Business Cards - Part 1
This week, I will be sharing thoughts on business cards. Since part of what I do is train people how to network, I thought I would cover some points on business cards, what to put on them, how to use them, when to use them, etc.
If you are in business, having a business card is an absolute MUST! If you are not in business having a business card can be a real asset. Sharing a personal card can avoid errors in e-mail addresses and the misspelling of names, streets and towns.
One question that seems to come up is - what should my card look like?
If you are not in business, it is okay to go with business cards you print from your home inkjet or laser jet printer.
If you are in business, your card should look as professional as you want your own business to look.
Understandably, if your business requires you to use a template to maintain uniformity within the company - your options are very limited.
However, if you are the decision maker of what your card should look like then there are several things you need to consider:
* Should my card have a photo of me?
* Should I use a standard piece of clip art?
* What colors should I use?
* Should I include my physical address?
* Should I include my web site?
* Should I include my business phone, cell phone, fax, and voicemail?
Drawing on my experience from having several businesses over the last 30+ years as well as experience in selling advertising - let me share some thoughts.....
The less cluttered the better. Yes, I know your business sells tires, changes brakes, does inspections and emission testing, body and fender repair, engine repair, tune ups and detailing - but that all does not have to be listed on your business card.
If you do not have a professional looking photo - don't include a picture on your card. Although fluffy the poodle is cute, she does not belong on your business card unless you are a dog groomer.
In advertising - and that is what your business card is - you want your card to stand out. Something on it needs to be different. When a client or potential customer is leafing through a stack of business cards - you want yours to be eye catching. Your card should have something that stands out in a glance.
Catchy phrases are cute - but limit them to 8 words or less. One roadside barbecue stand advertises "Good food is not cheap - cheap food is not good." Brilliant! That says so much. The food is good. But don't look for a dollar menu.
Listing too many phone numbers can be overkill. Realtors are famous for showing 4, 5 and 6 phone numbers on their business cards.
Corporate logos. Be sure to have permission to show their logo on your card. Unless the corporation you're are listing on your business card is paying to offset your printing costs, I would suggest not using it. If you are a realtor who is part of Century 21, then by all means use that logo. However, if you are a HVAC person there is no need to list TRANE, LENNOX, etc. on your card. I would suggest it on your truck or office. An exception is if you only work on Whirlpool appliances then that needs to appear on your card.
Hours of operation. If your business is 24 hours - then share that info. If you business is a storefront that has specific hours, list the hours on the back of the business card. If you are in an appointment only business - state that on your card.
Font and style. Too small of a font size and / or too swirly of a font may make it difficult for a customer or potential customer to read. That can and will work against you.
Odd shaped business cards. Sure they are catchy, but in a stack of other cards or in a business card holder they can be a nuisance.
Color. If your business has a color scheme - stay with that color scheme. If you are using a blue piece of clip art on your card, go with the same color print or a color that accents the clip art color.
Horizontal cards vs. vertical cards. Personally, I think vertical cards limit the length of a line too much to be effective.
Business card magnets. Well, they have a purpose if you are a pizza shop or a furnace repair person. But, for they average business - they are a nuisance. Their thickness makes them impractical for a business card holder. Plus, they are magnetic - which if placed against a debit / credit or bonus card can cancel out the debit / credit or shopper card.
Photos - other than a personal picture. If you are known for your blue building, stay with that theme. A word of caution, when using color photographs. They are catchy and stand out - but - the print may be hard to read.
If you have an Internet business or a business that does not get walk in trade - there is no need to list your home address. The exception is if your clients must mail payments or information to you and you do not have a Post Office box.
Next week, I will discuss the Where, When and How of business cards.
I hope this has been a help.
Feel free to e-mail me through my web site with any thoughts or questions.
Have a great week
Ron
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Punctual and Prepared
Punctual and Prepared
I have chosen this topic because I am – shall we say – anal about being punctual and being prepared. Often I have joked with my family that it’s a family tradition, when we go to a wedding we arrive in time to help put the top on the cake. In other words, we show up ultra-early.
I always allow plenty of time to get to appointments. I am proud to say that IF I am late for an appointment or somewhere I have committed to be – and I am NOT there – check with the hospital – because THAT is where I probably will be.
One of my mentors – John C Maxwell, taught me that when people do not respect your time - they don’t respect you. Boy, is that ever true.
Recently, I was at a symposium held by Junior Achievement. One of the points that was stressed about a job interview is to arrive on time.
Being on time shows a lot about who you are as a person and how well organized you are. The high school juniors were told during the J A Symposium that 15 minutes early is the appropriate time to arrive for any appointment.
And, when you arrive at your appointment – whether it is at a coffee shop, an office, a luncheon or at a doctor’s office……be prepared. I always have a tablet and 2 pens ready – because I enter every room asking myself, “What can I learn from this experience?” I also have with me any important documents that are pertinent to the meeting.
Why a paper and pen? First, you cannot always rely on memory, there are too many things happening in a day to remember things. Secondly, if I do forget, I can just refer to my notes rather than stress and strain to recall what was said. This holds true for me whether I am meeting with a business client, at my doctor’s office, or even if I am doing Prison Ministry. Some of the greatest pieces of wisdom and scripture have been shared by a person who is doing time.
I enter every meeting with the mind of a student – even if I am the one leading the group.
Whether the meeting is scheduled to last 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes – I am prepared. I have my questions ready. I have the necessary references ready. And, I have (get this) a book to read – just in case I am a bit too early.
Notice, I deliberately stopped at 90 minutes. No meeting should ever be more than 90 minutes! I learned years ago that the brain can only absorb as long as the butt can endure. Marathon meetings don’t work, they tend to be counter-productive and are extremely exhausting. Years ago, I sat on church council meetings that would go from 7PM to 11PM (or later). Several on council used to take the day after a church council meeting off from their job because they were too drained to function at full capacity.
Why do I carry along a book to read? Again, I must refer back to the teaching of John C. Maxwell. Always have a book to read. In those little pockets of time – 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there – a person can read a book or two a month. And, I can do it without taking any time away from my business, my family or our charity.
And here is a bonus tip……….. If you have back to back appointments, schedule them at the same restaurant or coffee house. If person A arrives a little early – introduce them to person B. Then you know what you should do?
Leave them alone – excuse yourself and go to the washroom. Why? This allows person A to talk to person B about you. Believe me you cannot promote yourself to another person as well as a third party can. So, allow that to happen.
One final thought……………… If you are using a coffee shop, restaurant, or diner – be sure to leave a nice tip and thank the server (or manager) for allowing you to conduct business at their establishment.
Feel free to e-mail me your thoughts on this week’s topic.
Have a great week.
Ron
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Approval
Approval
Last week, we took a look at Anger. This week, we will be exploring Approval. This blog comes about after I was one of the workers at a Men’s Conference. While serving at the conference, I noticed a common thread among the men I met with in a private setting. Almost every man was struggling with anger. And, almost every man was looking for approval from his father or grandfather.
I guess what impacted me the most with the men I met with was that many of them were my age or older. They were seeking approval from their fathers and grandfathers. As they shared their story with me, my mind wandered how many of those men’s fathers and grandfathers were no longer alive.
In other words, these men were living their lives out every day just waiting for approval from a person who was no longer alive. Yes, to put it another way, they were seeking approval from a dead guy.
We all want the same basic things: to know that we matter; to know what we are doing really counts; to have someone tell us that we are appreciated.
A recent survey stated that many people would rather have a “pat on the back” or an “atta boy” or the boss tell them “great job” than they would a raise.
Ask yourself, how long has it been since you shared a compliment? How long has it been since YOU let someone know they mattered, or what they were doing counted in the grand scheme of things?
BUT, you may say I thought this was about ME. Well, yes, in some ways it is.
In the book Balcony People, readers are told by the author that they need cheerleaders….people who will stand in the balcony of life and cheer them on.
Getting back to the “is this about them or me” piece? I suggest reading The Go Giver by my coach, friend, mentor and business associate Bob Burg and John David Mann.
In order to receive you must be willing to give. Yes you read that correctly.
That’s how it works – you want to be appreciated and get approval? Then appreciate and give approval to enough people – and you will have what you want.
While you are at it – watch this great video. It describes what I am saying in a much better way than I could put it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Last week, we took a look at Anger. This week, we will be exploring Approval. This blog comes about after I was one of the workers at a Men’s Conference. While serving at the conference, I noticed a common thread among the men I met with in a private setting. Almost every man was struggling with anger. And, almost every man was looking for approval from his father or grandfather.
I guess what impacted me the most with the men I met with was that many of them were my age or older. They were seeking approval from their fathers and grandfathers. As they shared their story with me, my mind wandered how many of those men’s fathers and grandfathers were no longer alive.
In other words, these men were living their lives out every day just waiting for approval from a person who was no longer alive. Yes, to put it another way, they were seeking approval from a dead guy.
We all want the same basic things: to know that we matter; to know what we are doing really counts; to have someone tell us that we are appreciated.
A recent survey stated that many people would rather have a “pat on the back” or an “atta boy” or the boss tell them “great job” than they would a raise.
Ask yourself, how long has it been since you shared a compliment? How long has it been since YOU let someone know they mattered, or what they were doing counted in the grand scheme of things?
BUT, you may say I thought this was about ME. Well, yes, in some ways it is.
In the book Balcony People, readers are told by the author that they need cheerleaders….people who will stand in the balcony of life and cheer them on.
Getting back to the “is this about them or me” piece? I suggest reading The Go Giver by my coach, friend, mentor and business associate Bob Burg and John David Mann.
In order to receive you must be willing to give. Yes you read that correctly.
That’s how it works – you want to be appreciated and get approval? Then appreciate and give approval to enough people – and you will have what you want.
While you are at it – watch this great video. It describes what I am saying in a much better way than I could put it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Anger
Anger
Some time ago, I was one of the workers at a Men’s Conference. While serving at the conference, I noticed a common thread among the men I met with in a private setting. Almost every man was struggling with anger. And, almost every man was looking for approval from his father or grandfather.
Over the next two weeks I will take a look at these two elements.
How do I know that I have an issue with anger? There are three symptoms of Anger.
One must ask oneself if they have a low boiling point. Are you like a time bomb just waiting for the slightest opportunity to explode? If so, odds are you may have an issue with anger.
One must also ask themselves if they are high strung – constantly in a state of stress……even when there is nothing to be stressful about. If so – you may have an anger issue that needs attention.
One must ask oneself – honestly – am I the type of person who seeks revenge for the smallest thing that happens? Do I take everything as though it was personally done to me? If so, again, you may need to take a closer look at an anger issue.
So, why do people get angry? Why do I get angry?
Often people get angry because they feel their rights have been violated. They feel they received the short end of the stick or did not get what they justly deserved.
Many people walk around like a Tasmanian Devil because they are disappointed with where they are in life. At some point, they woke up and say, “This is it? This is what I have worked so hard for?” Their severe disappointment turns to anger rather than using that disappointment to fuel them to reach higher.
Many people get angry because they have missed the goals they had set for themselves. If this is the case, one must look back and ask if that goal was attainable. Being 5’4” tall and expecting to be a starting center in the NBA is a goal that is nearly impossible to hit. Other times when a goal is missed, rather than look inwardly at what needs to change and improve – people turn to anger, blaming others.
Anger comes from allowing everything in life to be an irritation. These people walk around like they are covered in poison ivy – just waiting for a reason to scratch. When they scratch, the ivy spreads or tears the skin open creating a wound that takes a long time to heal.
Anger also erupts when people feel they are misunderstood. In this instance, frustration festers into the feeling that no one knows what I am feeling. Loneliness kicks in as an accelerant and anger is the match that strikes the fire.
Some folks set expectations that they know they cannot attain. They overload their planners and schedules with tasks and assignments. They set goals way too high. They want more than friends and relatives can deliver. And, they want more from themselves than they are capable of delivering on. This ignites the powder keg.
Lastly, we must also consider that there may be medical and / or psychological issues going on – in which case a professional should be introduced into the situation.
So, how do we deal with issues of our own anger?
First, recognize that there is a something greater than you. Then – pray.
Secondly be humble enough to recognize that there is a problem and be willing to yield your rights. Put the focus on someone other than you.
Use your emotions to be a motivator rather than an excuse to lash out.
Lastly learn to respond to situations rather than reacting to them. Animals react to situations. Humans have minds to stop for a second – think it through – then respond.
Some time ago, I was one of the workers at a Men’s Conference. While serving at the conference, I noticed a common thread among the men I met with in a private setting. Almost every man was struggling with anger. And, almost every man was looking for approval from his father or grandfather.
Over the next two weeks I will take a look at these two elements.
How do I know that I have an issue with anger? There are three symptoms of Anger.
One must ask oneself if they have a low boiling point. Are you like a time bomb just waiting for the slightest opportunity to explode? If so, odds are you may have an issue with anger.
One must also ask themselves if they are high strung – constantly in a state of stress……even when there is nothing to be stressful about. If so – you may have an anger issue that needs attention.
One must ask oneself – honestly – am I the type of person who seeks revenge for the smallest thing that happens? Do I take everything as though it was personally done to me? If so, again, you may need to take a closer look at an anger issue.
So, why do people get angry? Why do I get angry?
Often people get angry because they feel their rights have been violated. They feel they received the short end of the stick or did not get what they justly deserved.
Many people walk around like a Tasmanian Devil because they are disappointed with where they are in life. At some point, they woke up and say, “This is it? This is what I have worked so hard for?” Their severe disappointment turns to anger rather than using that disappointment to fuel them to reach higher.
Many people get angry because they have missed the goals they had set for themselves. If this is the case, one must look back and ask if that goal was attainable. Being 5’4” tall and expecting to be a starting center in the NBA is a goal that is nearly impossible to hit. Other times when a goal is missed, rather than look inwardly at what needs to change and improve – people turn to anger, blaming others.
Anger comes from allowing everything in life to be an irritation. These people walk around like they are covered in poison ivy – just waiting for a reason to scratch. When they scratch, the ivy spreads or tears the skin open creating a wound that takes a long time to heal.
Anger also erupts when people feel they are misunderstood. In this instance, frustration festers into the feeling that no one knows what I am feeling. Loneliness kicks in as an accelerant and anger is the match that strikes the fire.
Some folks set expectations that they know they cannot attain. They overload their planners and schedules with tasks and assignments. They set goals way too high. They want more than friends and relatives can deliver. And, they want more from themselves than they are capable of delivering on. This ignites the powder keg.
Lastly, we must also consider that there may be medical and / or psychological issues going on – in which case a professional should be introduced into the situation.
So, how do we deal with issues of our own anger?
First, recognize that there is a something greater than you. Then – pray.
Secondly be humble enough to recognize that there is a problem and be willing to yield your rights. Put the focus on someone other than you.
Use your emotions to be a motivator rather than an excuse to lash out.
Lastly learn to respond to situations rather than reacting to them. Animals react to situations. Humans have minds to stop for a second – think it through – then respond.
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