Schewanick Computer Services

Most business owners don't realize that handing out business cards almost always runs the risk of becoming a rather one-sided interaction.

Sure, you may have just provided that prospective client with your company logo and all your pertinent contact information. But how can you be sure that he or she won't simply drive back to the office and pitch your card into the heaping 'I'll-keep-them-in-mind' pile?

The only way to ensure that your business card doesn't become food for the paper shredder is to give it some inherent use or value.

Handing out double-sided business cards is a great way to do just that. The simple fact is that most entrepreneurs fail to use the backside of their cards - extra real estate that can go a long way in making a business card more useful.

Your first concern, of course, is making sure they flip the card over. A simple P.T.O abbreviation (Please Turn Over) will do the trick. 'Turn this card over for a special offer' is another great attention-grabber, provided you have the space. Once you have their attention, pepper the back of your business card with important company facts or, better yet, include valuable offers that will force clients to keep that card handy.

Here are a couple of ideas just to get you started:

- Include a quick survey that is relevant to your field of business. Let recipients know these questionnaires - when answered fully - are redeemable for a free gift. - Turn your business card into a valuable coupon or a type of punch card that will come in handy for frequent clients. - Tickle a client's curiosity by simply writing out a URL to a special web page that is targeted specifically to business card recipients.

In reality, there's really no limit to what you can put on the back of a business card. The more original the idea, the more likely a prospective client will hold on to it.

In effect, going with a double-sided business card is tantamount to killing two birds with one stone: The front reminds a prospective client what your company does and how they can contact you; the back reminds them of why they should bother to do so.

About the author:

Copyright 2006, Businesscards4me.com. All Rights Reserved Mark Knerr is a graphic designer specializing in company logo design and business card design services. He also offers professional, full color postcard, plastic cards and business card printing. http://www.businesscards4 me.com