I have three
objectives when entering my favorite warehouse club:
1) Get in,
2) Get my stuff, and
3) Get out.
Standing on long store
lines isn’t on my favorites’ list, so I shop early and quickly to
make best use of my day.
One morning, I broke
my own rule, and at the same time made a profit.
Aside from my
on-the-spot presentation, one item helped to secure an unexpected
sale -- my business card.
A husband and wife
were looking at the club’s gift baskets, trying to decide which of
two was the better choice.
Both baskets contained items that the
recipient liked, while other products within each basket weren’t
preferred.
I stood close,
inspecting a different basket. The wife glanced at me, and I took
that opportunity to share my opinion.
We exchanged our
thoughts, and I informed her about my gift basket business. I added
that if she had a couple of days to spare before giving the gift, I
could create a custom gift basket that the recipient would cherish.
The couple was
interested, so I took the next step. I retrieved a business card
holder from my pocketbook and presented a crisp, clean card. They
were impressed as I told them about other individuals and businesses
that have purchased my baskets.
This information was
not to brag, but to inform them about my expertise and to make a
lasting impression while giving my business card. I offered to call
them, and the wife gave me their phone number. The next day, I had a
sale.
Do you carry your
business cards when shopping, vacationing, or running errands?
Your next sale may be
right around the corner -- at the beauty salon, the launderette, or
while standing on line at a bank.
Business won’t come looking for
you, and that’s why carrying your business cards is a must.
Purchase several card
holders to place inside your favorite purses and bags. Business card
holders keep your cards clean and flat.
This small investment is
better than the alternative -- distributing business cards that are
dingy and stained. That’s not the impression you want to give a
potential customer.
Inspect your business
cards.
-
Do you provide
details that a prospect need to know about your gift baskets?
-
Is the contact
information up to date?
-
Are your Web site
and Email addresses listed?
Avoid passing out
cards with cross outs and other changes made in pen. Again, that’s
not the type of impression you want to leave with clients and
prospects. Business cards are inexpensive. When your information
changes, order new cards.
Consider ordering two
or three types of business cards with wording that appeals to
different clients. For example, one card can be for individuals,
while another is given to corporate buyers.
Another idea is to use
a foldover (also known as two-sided) business card as well as a
regular card. Many businesspeople carry more than one type of card.
A gift basket designer’s needs are no different.
Review your business card, make changes and, if necessary, have new
cards printed to reflect your creative enterprise. Now you’ll always
be ready to make a sale, especially if you’re a club hopper like me.
You'll find more help to choose the right business cards in
this SoloBusinessMarketing.com article.
