San Francisco, CA · Member since 2009 · 171 posts · 24 votes
Hello Investors,
Only a few small number Everybody uses white rectangles for business promotion. So many utterly unique posts along the lines of "Help me get noticed by Bank XYZ, Seller XYZ, RE Agent XYZ."
Why not use a unique business card? Personally, I use a round edged, red glossy card. They often get lost After a while, folks began to connect me with the color.
It should be kept at home in a nice shiny display used everywhere. I do not leave the house without them & my constant companion laptop.
What's your "self"-marketing strategy? How do you stand out in a flood of overnight millionaires investors?
Real Estate Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 46 posts · 8 votes
16y
I agree, your business card says a lot about you as a person and investor IMO.
I do think there can be such thing as being TOO different (I probably wouldn't use a florescent yellow business card with reflective red letters), but I scratch my head when someone hands me a business card that's obviously been torn out of a sheet of paper, printed on an old inkjet printer that's running out of ink...
I got my most recent batch of business cards (they're fairly generic, just have my name, email, phone, and website on a blue design background... glossy on the front, nothing on the back) for less than 15 bucks shipped OVERNIGHT 'cause I needed them the day after, 250 for free, only pay shipping... so there's no excuse for cheap looking business cards in this day and age!
San Francisco, CA · Member since 2009 · 171 posts · 24 votes
16y
Chris:
What company do you use? I find that Overnightprints.com works very well. My experience with vistaprint was quite negative.
J. Scott:
It's awesome to hear that as my aspiration would be to build a similar model. How do you balance opportunities for short term gain with long term potential? Has that spilled into your choice of portfolio mix?
Real Estate Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 46 posts · 8 votes
16y
I've always used OvernightPrints.com
There are coupon codes out there (Google) you can get 250 single sided glossy business cards for the cost of shipping, which is 8-10 bucks. I designed the card in Adobe Photoshop and uploaded it to their website, make sure it looks good and there you are! 250 decent looking business cards for 10 bucks! I figure at this stage of the game I'm learning and gonna be changing my business with time so I'll make more frequent orders and change the cards up as I need to. A box will probably last me several months so I should be planning on spending maybe 40 bucks a year on business cards at this rate, not bad at all, and that's new cards every 3 months if I need to, too!
Real Estate Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 46 posts · 8 votes
16y
sorry for the delayed reply, yeah, just google "overnight prints coupon" and you'll have a few to choose from. I've been using the 250 business cards for free code.
I've always gone for the UV glossy coating, I think the standard cards are matte not glossy, but it's a choice they give you, they don't charge extra for glossy IIRC.
Real Estate Investor · Carlsbad, CA · Member since 2009 · 151 posts · 17 votes
16y
Hey Guys, Thanks for the useful advice. I followed your instructions and scored some decent b. cards for a very decent price. Went took google as you suggested and did a 25% off for new customer. Thanks so much! Not as fancy as the one I suggested, but we are not out to impress anyone these days! All the Best! -- Dawn
Specialist · MA · Member since 2009 · 858 posts · 306 votes
16y
Hi David,
Overnight prints/vistaprint/ to me, they all produce the same generic cards.
These cards are truly unique.
I have no idea who made them, but it gives a GREAT idea of what you can do with a business card
http://creativebits.org/cool_business_card_designs
Specialist · MA · Member since 2009 · 858 posts · 306 votes
16y
David I was merely saying Vistaprint and Overnight prints are the same generic cards that everyone uses. I don't really find anything unique using them.
I guess my point is there really truly are original cards out there, such in the example I posted.
It all depends on how you want to be remembered by who you are targeting.
Real Estate Investor · TX · Member since 2009 · 47 posts · 9 votes
16y
Business cards are snappy tools that can be handed out to potential clients. In addition to the card providing your name and contact information, it is essential that the card have a professional appearance to leave a lasting impression. Avoid using loud colors, hard-to-read fonts, and flashy designs. Instead, the business card should be simple but professional, and include your name, company name, contact information, and for added effectiveness, a business slogan and/or logo. You want your card to represent you well, showing potential clients that you have a passion for what you do and are an expert. Business cards are not like Hallmark greeting cards although you want them to capture the person’s attention and peak his/her interest.
San Francisco, CA · Member since 2009 · 171 posts · 24 votes
16y
Blake,
I like that thread of thought about the card. I agree that it should say something about you, which may be why mine is red.
Me trying to fit into a business package wouldn't work, it's not authentic.
My demeanor, communication style and Carlton Sheets program that I spent $145 on and expect a ROI willingness to roll up sleeves for long hours of sweat equity are absolutely grounded in business ethos.
This is my general personality, it's not limited to RE.
There are many examples of the mirror opposite in business deals:
Very slick package,lots of hair gel talk and dress
Interested in profitability
Network-oriented and presented as valuable
HOWEVER...that translates into: absolutely no common sense business acumen
72 hours for email turnaround
Externalized anger at others when needs are unmet.
Constant need to "own" every aspect of their business which makes it, by default, impossible to ever "automate" by focusing on the business vision
Real Estate Consultant · Lakewood, CO · Member since 2009 · 69 posts · 23 votes
16y
I have custom Anodized Aluminum Laser engraved cards. They are really cool and I run into people that have had my same card for 5-6 years. I don't know how much they cost to make at all I get mine for free. (My Parents own a laser shop).
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
16y
Hi, mine were never that cool Rob, but I'll give you my info and you can send me some samples! LOL
I'd like to say something about pictures. It's great to have your pic on the card. You need to use a pic that describes yourself too, you want to come across as a professional, not as a highschool beauty queen, not as model holding up a tree, this is not a year booK picture.
Provocative poses are nice for a pin up, but not as a professional, ladies. Conservative is key, why do you think bankers wear dark suits? Because it projects a conservative personality, that's what people want from others who take care of their money or assets.
Casual is cool too, open shirt etc. for guys, but you also need a suit pic and carry them both depending on who you meet. Dress a little better than the locals and not as nice as the banker.
Mine were light gray with royal blue, nice contrast, but nothing like the ones Rob is going to be sending me! Bill
San Francisco, CA · Member since 2009 · 171 posts · 24 votes
16y
Great information.
Anodized sounds like it may result in a very good end product.
A picture is also a great idea. We live in a time where there are so many email addresses, phone numbers and social media contacts. It's an ironic twist that the increased concentration actually dilutes their personableness.
Contractor · Jefferson City, MO · Member since 2010 · 30 posts · 8 votes
16y
Can we post images on this forum? I am pretty proud of the business cards and gift cards that my designer created for us but am unsure how to show them. They ALWAYS make a great first impression.
Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
16y
Originally posted by fez_head:
Can we post images on this forum? I am pretty proud of the business cards and gift cards that my designer created for us but am unsure how to show them. They ALWAYS make a great first impression.
Thanks
You can set up a gallery under your profile with the imagery you mentioned; here is a post that I wrote that tells how to do that:
Be aware that posting the images into the forums would be considered promotional, and that the moderators would be inclined to remove that, EXCEPT if you posted it under the "promote your site" forum where promotional links are permitted.
Contractor · Jefferson City, MO · Member since 2010 · 30 posts · 8 votes
16y
Originally posted by Steve Babiak:
Originally posted by fez_head:
Can we post images on this forum? I am pretty proud of the business cards and gift cards that my designer created for us but am unsure how to show them. They ALWAYS make a great first impression.
Thanks
You can set up a gallery under your profile with the imagery you mentioned; here is a post that I wrote that tells how to do that:
Be aware that posting the images into the forums would be considered promotional, and that the moderators would be inclined to remove that, EXCEPT if you posted it under the "promote your site" forum where promotional links are permitted.