Unusual business cards have long been the domain of creative fields: graphic designers, photographers, architects and others. But, even non-creatives can benefit from the memorable experience a promotional business card can provide. A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine quotes Neil Hair, assistant professor of marketing at the Rochester Institute of Marketing as saying, “Exchanging information should be about an experience, creating a positive relationship between two people. A really cool business card can put a smile on someone’s face, and it allows people to associate a good experience with your business.”
Almost all of our products could potentially be used as business cards, but I thought I’d narrow the scope a bit for you (since we have access to thousands upon thousands of products, I’m sure you appreciate that!). What makes the use of a promotional product for a business card effective? Most importantly, the item needs to relate to your business, preferably in a creative or humorous way. Putting your name and number on a translucent water bottle can make an effective general giveaway if you’re an insurance agent, but it makes an effective business card substitute if your business sells water purification systems. For this list, I’m going to try to stick with somewhat small, relatively flat items so that they would be usable in as many situations as possible. After all, both you and your recipient need to be able to carry the items in a variety of business and social environments.
So, consider….
Flat Mini Vase…for florists, interior designers or anyone with a “Just Add Water” type of product
USB Flash Drives…for computer or technology firms or companies who handle data for others
Coffee Sleeves…for a business that protects its customers from harm.
Pulpboard Coaster…for a coffee shop, restaurant or restaurant supply business
Luggage tag…for a travel agency or a business that provides identification services
Lanyards…for a security service
A Key Tag…for an automotive-related firm or anyone who uses a phrase like, “Your key to effective…”
Eyeglass Cloth…for any type of cleaning service or eye care business
ToGo Drink Mixes…for any company in the business of making a product smaller or mobile
Pouch…for a storage company
Travel First Aid Kits…for any emergency care business or health care company
Sewing Kit…for tailors, sewing centers or any business that provides a “fix”
Nail Care Kit…for a nail salon or spa
Stress Ball…for counselors
Emery Board…for a nail salon
Collapsible Can Cooler…for a company related to refrigeration or leisure activities.
Magnification Card…for a financial company or any business emphasizing increasing returns
A Comb…for a barber shop
…or a salon
A Credit Card…for a financial institution extending credit
A Hotel Key Card…for the hospitality industry
A Do Not Disturb Door Hanger…for a company providing getaways or couples retreats
A Service Due Styled Static Decal…for automotive care companies
A Seeded Bookmark…for landscapers, lawn care companies or any marketing, PR or consulting firm that helps other organizations grow
Waterproof Pouch…for a waterproofing firm or any firm providing protective services or products
Credit Card Bottle Opener…for a company that opens doors…gets you access…starts the party….sells or makes bottled beverages…
Mini Tote…shopping services, e-commerce suppliers, retailers
Balloon…asthma specialist, party supplies or event planners
Incense Kit…for spas
Mini Tape Measure…surveyors, any firm specializing in measurement
Cell Phone holder…insurance providers
Screwdriver…hardware stores, construction firms, handyman services
Wine tote…Wineries and Wine retailers
Silicone scraper…cooking schools, bakeries or kitchen reiailers
Silicone pot holder…kitchen retailers or any service that protects the consumer
Jar opener…any service that helps a homeowner accomplish a task
Credit Card Ice Scraper…any car care company or manufacturer of a product that removes something (residue, odor, etc.)
Lip Balm…any business offering personal care products or services
Of course there’s always translucent, metallic or wooden cards for anyone who deals with products with those materials as well. Any other creative ideas? Add them to the comments below!
