Business Cards
In a world where most businesses can conduct daily transactions online with one stroke of the mouse, there's nothing in the marketing tool box can compare to the power of a well designed business card.  LinkedIn has served businesses as the digital Rolodex as we can do more connecting via social networks, but the need for that 3 X 2 piece of card stock is still needed.  Business cards have unique potential for personal connections that can generate leads, but there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when having a business card designed:

1. Include your social network handles and/or page hyperlinks.  Your social media outlets help extend your business story and are great platforms to engage further with customers.
2. Don't overload your business card.  Although you want your potential client to have total access to your business, you must ask yourself these questions:  (1) How do you want to engage with potential clients and (2) Where would they most likely be able to go to get a good sense about your company?
3. Get straight to the point.  Direct potential clients to a page on your site that has simplified information and is not overwhelmed with all that your company is and can do.  A blog with dedicated content could be more appealing than surfing through an index page.  Again, a hyperlink or better yet a domain name outside of your company's name could be a great porthole for potential clients to find you.
4. Look good.  Be creative.  Use images or graphics that spark a conversation.  Feature your products or  use a picture of an employee.  Get the recipient curious about what you have to offer.
5. Take it one step further.  Consider adding a QR code that can digitally take someone on an experience by directing them to a website, video, or promotional ad through their smartphone.
6. Ready.  Set.  Go.  Don't stick to just one business card.  Create several different cards that have their very own call to action.  Most businesses are niched with a particular customer with a particular lifestyle.  But most businesses out there can be marketed to many different customer types.  Consider printing small runs of business cards tailored to a specific event, campaign or market.