Business owners and marketing professionals frequently stay abreast of upcoming changes to their particular industries in an effort to grow and promote their businesses. Becoming a savvy investor or business leader requires this type of proactive thinking, advance planning, and a balanced approach. While some online marketers prefer to use the internet as their primary means of communicating with potential customers, advertising experts will quickly point out that successful attempts to gather consumers require more than just an online presence. Personally attending functions, networking, and handing out business cards are still among the most effective marketing strategies available.
Business cards have come a long way since their first use as trade or announcement cards in Europe during the 17th century. Although they were largely used as a political move to create interest in communities and create an illusion of extravagance for the royal families during this time, calling cards quickly gained in popularity. They were effective ways to make a lasting impression on passersby and efficiently conveyed information in a memorable way. Business cards in their early years were typically hand written calligraphy on specially designed parchment scrolls.
Of course business cards became smaller and less dramatic over the years but with the advent of technology new forms and variations, such as tent cards, became extremely popular ways of introducing a business or enterprise. This unique style offers a new and innovative method of providing just the right amount of information about a business to a potential customer or client. They provide many benefits over traditional business cards but can still be customized in many of the same ways such as using multiple colors, matte or glossy finishes, and raised lettering. Some businesses such as photographers, videographers, artists, and graphic designers often choose to add a unique sample of their work to the business cards.
Another benefit to the tent style business cards is that they can be spotted from a relatively far distance. This makes them easy to spot during industry trade shows, campus promotional events, and job fairs. Having an eye-catching design with bright colors or a captivating photo will draw in even larger crowds. The inside of the business cards can be used to display company contact information, a sample of services provided, a list of inventory products, and even pricing information. Ministry and mental health professionals may choose to add a special inspirational scripture or message to the inside fold that will encourage potential clients.
There are many different ways to customize these beneficial business card options so entrepreneurs and advertising professionals are only limited by their own imaginations. Business cards are easy to distribute, relatively inexpensive, and do not require much thought or effort to handout during impromptu meetings. Using the folding style cards allows business owners to convey twice the amount of relevant information that a normal style card permits. Doubling the amount of opportunity to send a message is also likely to double the amount of business that each card potentially represents in the form of new business.