How many different business card designs do you have for your direct sales business? Do you have one for recruiting, one for sales, one for bookings/hosts and one to get referrals? Or do you have a one-size-fits-all generic business card for all purposes, for all markets?
Consider a pair of pants. You could get a one-size-fits-all pair of stretchy black pants. You could wear them to work, to the gym and to the night club. It could work. Or would you rather have a well fitted navy trouser for work; grey shorts for the gym; and a pair of skinny jeans for the club? The latter would likely be more suitable for those particular events; would you agree?
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
So then why do so many direct sellers have a one-size-fits-all business card? Moreover, typically that one design business card contains only the vitals: consultant name, company identity, phone number, web site, email and possibly mailing address, minus any pizzazz. Yet many of these direct sales companies are three-pronged: buy products, host a party or become a consultant, right?
It would greatly benefit you to have at least three separate business cards – each focusing on a different aspect of the business. Your “Buy” business cards could focus on the number of candle scents (or purses or jewelry items) available or special offers. Create a “Host” business card which highlights the host benefits for those who open up their homes to their friends for a demonstration. You could also develop a “Join” business card design which alerts the recipient to reasons why owning her own candle (makeup, jewelry, kitchenware) business may be just what she’s been looking for. Lastly don’t overlook at card designed for repeat customers or to obtain referrals.
Don’t know which purpose would be appropriate?
If you’re not sure which business card to give, then don’t bother to give someone your business card at all if you don’t have the slightest idea if she is looking to purchase a gift, earn free product or start a business. Prospecting takes a two-way conversation, a dialogue. Prospecting is defined as the search for potential customers or buyers. It means you’re taking the time to find a need and then determine if you can meet that need with your products, services or opportunities.
Target Markets
Another reason to have multiple business cards is to target specific markets. If you decide to do a sample mailing to home day care providers, you may want to encourage the ease of working from their home (because you already know they are home and may need additional income). Likewise, attach your “Host” card to the receipt or thank you notice on customer orders. You already know they’re interested in the product, most hosts will be previous customers.
Sure you could wear your black stretchy pants (or use one generic business card). However if you’re Running Your Business Like A Business (RYBLAB) then it’s more appropriate to target your marketing collateral with multiple business cards.
About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a Michigan work from home mom and a Superstar Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. She enjoys helping men and women start and maintain a home based business in the US, Canada, Poland, Australia, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland and the UK. To download a FREE Start Up Guide which provides more details about how to start a home business as well as to learn about our compensation plan go to www.thrivingcandlebusiness.com/how-to-start-a-candle-business/ or for updates on Facebook LIKE www.facebook.com/ThrivingCandleBusiness and twitter @thrivingcandle
I have NEVER thought of having multiple business cards…makes a lot of sense though.
Great idea that is applicable to service businesses too.
One thing though, if including a photo of yourself on any business cards or stationery make sure it is updated at least every 1-2 years. On 2 separate occasions my husband and I went to meet with realtors and each was unrecognizable because they used a photo of themselves that appeared to be 10 to 15 years or more younger than themselves and it was somewhat revolting because it implied a certain level of vanity.
Thanks for sharing your tips, this is a well done website that I have bookmarked for reference.
I hadn’t thought about having different business cards for different occasions. That’s a pretty cool idea I’m going to go design some new business cards now.
Wow, I never would have thought that a business could make multiple business cars for multiple reasons. My brother just started his own business, and he wants to make sure he markets his business as much as possible. I definitely think that making some of these cards could definitely do that. Thanks a ton for sharing this with me! I\’ll make sure I show this to him right away so he can begin working on it. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for sharing! I think this is a great idea and it is so important to always keep your target market in mind while designing your business card.