I’m learning just how important business cards can be in marketing. They are a portable and affordable tool for leaving an impression with everyone you meet. For example, this week I’m on a vacation trip—that’s right, a vacation—which will, of course, end as a business trip when I attend the Writer’s Digest: The Business of Publishing Conference in New York City (Sept. 18-20).

On the shuttle from the airport I gave three of my cards away—two to people attending another conference of potential authors. I find myself giving my cards away all the time. Why? Because I have them with me and can!

Here are some tips for using your business cards:

1. Make sure your cards are designed professionally. I too often see template cards that people have purchased online that look very unprofessional.
2. Keep extra cards in your purse, wallet, and briefcase.
3. Insert a business card with all correspondence.
4. Be generous – hand them out at speaking engagements, to people you meet, servers at restaurants – anyone you make a connection with about your passion.
5. Make sure your card has complete, updated contact information in a readable type size. Don’t forget that the back of your cards are a prime-time space to print information; you don’t have to feel obligated to squish everything on the front.
6. Exchange cards with people you meet.
7. Make notes on other people’s cards reminding you of what you discussed.
8. Store your cards in a nice carrying case. Don’t dog ear them or crunch them up. Don’t leave home without them.

I carry two cards—one for my personal ministry and one for my contact information for WinePress. Often I find myself giving both away to the same person, making a business contact as well as a personal one.

For great professional business cards check out Notation Promotions and Printing.—they designed mine.