Business Cards - Don't Be Fooled.

**UncleSamsPrinting.com** · 06-22-2009, 09:33 AM

All over the internet are offers of "free business cards" --BEWARE! Usually these offers come "laced" with hidden fees, surprise up-charges, and outrageous shipping and handling charges -- not to mention, they're usually for lower quality, 12pt. paper. (Some companies even require that their name be printed on the card for branding purposes.)

For many real estate agents, the first thing your prospects see ISN'T your years of experience, your reputation for quality service or the fact that everything you touch "turns to sold" -- the first thing they see is often your BUSINESS CARD!

Your business card is direct reflection of you and your business. It's a prospect's first impression of you -- and a shoddy, flimsy, business card that looks like it was printed off the internet using some do-it-yourself interface and a bunch of free clip art, just doesn't exactly exude quality or professionalism. Instead it whispers, "cheap."

Chances are that flimsy, cheap-looking business card will end up right where it belongs... in your prospect's trash can.

On the other hand, a high quality, professionally-designed business card -- be it glossy or matte finish on a heavy, 14pt or 16pt cardstock -- looks, feels, and screams, "Professional!"

The old saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" is true even with real estate agents. And often times that business card is your first impression. Don't blow it because you want to save a few bucks.

Think it through. Have it professionally designed by a real designer -- don't rely on some do-it-yourself software (You're a salesperson, not a graphic designer -- would you rely on a graphic designer to sell you a home?) then have it professionally printed, by a real printing company on the best paper money can buy, using million-dollar equipment, not a $120 inkjet printer that came free with a laptop.

And don't stop with your business cards... the same goes for your yard signs, postcards, brochures and everything else you use to market yourself.

That's my two cents, anyway.

**sandy** · 07-03-2009, 10:12 PM

I agree that your business card makes an impression with your clients. It should be professionally mind so that the message you send to your clients is that you are who you say you are -- an expert and a professional. However, I believe that we can also project this image even if we make our business cards ourselves. With the right material, and advice on it layout, I'd really think I can do away with the expense of letting someone else make my cards.

**swilson** · 08-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Your business card should really be a reminder of who you were. Sometimes potential clients are meeting with dozens of real estate agents in one day and they aren't going to remember who was who by someone's business card unless there is something on the business card that when they see it they instantly remember something you said. Creative and professional business cards are a must!

**realboy0** · 09-07-2009, 08:34 PM

The information written in a business card must be true and exist otherwise, the people receive this and discover it's not true will no longer believe in you... you know what happen next..