Posted by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:23am
Msg #284663

Feedback on business card

Hey Everyone,

Sorry for blowing up this forum with my questions, though I thoroughly enjoy and listen to each and every recommendation given to me from all the members on here.

I just created some business cards the other day and stuck with a limited number of 100, just because I knew some of the information on them would change.

Question is, as some of you have seen I am a vet of the Marines and currently in the Army as well. If someone handed you a business card and on it, it said "U.S. Veteran of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom" what are your thoughts on that? Say it was a business card for someone that owns your local Dry Cleaning shop or office supply store. If everything else is equal, would you be more inclined to utilize the services of that person because they are a vet or does it hold no bearing on the decision?

Is that too tacky? Should it be left on or taken off for future business cards?

Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Thank you!
Tom

Reply by MistarellaFL on 4/13/09 8:28am
Msg #284664

Personally, Tom, I would keep the information on the business card pertinent to business only.
In the notary field, I am not sure if your military service would have any bearing on hiring you.
But, I appreciate your service to our country.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:29am
Msg #284665

Okay, that was one of my train of thoughts that it may not be professional to have non business related details on it.

Thank you,
Tom

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/13/09 8:33am
Msg #284667

Re: Feedback on business card...agree with Misty

Business info only...save your military info and links for your website if you so choose....now, you CAN get a business card design with the American Flag on it - that may work for you...

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:38am
Msg #284670

Re: Feedback on business card...agree with Misty

Okay thanks Linda. The one I had printed did have the flag on it.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 4/13/09 8:33am
Msg #284666

Not sure if it would make a difference one way or the..

other, but don't think that it would hurt.
Had a situation a few years back, where the first ? the schedueler
ask me if "have you served in the military?'
Seems that bwr was a gung ho marine and had allready sent one male NSA
packing becuause he had not served. Told TC that he would only see a male
NSA if they had served in the military. "girl" (his words) would be ok either way.
When I got to house , had a US and Marine flag on a big pole.
Spent the first few minutes being quizzed about my service.
After that, signing went smoothly.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:38am
Msg #284668

Re: Not sure if it would make a difference one way or the..

Wow..That's quite a requirement I'd say. Fun story none the less.
Thanks Bob.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 4/13/09 9:01am
Msg #284675

See if you can guess how his hair was cut?High and tight n/m

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 9:09am
Msg #284678

I would have said a horseshoe but

high and tight was a close second. I guess you get more motivated as the years pass.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/13/09 8:54am
Msg #284672

Of course you are proud of your military service & others are as well. In this case I would keep it separate from the notary business. I live in a military area, and know that some have a difficult time transitioning from military to civilian life. I might also suggest that you post a different picture on your profile here. Some may be put off by the combat image.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/13/09 8:58am
Msg #284673

Okay thank you.

Reply by Dave_CA on 4/13/09 9:08am
Msg #284677

I agree with keeping the business card "business".
Thank you for your service.
Semper Fi

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 4/13/09 9:14am
Msg #284679

When I am not doing signings I teach people how to target market. Some things to keep in mind before you print your business cards . . .

1 - Who do you plan on giving them to? And what do you want them to do with it? In other words, we keep things because they have a value for or to us. What value will it give them? (Your contact info., what you do, that they may need your service in the future, they know someone who needs your service, etc).

2 -- Who is your target market? Are you sending them out to LO's, title companies, local borrowers, networks in your area? Does your card say enough about your services without them feeling like they are reading a mini book? It needs to get to the point.

3 - Are you trying to direct people to a website? Or are you trying to build your referral market?

4 - Also, be careful with tacky and cheap cards. These cards are going to reflect you long after you've given it to someone. Paying for a better quality paper is worth it. Multi color is worth it. Rounded corners may be worth it. You get the point.


I have a free CD that I can send you if you email me or pm me. It talks about the value of referral marketing. Right now that can be kind of a rough way to go in this business with the economy, but times always change and you will be ready for the next swing. It will also open your eyes (IF you are not doing it already) about the value of networking.

Good luck with what you are doing. And THANK YOU for the bottom of my heart for serving our country. Because of men and women like yourself we are free to choose. Blessings to you and your family.

Reply by Lorraine Lougheed on 4/13/09 9:44am
Msg #284682

In any type of marketing strategy you need to try it and see what the response is. For the most part the borrower will not know anything about you till you arrive and share some of your information. On the other hand the business that hires you to do a job may appreciate to see that type of information on the card, it helps them to get to know a little about the type of person that you are, "remember they are not meeting you face to face when they hire you to handle a job that could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars, so if your cards also have your picture on it, I believe it helps." I however would use the formal military uniform for the picture, a combat attire would come across a little hard. I would also send out at least 200 cards and try another 200 cards without that information. Ask them when they call you, which card did they receive. Thats how you really will know which card got the best response.

Reply by Les_CO on 4/13/09 10:46am
Msg #284690

I think the acronym KISS is most appropriate for business cards.
Keep it business, and simple. If you paint houses on the side, or sell real estate, or insurance just have more than one card. The best card I ever saw was one from a lady that owned a jewelry store… It had her name, phone number and one word…. “MILLIONAIRE”… on it.

Reply by MichiganAl on 4/13/09 11:18am
Msg #284692

With limited space on a business card, I wouldn't do it. It's commendable, but not essential information. However, in addition to my business cards, I also do a flyer/brochure that I sometimes hand out to clients or potential clients to provide more information about me. If you were to do that, I'd definitely add it. I can't remember if you had it on your website or not, but I'd add it there too. And on any profiles you post.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/13/09 12:53pm
Msg #284714

IMO the real point of a business card, website, or profile on these forums it that it serves as a "billboard" for advertising your business. Simple & to the point works best--people will only do so much reading. It is not a resume. I completely understand the "Proud to be a Marine" issue, and maybe there is a small Marine logo that could be included in your advertising materials.

Reply by Lorraine Lougheed on 4/13/09 1:04pm
Msg #284718

I agree with the fact that too much written information on a card gets cluttered thats why a picture/logo/design will tell more than a thousand words. Send me your picture, logo and information that you would like to have on the card and I will design you a card that will knock your socks off, clutter free.

Reply by Roger_OH on 4/13/09 4:19pm
Msg #284744

Try this one...

I agree that putting "Operation Enduring Freedom...etc" is a bit too wordy. However, if you can make room on the card, I'd have no problem with the simple phrase "Veteran-owned business", and I'd certainly include it on your website.

Semper Fi -

Reply by ShelleyTX on 4/13/09 6:08pm
Msg #284772

Re: Try this one...

Putting my 2 cents worth in too. First, Tom thanks for your service (and to all the other Veterans in the forum)!! So, .... as Roger mentioned, put it on your website. I have a logo on my website stating that my company is operated by a military spouse.