What’s the most under-utilized advertising space?  The BACK of your business card.  Here’s an example of how an agent uses his business card in an unusual way to get noticed, help his clients, and bring in more business.

Here’s Doug’s description and example below:

“I recently ordered new business cards but this time I chose the ‘tent’ style.  It’s a folded card with a few unique features.  What I like about this style is how it stands out from all the other cards on the table.  Normal ‘flat’ cards simply lay on a table but the tent card STANDS right on the table.

When sellers come home…guess whose card is standing there for them to see?!?  Plus, it doubles the surface area to convey any message you might want.  Here’s what I put on my ‘tent’ style card:

Ask your current business card company if they can make these for you, or find a place online by doing a quick web search for ‘tent style business card’.”

Here’s what Doug’s card looks like (click the image to enlarge)…

click image to enlarge

“Self promotion can sometimes be difficult, particularly on a budget. I have been in business for a while, and have become known for excellent customer service, especially after the sale. Fortunate for me, a little tool I had originally designed for that purpose has actually become quite a good self-promotion tool as well.

The back of my business card is titled “Helpful Numbers”. The list runs long ways on the card, and includes the utility companies in the area, cable, tax office, voters registration, parks & rec., IRS, and Chamber of Commerce. A total of twelve helpful numbers, all of which folks may need when moving locally.

The cards have been a big hit, and as I try to hand out at least a dozen NEW cards a day, I get a lot of calls I would not have gotten otherwise. They even work as great conversation starters or ice-breakers, as they actually give you a good reason to give someone your card.

I have even developed a spiel that allows me to give out extra cards and encourage the receiver to pass them along. When standing in line at a store, or finishing up a meal, or even at the end of an oil change, I simply hand my server a card and say ‘thanks for your service, here’s a pretty handy card that can be of service to you any time you move – or anytime really. If I can provide you or your friends and family with the great service you provided me with, please give me a call. By the way, most folks are carrying my card in their wallet upside down so they can use it better, so please take an extra for your fridge, and take one for a friend too, they will thank you!’

Works like a charm, and has brought many a client my way! Simple to do too – but don’t forget to re-check your numbers each time you re-order your cards!”

“Here’s how to utilize the blank space on the back of your business card. I print out a sheet of labels with a house photo and short blurb for all of my listings. When I offer a prospect my business card, the information on the back is more impressive to them than my picture. It is a great conversation starter, too.

“I also use it to involve my seller in the process. I make up a batch of about ten cards that I give to the Seller when I bring by flyers. They are more inclined to give my card (with their house on the back) to their circle.”

I use Avery 5160 labels, thirty labels per sheet. In Microsoft Office Word, follow these instructions. NOTE: They may vary somewhat depending on your version of Word:

1. In TOOLS > select LABELS.
2. Enter the text you want on the label, and click OK. The label sheet will come up with the text on it. You can edit the text however you like.
3. Select INSERT > PICTURE > FROM FILE. Find the picture you want to use and click INSERT. Then you must format the picture so it fits comfortably on the label with your text. (I made the picture a tad over 1 inch horizontally. The vertical adjusts itself.)
4. Once the first label is complete it’s simple. Double click the first label to highlight and click EDIT > COPY to copy it. Unselect label one and, select the rest of the document and Click EDIT > PASTE CELLS to paste. Your label should then be replicated creating a whole sheet of labels.
5. Print the sheet of labels and you’re on your way.

I save the entire page in that listing’s document folder and name it “[property address] label” for future use.

Here’s a sample…

“Whenever I have a new listing I tell my clients that we need to work as a team in order to get their home sold, and that means that they get to help with the marketing. I make up business cards featuring the home on the front and of course my information is on the back. Sellers love to talk to their friends and family about their home and now they have a business card to pass out. I tell them if anyone has any questions, to flip the card over and have them give me a call.”