5 Ways to Use Business Cards

Business cards are incredibly important. Entrepreneur considers business cards one of the most valuable tools a business can use to increase referrals. However, not everyone uses them to their full potential. If you're only handing out business cards when you're in your office, that's a serious sign that you're underutilizing them. Not sure how to ramp up your business card usage? Here are a few tips and trick that you can use to make sure your card ends up in someone's hands – and stays there:

1. Always Have Them
One of the biggest business card mistakes you can make is never having your business cards around. Your cards are useless if they sit in a box on your desk forever. Keep them in your purse or briefcase, and slip a few into your wallet in case you need one when traveling light. Opportunities to network can sneak up on you, so stay prepared. 

2. Leave Them Around
Strategically, that is. Think about the kinds of businesses your customers might frequent, and see if you can leave a stack of cards there. It may also be worth it to see if that business has cards you can distribute to your customers in return. Building relationships with local businesses can open up opportunities for referrals and even partnerships down the line. 

3. Use the Mail
Any time you're sending out mail for your business, include a business card. Often you will work with people you never see in person: Mail gives you a chance to get those people your card despite this. Don't be shy about adding a few extra cards that they can pass around to people as well. 

If you're sending out personal correspondence where you think a business card is appropriate, you can do that, too. For example, if you're writing a letter to a former professor to catch him or her up on your career, a business card makes a great addition.

4. Make Your Friends and Family Ambassadors
Picture it: Your brother is at a business event. Someone mentions that their company needs someone to redesign their office, and your brother lights up, saying, "My sister's actually just started her own corporate design business, and she's done a lot of great stuff." His new acquaintance is interested, but your brother doesn't quite remember your email address. He gives the person your name, and they promise to look you up, but before they leave the room they've forgotten. 

Now picture the exact same situation, but in this version, your brother has one of your business cards. Your social network is a valuable asset, so don't overlook it.

5. Make People Feel Special
Don't be shy about writing on your business cards to give them a personal touch. If you add a little bit of information to the card, the person receiving it is going to be a lot more likely to keep it and use it. For example, if your business cards have a general company phone number or email address on them, you can personalize that information for your recipient. You can also use business cards to write short thank-you notes or other personal messages that people are likely to appreciate.