Swapping business cards is one of the most basic and common forms of networking in the business world. With something that is so common practice, people often hand out cards blindly while not really thinking about what the card does AFTER you hand it out.

How do your clients feel about your business card? Put yourself in their shoes.

Is it valuable to them?

Does it solve a problem?

Take advantage of the extra real estate on the other side

Most business owners don't utilize the backside of their business cards. It's prime space to include important facts, offers, and information that help sell your company to the holder. Including valuable offers on your business card will make it worth holding on to.

P.T.O - How to get someone to turn over your business card

One small abbreviation added to the front of your cards can double your success rate. P.T.O. (Please Turn Over) lets the holder know there is something of value of the backside, and it would be in their best interest to check it out. Alternatively, you could include "See back for special offer" if you have the space for it.

Now that you have their attention, reel them in with a:

Survey, redeemable for a free gift

Punch card for frequent clients

Valuable coupon URL to a special webpage targeting business card recipients

Research your sector to learn what business card marketing words will flip their switch and turn them on to your company. Give them what THEY want.

Even if you only hand out 50 cards using this technique, you've just created 50 opportunities for new business. Just imagine the possibilities that would come with having 1000 highly effective business cards floating around.

Now that you've found the secret recipe for business card marketing success, hand those cards out wherever and whenever you can. The more you hand out, the better chance you have of scoring another life-time customer.