the three cards that some realtors hand out. Yours better stand out.

Thanks, Jeff, for the reminder on the importance of your business card as well as the tips.

I'm creative when it comes to homes......business cards??? .....I can definately use the advice.

Julia

Shawn....  thanks for stopping by and for the comment. But I actually wrote this post. ;o)

Julia.....  I have even learned a few little tips and such when it comes to business cards. My goal is to implement some of these tips, keep track of them in a 6 month period, and see what the outcome is.  thanks for the comments. 

Brad....  thanks for sharing your business card. Your picture?  Maybe something different than in a car?  I don't know, just throwing that out there.   thanks

I use a card that is such a high quality card people can feel the quality in there hands.  I feel this is a direct reflection on the quality of service that I provide.  I have people tell me all the time, "Wow this is a great card!".  I'll be happy to give you the name of the company I get them from.

David N. Slavin www.SellMyHouseDave.com 

 

Jeff, You just gave me another idea, with the kids thing.

Thanks,

Tom Weiss

Great post.  Often times your business card is the first impression the consumer will have of you.

David.....  this is so true and the Japanese are so big on this. The cards that I have now are probably the best cards that I have ever had before. Thanks for sharing this,....

Thomas....  and which thing is that,with the kids....????

Stacy & Jackie.....   this is very true. Or, if you are talking to them on the phone, before you get the chance to hand them your card.. your voice, how you project yourself, and how sure of yourself that you sound. These are also powerful. Thanks for the compliment.

Incredible amount of great information not only the post itself but all the great comments. I am not sure I am worthy to add my two cents but here goes.

Recently in Canada mortgage amortizations have been extended longer then the standard 25 years.  As soon as the majority of Lenders were on side I immediately ordered new cards with the Monthly Payment Factors for standard interest rates outline the comparison for 25, 30, 35 & 40 year amm's.  Now when I present my card to a potential prospect, I actually hand them the card upside down and while mentioning that all my contact information is on the other side for them not to miss this valuable information on the back.

Another habit I have always had is to hand the client three business cards and ask them for their kind consideration to give the other two cards to someone they know that may have recently mentioned the words "mortgage", "mortgage renewal", "real estate", or "renovations".  This as a result of reading some where years ago that the tendency of people is they quite likely would throw one card away if they did not need your services immediately, but according to this article they would be less likely to throw out all three.  So if they had more then one, throwing two away would satisfy that human nature need to get rid of it but they were more likely to hold on to one for future reference, go figure.

Ok, three cents: last but least is the theory you don't need to hand out business cards but it is more important to collect them.  A business card could be considered a false hope on your part as there is no call to action on the part of the prospect.  You give them the card and now you have to rely on the fact that they might call you some day. 

There are some that believe that it is just as if not more important to collect business cards.  This way you know what the prospects contact information is and you can take better control of the future relationship by being in constant contact with them rather then the other way around.  Not sure if I explained that properly but I do know that recently my Card Scan machine has played a bigger part helping maintain and increase my database.

Regardless of what it looks like be sure to have a handful with you at all times.  You can never be sure when the opportunity will arise that you may have to give out more then just a few cards.

Hi, Jeff!

Thanks for posting this.  Glad that it caught my eyes as I was browsing through.  You know, the Meishi presentation is a helpful tip all but most especially to those who plan to do international real estate. 

The tips on business cards etiquette as a whole would certainly help improve one's presentation skills or self-projection...

 

Dave....  I totally agree and thanks... and thanks to the many members that keep contributing to this. Their feedback and for their input.

In regards to your 2nd paragraph and giving 3 cards to each person, interesting. Especially if I look back, I have thrown away 1 or 2 and kept the other one. But more so, because the other 2 were cluttering up my area. ;o)

And I totally agree with your last comment. As I have stated, I can think of two times ever that I never had cards on me before. Thanks for your feedback and for your input. 

 

Emilie..... my pleasure and thanks for stopping by.  In any case, I agree in regards to the etiquette of business cards. I think many don't take it seriously, because it's just a small, cheap card per se. Oh well, their loss, right?

Thank you very much for sharing, lots of great information in the comments.

Good post.  I had to train myself to have my cards handy and not be shy about handing them out.  I have even upgraded mine and put my listings on the back side.  Business card flyer I call them.

Shane....  thanks for the compliments and I hope this can help some. One of the suggestions already helped me once and I plan on trying a few more. thanks for stopping by.

Rosemary.....    I have done some business cards in the past with a house on the from before and the information on the back. Thanks for the the comments.

Jeff:  It's amazing to me how many positive comments I get for these die-cut corners, how inexpensive they are relative to the impact they make (yes... "we do them" here in-house), and why more REALTORS® and mortgage professionals don't try them.  Go figure!  In a 'stand out from the crowd' world....

Chris......   I think this would fit your type of business in regards to this type of business card. Chris... which part are you talking about that stands out?  Die-cut corners?  If you could elaborate on this?  I am sure many of us would appreciate this.  thanks and thanks for sharing this and your card with us.  jeff

<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:318.75pt; height:307.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/ADMINI~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.png" o:title=""/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--> hmm mine came out a little fuzzy but you get the idea ;) I actually put one of my staged home's photo on the business card. this way it's unique and people get what I do.  i welcome any suggestions! and echoing a previous comment, one of my realtors actually mentioned something similar as well which is doing 2 sets of business cards. one for new clients, one for old clients who already know my accreditations, etc.

cheers,

cindy 

Cindy... I agree, having 2 sets of cards. In regards to why they are fuzzy?  Resize your picture. Maybe this will help. Resizing pictures to your blogs and or comments .........

In any case, I agree, I like the fact that you added a picture to your card, showing what you do. Maybe on the back of your card add a before and after picture? 

hey jeff

it's about time that i print a new batch. that's what i have been thinking as well. and putting my face at the front. print 1 set for old clients (referral cards) and print 1 set for new clients. i have also seen people print business cards that are folded (so if you expand it it's 2 cards, when you fold it it's regular business cards size). like a mini brochure.

 

cheers,

cindy 

I just received my business card flyer (with listing information on the back).  I put all my listings on the back instead of one.  I like the idea.  Hopefully, this will generate calls and business.

Cindy...  I guess it depends on the business, but I never really liked the business card that was a twofold. But I do think putting the before and after picture on the back of your card would be a good touch. This is just my opinion.

Rosemary......  hopefully this does generate some business. Keep us posted on this.

Jeff

If I could figure out how to get my card on this post i would.  It uses both sides and it is really pretty.  The man who does my cards is a real artist.  It is just different enough to be noticed but not flashy.  You always do such great posts. :)

Roberta.....   do you have a scanner?  Know someone that has one?  Have them scan it for you and then e-mail it to you. Then upload it into the comment. Would love to see it. Or e-mail it to me and I'll do it for you. And thanks for the compliment.

OK Jeff,

Let's see if I did this right! 

I hope I did this right. :)

I create stickers of listings and put them on the back of my biz cards....it's one more way to get that listing exposure

I love this idea!  (Being all about the stickers and even having stickers that are my business card.) 

 

Roberta.....  those turned out nice. I am surprised that Tricia didn't say anything, considering that she lives in horse territory and has cards with a horse also. Again, nice cards.

Rebecca.... this is an excellent idea. You might want to write a blog on this. I am sure it could be a good hit.... and a good marketing blog.

Tricia... I agree, this is a great idea, even though I am not a realtor. 

Jeff - the cards were not that expensive.  Got them from vistaprint and they did a good job on them.  I won't take up space on your post to show them off, but the idea seems to be a good one.  I like the idea of stickers business cards too.

Everyday I read about something that sounds workable.

Someone else had suggested going to the dollar store and little things that you can put in a goody bag and leave with your flyers or card - stickers would come in handy in something like that.

Jeff

Thanks for the compliment! :)

Rosemary... please, share your cards with us. Why not? And it's not taking up space.

Roberta.... my pleasure. 

I can't agree with you more on how important business cards are. I think I might have to invest in the magnet business cards. Having it in the potential clients eye-site if half the battle when the need for services arise and they are looking for an the right person to go with.

Thanks for the reminder, I have to admit that I don`t always carry my business cards with me, and part of the reason is because I have such a huge wallet filled with junk. I am going to make an effort to carry them all the time

Hey Jeff - here are my new cards - in an incredibly soft silk that is as smooth as ice.

the gray shadow is not part of the card - just for drama!  : )

Carrie....  thanks for the compliments.....   but in regards to the magnet cards?  I am not sure about these. I know some that still keep their realtors card on the refrigerator. But making sure that you have them on you at all times is extremely important. At least in my opinion.

Dan...... ouch... always carry them with you. On your self, in the card, and in your travel bag for your lap top. 

Ines.... I like these. Thanks for sharing these. It took long enough.  ;o)   I love the miamism part and the color scheme. thanks again... 

It did take long enough ...first the concept, then the website.....then a graphic designer that could translate my needs and put it all together......phew!

Most business cards have entirely too much junk on them.  10,000 phone numbers, 4 addresses, 2 slogans, the company logo, and on and on, and then an emormously complicated picture of the person.

You don't need but one phone number on the card.  You can set it to forward to the number where you can be reached.  You don't need but one address (if you need one at all), and the company logo shouldn't over-power you.  After all, it's your business card, not the company's.

Roberta Lee's card appeals to me more than most of the others.  Note it has her name, one phone number, a memorable picture (pretty lady with long blond hair with a horse) and her academic credentials.

The colors are good, and the company logo takes a backseat to Roberta.  Her card won't be thrown away.  And that's why.

 

Bill Cherry

Gee thank you so much for such kind words.  My cards have been a big success for me and I will stick with them.  I have only had this particular card for about 2 years or a little less and they are by far the most successful I've had.  I think cards can be one of our best marketing tools.  Again thank you. :)

Ines..... well, all of it looks like it was a success. Congrats

Bill..... she actually has two cards showing.  I do leave my picture out because I do mortgages. It shouldn't matter. I might shrink the logo a tad,but keep the rest of what I have, the way I have it. Yes, some can be junky per se. But it just depends.....

Roberta.... so, there you go. Some good comments. 

Jeff

It is really just one card.  I just showed both sides of it. I figured that no matter which way they turned it was a reminder of me.  :)  Like I said to Bill, they have been good to me. :)

Well, mine's the one that is in desperate need of reworking.  It looked so good in my mine's eye a couple of years ago, but it didn't turn out as I'd hoped. 

Bill.... thanks for sharing this.

I agree!  Great Tips!  I need to make a point of properly presenting my cards.  Thanks!  Good luck with your listings

Jaime.......  thanks for stopping by and for the compliments.  But I need to change that link. This individual actually copied these tips from someone else's web page.

I'm using my hubby's card as an example, but here are our cards, front and back.  I'll be doing some tweaking of these, but keeping the main picture, we are getting significant 'association' and second and third looks at our cards because of this picture.

 

Christina....  I love your husband's card. Some what basic, yet refreshing and different.

 

For everyone else.... here is a spin off of this post. I condensed the comments from this post that gave great suggestions and ideas.

 

Business Card tips -- Part 2

Jeff - I'm actually modifying it slightly - our tag line is "come live the lifestyle" - which I will be including on the card with minor changes.  We also run a full page ad in the Coeur d'Alene magazine and what sealed the deal was when a car rental guy chauffeured my hubby and commented "oh you guys are that dream team that has that great photo in the CDA magazine" - let me tell you, that is HUGE.  He associated the two (before we put the pic on the business card).  Branding and name recognition.  We are now merging all of these marketing things and this pic is our brand. It's powerful.

WOW Jeff - there are some really cool cards here!  Here's my "pocket promo":

 

 

Then this is on the back. 

I kept the cards white on purpose because they serve as a great notepad!

Christina...... I like the tag line, it goes well with your picture. Overall, it's great to be recognized by your marketing efforts.  Yes, that is powerful. What's your name?   ;o)

Melissa.....  your pic goes well with your card. Me? personally, a picture on a card for a loan officer?   Mixed opinions about it. Especially when I have too much on there... I don't want to over-do it.

I do like the back of your card. I ask for referrals on the back of mine.....  thanks for sharing this. 

Thanks for the great blog Jeff.  I think business cards are very important.  Here is my card.  I came up with a logo for my business and these are my cards. 

What do you think?  It is laminated and has a water mark on the back with my logo.

I have used a laminated card (thick like a credit card) for years.  The biggest benefit is that people are least likely to throw it away.  I have had clients tell me they carry it in their wallets.  It does fit nicely.  Laminated cards are a must.  And I don't need a photo.  My card is so different from the rest, they will remember who I am.

I have always been skeptical of photos because people make decisions based on how others look.  And I do not want someone to judge me based on my looks.  I want to be judged based on my skills and knowledge.  Not only that, a photo takes up valuable space where I could be sharing information.

My 5 cents.

Karen.....  I think many of us agree in regards to what business cards stand for. I like the card and I love the color and design. Thanks for sharing this and for the compliment.

Carol....  I would love to know a study on what cards get thrown away. Especially those that are laminated. And I do agree that a photo can take up valuable space. I guess the question would be, if you could fit something else important on your card, what would it be. And if so, is it more important than your picture.

You said that your card is so different from the rest. Wish you could share them here with us. And thanks for your feedback on all of this.
 

Jeff, I don't know if your comment about "a study" was meant to be a smart aleck comment or not, but I will assume it was not meant as such.  I never mentioned any study, and don't know of one.  Let us all know if you find one.  I was distinctly speaking of my own experience.  I have been in sales/business for over 25 years and during that time, I, of course, have always had a business card.  And for most of that time, it was a paper card.  When I compare how many people have told me they still have my card and why, there are COUNTLESS more people who have commented about my laminated card and still have it, compared to my previous paper cards.  Do the laminated cards get thrown away?  Of course they do.  Nothing is perfect.  However, my initial comment said "least likely to throw it away." 

I am not trying to convince anyone.  It is an opinion and personal experience I was sharing.  And I believe almost any laminated card will do - the message would not be that important.  The point is that a laminated card is easier to keep track of and much more difficult to get unintentionally soiled and destroyed. 

Let me give you an example.  Just a month ago, I had a guy come to my home to do some painting.  He did a good job and he gave me his card.  A neighbor asked me who did the work and I wanted to recommend the guy.  But I had gotten several quotes and I had about 6 business cards.  I meant to put his info in my computer for future reference, but never got around to it.  For certain, had the guy given me a laminated card, I would know exactly who he was and I could refer him for more business.  My goal is to be certain I stand out from most of my competition and I want to have whatever edge I can.

 

Carol

I agree that content on a business card is important, but if you want to be remembered and as you said,....:Had the guy given me a laminated card......." well, the same could be said if he had had his picture on his card.  One of the best senses we have is sight. His picture would have told you right away.  Pictures that look professional can say a lot. For example, I'm not the best at remembering names but I never forget a face. JMHO.

That's a good point Roberta.  But the guy was painting the outside of m house.  From 30 days ago, I could not pick him out from a lineup.  In fact, 2 cards did have photos.

In addition, I am a business card freak and I leave them everywhere.  Those who may have seen me for 2 minutes OR not seen me at all at least have something about me that stands out - information and a great card.  But most important, I do not want to be judged by my photo.  That is my primary point.  People do judge us by looks, race, clothing, pose, etc. Once someone judges me by looks and closes the door, I've lost.  But if I can get in the door, I usually win because I have a wealth of knowledge to offer.  Frankly,as a Black woman, even in the year 2007, I am still faced with the race issue.  And my many years of experience have told me that I have a much better chance once the client speaks or meets with me.

Roberta, there is another interesting blog on this by Jim Crawford, "Can Real Estate Photos Send the Wrong Message?....."  Someone made the comment that when they posted their photo on their website, responses went down.  They then removed it and responses went back up.

Carol

All points very well taken.  However, for all of the points you have made, and like I said they are all good, my card with my photo has served me well.  I don't  face the problem you have and I am sad to say you are right about the race issue.  It is so sad that you even have to think that way, but I understand what you are saying.  Have a great day! :)

I lot does depend on THE photo.  I agree with you.  Yours is beautiful, probably will not offend 95% of  people, and leaves you a winner.  Wish you well also.

Carol.....  no, it wasn't a smart-aleck remark. Not sure how it would sound as one. It was just a general statement. I am serious on the curiosity part on how many cards get thrown away, not laminated or laminated. I would just be curious to as why more people would keep laminated cards. And wouldn't they be bigger.

I  did make a comment asking you if you could share one of your cards with us. I would appreciate that.  thanks for your feedback and input.

Roberta.....  both good examples....   me?  It also depends on who they are, why I would need their card, and sometimes on how they present their card to me.

Carol.....  I will agree, that you could be judged on your looks. It can suck and doesn't sound fair, but I have seen it. So you make a great point here......  Good Looking People Succeed More Often  

Roberta.....  You have a unique Photo though.... it serves you well because of who you sell to

 

Carol & Roberta...........I wanted to thank both of you for the conversation here....... thanks 

Jeff

You are always so kind and gracious.  I didn't mention that my card too is laminated.  I just thought it would make a better presentation and it helps to keep it clean and easier to save.  I don't want to be that fly in the ointment ,but I think the card should be an adjunct to who you are.  It should serve to just tweak the persons mind about...."Oh yes this is that great person I met at the....."  If you have done your job well the person will remember you always.  Remember, we are the product.

My business card is an important piece of my marketing portfolio.  It helps me brand my name, image, and mug.  Yes.  I want to include a picture because I want people to recognize me.  I hired a design consultant to help with the logo, image, and layout.  I also hired a professional photographer.  I've also found it useful to take a snapshot of the PDF version and create a JPG for use in emails and other pieces.

Not to mention, Roberta, with the clientele that we serve, the card really needs to be something that can be wiped off to stay readable! ;-)

 

Tricia

 

  

Sorry Jeff, perhaps it was because my friend's cat bit my toe at the very moment I read your message. :-)

The written word is subject to interpretation.  Human nature.  Can't avoid it.  Just the way it came across to me.  Seemed you were asking me to prove my point with a survey when I was merely sharing my own personal experience with both cards after using both for many years.

I am away from home and do not have a scanned copy of my biz card on my laptop.  Don't even have one at home.  Never needed it.  But please don't lose sight of my major point - per my experience.  A laminated card is more likely to be remembered and retained regardless of the message.  I have had 3 different versions during the past 8 years and all 3 worked well.  Expensive, but worth every penny.

I am new to this site.  I was already suffering from Internet and information overload.  Suddenly that has grown 75% after joning Active Rain.  Will have to make time over the course of time to explore all it has to offer.  Very interesting, very informative, and most professional.

Roberta.... great point that "we are the product".   And I now might have to look into  laminated cards.

Jay..... nice and pleasant card on the eyes... and the layout. But one important thing... what do you do?  Are you a loan officer because of your license #?  In all honesty, I know who you are because of your link to your name. But how would others know?  Just curious... thanks for sharing this.

Tricia....  good point. If you spill something on it, they usually throw it away. I would...

Carol..... don't worry about it. Seriously..... it's so easy to take some things differently when just written and not able to tell the voice fluctuations. 

But when you do get back, please find a way to include your business card in this post. If not, you could always send me one and I can scan it in for you. 

You should be teaching for NAR.  Teachers make a lot of money, travel, and we all know this industry could use information like this.  Thanks.  Patsy

Patsy...  wow.... thanks for that compliment. Do you have a contact at the NAR?  ;o)   In any case, thanks a lot for stopping by and for the vote of confidence.  But a lot of this was from other members contributing their ideas from lessons learned. I broke all of this down in this post. :  Business Card tips -- Part 2  thanks again

Great Post ..JEFF,

If you have not Read the post  by George Tallas, of Boise ID and his great story about a Lady Realtor in Seattle and how she was very successfull marketing with her business cards... go to George's Blog Is There Marketing 101 Overkill?   AND ENJOY !

Here is my 2007 Business card with my Brand Logo, I also Laminate the Card with a calender for the year on the Back, I mainly give this card to Clients, I too Love seeing everyone's Busiess card, so many nicely done Cards in our industry.

Cheers, have an awesome day!

www.1-victoria-real-estate.com

Fred.....  thanks for the link and your card. But did you read who actually wrote this post?  It wasn't Angela......  but thanks for sharing your input.

 

Whoops...Sorry Jeff.

 it was late last night..or should I say Early in the wee hours! :O)

Cheers, have an awesome day!

www.1-victoria-real-estate.com

Fred... no biggie....  I should have put this after my comment.  ;o)   I hope it didn't come off rude...  I do thank you for your feedback.

Have a Great day JEff...:O)

PS: I Love Referrals

I agree!  Business cards are the easiest, cheapest, and one of the most effective ways to get new business if you share it with everyone...
I have also found that having a picture is helpful when people are trying to remember where they got the card.

Fred... yes, I love referrals also....  ;o)

Marina....   I definitely see the picture on the business card helping the realtor. A loan officer having theirs on there?  I am mixed about this. Besides, I would rather leave the room for some of my information, otherwise it would look too crowded and busy looking.  But you and I... and so many agree that it's a great way to get business from. When networking with others, to hand out a few.  Thanks for your input. 

"The Post that wouldn't Die"  coming to a theator near you! Great job Jeff!

Hey Dena.....  I guess not. I know I learned a lot from this one, in which I did part two....thanks to you.

Okay, so two questions: Whatever happened to Angela? And where is Jeff hiding out these days?

Rich....... I actually spoke to Angela about 3 weeks ago. She got out of the mortgage business back in February for several reasons. One thing that she is doing now is investing and buying apartment complexes.

Me?  Just got burnt out on here for several reasons. But thanks for asking....  hope all is well with you, your family, and your daughter. 

I feel that business cards are the first impression of how our company does business. Sometimes the outrageous cards can make too much light of how important a Realtor is to the home buying process.  We have great business cards that I think top most!:)

Tina...Lets see your card,most of us showed our cards. 

Cheers, love to see your card too. :O)

Tina.... I totally agree. I just received some from a Financial Planner last evening and they were just so-so. Not a big impression, but I can't judge the person always. But it does make some of us pay attention to this. 

So, as Fred mentioned below, how about sharing your  business card with us.  thanks

Fred....  thanks for stopping back in.   I would love to see a lot more cards.

Think this one will live on it's own until it's one year anniversary?

DENA...... well, it has some life from time to time....   and hey, the 1 yr anniversary is less than a month away.  Thanks

Agreed, some business cards should be more classy than others.  I guess it all depends on who our market is, what we're selling, and how we want to be perceived.

Great post. Business cards the ultimate networking tool. Sometimes the oldest technology works the best.

TONY.....  yes, who you market to.  But just in general, they should be firm and crisp... and not cluttered.  Just my opinion.

OurMonmouth...... yes they are. And I think many people over look them. I had another loan officer hand me his business card. I think he was trying to recruit me.  He was also a branch manager and his card was paper thing and cheap looking. I could assume many things... which some of them might be accurate.  thanks for the compliment.

 

Jeff, I was just viewing the most viewed posts of the Realtor Group and yours was one of them.  Congratulations on reaching so many; thanks for the good information; and thanks for prompting so many to share so much.

Thank you so much for your post. We are in process of re-designing our business card and all the comments from others are also very helpful.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Thanks for your post I am contemplating how to make my bussines cards more appealing since I will need to order some more.....  Can't leave home with out them very true statement......

who doesnt have a business card in this business?

Great post and so many very good ideas!  Thanks for sharing!

Jeffrey - I think your business card is too busy.  I think maybe the logo is too big.  There is just something about it - There is no where for your eyes to rest.

The tennis player card looks like it is for a tennis pro - Silly.

I have 3 different cards that I use.  None have my picture. 

 

MIKE....  my pleasure and thanks for those polite comments..

ENRICO...... I am glad that this could help.  I think it's very important, in regards to business cards. I can't tell you how many that hand me a card that is flimsy and weak.  thanks

FRANK....   in 16 years, I have been caught maybe twice ever. Also would carry them in the car.  But if you are a net-worker, they are very important. The worst someone could do is throw away your card.  thanks

ACCESS SAN DIEGO.....  you would be surprised at some just don't.... kind of scary... or, they take a while to get them, when it's extremely cheap to purchase.  thanks

NORMA....  my pleasure and thanks for the compliment.

EDIE.....I appreciate any type of criticism....  and maybe the logo could be a tad smaller.... but the rest of the info, even though some will say not necessary, it's very important contact and marketing info.  How about sharing some of your cards?  Besides, my answer to my card... they want me, not my card....  I want to stand out in my voice,.. my card is my info, not to impress, to woo, to win someone over. My card is very strong in thickness and that is important. Just my .02.  thanks

 

This has been a vey helpful post for me -- thank you.  I'm getting my card redone, so it has been great to read all thse great opinions.  I'm opting for no photo -- our logo only -- if I was really cute maybe I'd change my mind, but I want people to remember by service, not necessarily my face! 

I agree - it you don't have a business card, how can you quickly and instantly promote yourself. This little piece of paper holds so much valuable information. I am a keeper of cards myself - once I have someones card, it goes into my file and there are many times that I refer back to it, even if it's years later. They are probably the best marketing tool of all!

Wow, what a post about business cards. One thing that can always be addes is a House Portrait on cards, check out more information at

www.joeldavidabramson.com  Also as a graphic designer I can create that special card with the special ilustration. House Portraits make a

great Holiday Gift. Write to 55joelsart@comcast.net for more information.

 

MARGARET......  my pleasure... and I would love for you to come back and to share your previous card with your new business card.  thanks

SUSAN.... not only does it hold very valuable information, but it's the cheapest form of advertising that you could possibly do.  Thanks for the feedback...

JOEL.....  thanks for stopping by...

 

What a great post and comments .... a lot of great ideas and feedback. 

I always have business cards in the car with me, so I can leave them just about anywhere. 

Jeff,

I always, always have business cards with me...in fact I'm often asked for them. (it's important to always network...in the fashion you share with us, of course) I am very old school when it comes to business cards. I am accused of keeping them in my Rolodex...(ahem...yes, I still have one of those)...it's always at the ready...They ask me here in the office, "don't you feel they take up too much space, just store their information all electronically" Well, I suppose I could do that, however as with Angela's business card, some of them have pictures...and I know those people...it's as if I'm throwing THEM away in the trash...make any sense? I keep them & they're not in my way...and I DO discard the ones that are no longer in business...duh! lol (makes you want to go ahead and get your photo on your cards now doesn't it?) good thinking...

Jeff,

I always, always have business cards with me...in fact I'm often asked for them. (it's important to always network...in the fashion you share with us, of course) I am very old school when it comes to business cards. I am accused of keeping them in my Rolodex...(ahem...yes, I still have one of those)...it's always at the ready...They ask me here in the office, "don't you feel they take up too much space, just store their information all electronically" Well, I suppose I could do that, however as with Angela's business card, some of them have pictures...and I know those people...it's as if I'm throwing THEM away in the trash...make any sense? I keep them & they're not in my way...and I DO discard the ones that are no longer in business...duh! lol (makes you want to go ahead and get your photo on your cards now doesn't it?) good thinking...

 

WATSON.......  thank you very much. yes, I thought there were a lot of great ideas in this one. thanks again.

CHRIS & JENITA...... . I think I have been found without my cards maybe 3 times ever in the last 15 years or so....  I always make an effort to have them with my money and cards... thanks

REBECCA....... .  yes, I think it makes sense. Especially for the fact that a roledex is very small to begin with. I would keep them as paper and electronically.  And yes, as I mentioned to Chris above, I always keep them with me... my business cards that is.  thanks for the feedback.

 

Jeff, This has been a great blog, I thought I was the only one who still used a roledex. It seems the easiest way to remember someones name is to have there picture on a business card, this way when you have a few extra minutes a day you just flip through.  

I have my business cards everywhere. In my wallet, car, purse, breifcase. You never know where or when someones going to ask for them.  To go through a ton of them is a good thing.

 

MARIE..... . I agree, I think a picture helps to remember a name. I guess it depends on how your card is set up, because a picture could clutter up your card also.  And thanks for the compliment...

TERRI...... .  I would agree, going through them quickly is a good thing.... many use to think if you left them everywhere, that it was a waste of money. But think about it... it's one of the cheapest forms of advertising...  thanks

 

Some great cards here...makes you begin to think....thanks!

Lori Cofer, Beasley Realty

I love seeing eveyone elses cards- great idea.

 

I really like the idea to put "search www for all the area" homes on the back of the card- I may just try that

I also made stickers out of my business cards and attach them to literature I give to clients, even maps.

Interesting post Jeff. I focused a lot on my card itself. However, I have not really paid attention to how I present my card itself.