Thanks Steve, As a Realtor, I love it when other professionals have cards ready for me if I ask.  We should do the same and always be available.  You never know where the next client will come from.

Steve, I couldn't agree more.  I have a supply of business cards in my pocket, my car, my home office, and my CB office and pass them out at every opportunity.

Jen, thank you. It is nice to hear that. I'd be happy to do business with you.

S. Lizik ~ www.lizik.com

Steve, if you do that consistently, I know you consistently create business. If an agent just did nothing about prospecting except finding 10 people a day to give a card to, they'd create business. Statisically 1 in 10 people are going to move or buy this year!!! There ARE opportunities, but you do have to go look for them!

My former manager has ALWAYS said if you have no cards you are out of business.

Steve, good point.  I went to a Christmas Party today for a builder in town.  I put cards in my pocket before I walked in the door.  I am getting ready to get new ones printed and will be handing those out with great enthusiasm shortly.

I just bought another 5000 and that is about one years worth . They do very little good in a desk drawer. Thanks.

I agree the business card is the most effective way to communicate so much that is vital today and opens a gateway for further communications eg telephone, website, address, company and brand recognition.

I am bad about not always having my business cards ready. Looks like you sell real estate in my home town. Are you getting any snow?

I always make sure to have some in my car and my purse. There is nothing worse than someone asking for it and not having one.

Hi Steve - great point about always having cards at the ready.  I love your 'return the favor'..... I think I'll adopt that line myself.  Thanks for sharing that tip!

I just got some new little mini-cards for promoting my new blog - they came in today's mail and I can't wait to start giving them out.

Ann

There is nothing worse than when you ask someone for a card and they cannot find one. I always have a bunch on hand and yes (2) extra boxes at all times on my desk

Phyllis Pafumi

I just ordered a new batch this morning.  They feature my website in bold print.  I plan on handing them all out by March.

I've got to get new ones and have always had mine on me.  I also like to have my picture on it, just like realtors, it helps build the relationship and white space doesn't sell anything. 

Steve, excellent point.  It is all about getting a business card into the hands of the potential client.

Yes, having business cards ready to give to others is so important. I sometimes laugh at myself for how "handy" mine are. I usually keep them in my pocket (if I'm wearing a jacket) or in special compartment in my purse.

I have business cards everywhere.  I have some in my purse, in my glasses case, in my brief case  etc etc.  I try to have at least 5-10 in my purse (depending on size of purse)  I try to hand out at least 2-3 cards per event.

Excellent post, Steve.  Our best form of marketing is face to face.  I believe in putting my face in front of potential clients as much as possible and leaving a business card in their hand so that my face stays in front of them.  I have learned the hard way to keep them on me at all times.

You never know when someone would ask for a card! Just the other day while I was at kinko's printing up this year's holiday cards, the gentleman next to me, poke his head in and asked " are you a home stager? If so, can I get your card?" Luckily I have one in my pocket!

Cheers,

Cindy 

You never know when you will meet someone so having cards all the time is a must.

This is my first year send out seasonal cards to my pass client. I hope it would be a great experience; nevertheless, I do want to wish my clients a wonderful holiday.

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Thanks for the advice. I will do this.

"Please take my card. I am a full time Realtor and I'd appreciate your business. If you are not in the market for a Realtor's services right now, I'd appreciate if you would pass my name on to somebody you know. If you have a card and I have the opportunity to refer business to you, I'm happy to return the favor."

A good reminder for all of us.  Not only to be ready with a business card, but to ask for referrals!

Hi Steve,

I think a buesiness card has to stand out to be effective, so we have custom cards. We also have an area on back that says that we work by referral and do get calls from that.

I just found a great organizational site and have sent all of my cards out this year in one foul swoop....amazing....and so much time has been saved by us and our assistant. I have also set everyone up on a monthly campaign. Check it out

www.sendoutcards.com/3406

Steve- I've tucked a few cards in each tote, exercise bag, car, purse and coat pocket so I will never be caught without a card.  I've given mine out in the most surprising places--at the beach, to a clerk while shopping and at the car wash.  We represent our business wherever we are.

I like the appreoach about swapping leads. It makes it not look so self-serving, but mutual.

I always carry my cards everywhere I go and try to hand out at least a few every day.  I like your comment line!

Good ideas on business cards. Pass them around. I always have some with me.

Hi Steve.  You look so familiar, but I don't know if it's just your friendly face or if we've actually met!?!  I have had fun designing my business cards over at The Minute Man Press here in Winchester and my most recent order of 1,000 is split between my car, purse, office and my husband's wallet!  Of course, it's dotted all over town at various places where people leave cards, but that strategy hasn't brought forth any leads yet.  Best,

Cards cards cards,  I send them, I admit it, I have 4000 business cards left in my closet, well actually I am not sure on that, close to that number.

Steve,

I agree with you 100%. I carry my business cards with me even if I am not dressed for work. My wife also carries some with her in case I run out. It really is good to have all of that information at hand. Thanks for reminding others, and myself, just how important they really are.