Business Cards   

A business card is an excellent way to spread word of your need within your community and beyond Facebook. They're small and easy to carry. Not only can you hand them out to people, you can also leave them in waiting rooms and coffee shops, pin them to public bulletin boards, and mail them to out-of-town friends, asking them to do the same. People are much more likely to remember you if they have some written information and a photo. At the very least, a person may share cards with others who might consider donating. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to make. Here's how:  

 1.  Using your elevator speech and the sample cards on this page, write out what you want to                   include on your business card. The maximum limit for a standard 2" x 3.5" card is about 65                   words on the front and 90 on the back. Less is better, when possible.

 2.  Choose a good headshot photo for the front of the card. (TIP: "Good" means crisp and clear with          no blurriness or graininess. Avoid cell-phone photos, as they take notoriously bad pictures.) If              you don't have a good headshot, have someone take one. Appearances do matter, and this is                your one chance to make a good impression. An attractive photo can make the difference                      between someone reading your card and tossing it out. 

 3.  Using the sample cards on this page, draw 2 diagrams (front and back), showing where each                 section of what you've written will be located. Your picture should go on the front. You can put           your story and contact information on either side. Any additional information should go on the           back. Allow plenty of white space to avoid a cluttered appearance. 

 4.  If you are moderately handy with a computer, go to Zazzle.com to create your card. Of course, you       can use any site or print shop of your choice; I just find Zazzle particularly easy to use. The cost is       $18.95 for a pack of 100, and you can often find discount codes for Zazzle on Retailmenot.com. 

This is a standard 2" x 3.5" card that was made using Zazzle.

  5.  If you are unable to create a card yourself, ask a computer-savvy friend to help you. If you don't           know such a person, be sure you have everything written and diagrammed exactly as you want           it. Then use the "Feedback" tab to contact me for help.

This is a 2.5" x 3.5" card that was made using Zazzle.

  6.  Order a set of cards and make a goal for yourself:  How many cards will you distribute each day?          It can be as few or as many as you think is practical. The important thing is to set a goal.                      Without a goal, you will be less likely to hand them out.

  7.  When your cards arrive, put a stack in your purse, wallet, or pocket and carry them with you                  everywhere. If you drive, stash some extras in your vehicle. 

  8.  Use every possible opportunity to distribute your cards. Share them every time you give your                elevator speech or talk with someone about your need. Always conclude by handing out several          cards to each person. Ask them to share the extras with others.

        Leave cards everywhere you possibly can, not only in places where they are likely to be seen,               but also in odd places. By finding unique places to put your cards, they'll stand out more.