What Do You Do With People’s Business Cards?
When you receive a business card, what do you do with it? It's easy to let them gather dust in a drawer or throw them away. However, business cards can be much more than just a means of collecting contact information. Here are 13 creative and unique ways to use them.
Traditional Uses
1. The Appointment Card: One of the most traditional uses for business cards is as an appointment reminder. Writing down the meeting details on the back ensures you won't forget the date or time.
2. The Bag Stuffer: Useful for keeping receipts, coupons, or small items, business cards can add an extra layer of organization to your bag.
Unique and Innovative Uses
1. The Referral Card: Encourage friends, family, or colleagues to pass your card along. It can increase the number of people you network with.
2. The Coupon or Discount Code: Save them for future discounts or promotions by companies you interact with.
3. Raffle Cards: If you frequently attend events, use your business cards to increase your chances of winning prizes. Simply write down the details and enter them in raffles.
4. Information Cards: Save important information such as dates, addresses, or notes about encounters with business contacts.
5. The Event Ticket: In the absence of tickets, use business cards to keep track of event attendance and provide a contact point in case of emergencies.
Personal Uses
Whether at home or work, business cards can serve as useful tools for remembering valuable contacts. Here are some specific ways to use them:
1. Repairs and Services: If you need a repair done, keep a list of relevant business cards for quick reference.
2. Weekly Fish Bowl Drawing: At work, running a weekly fish bowl drawing can increase customer engagement. Place business cards into a spinning basket and select a winner for a prize each week. This can be a fun way to build customer loyalty.
Storage Methods
To organize your business cards, consider the following storage methods:
1. Folders with Plastic Pockets: Keep business cards in date order. This allows you to easily find and review contacts.
2. Photography and Scanning: Take a photo of the card and scan it. After about five years, if no further engagement occurs, dispose of the physical card.
Conclusion
Business cards are more than just pieces of paper; they can be valuable tools for enhancing your professional and personal networks. By creatively using them, you can keep important contacts organized and engaged. Whether you keep them in folders or take photos, make sure to review them periodically and let them go if they're no longer relevant.