It seems like nowadays you can get business cards anywhere.  You can buy them at your neighborhood print center or print them off yourself on your printer.  Yet, what does that business card say about you?  The purpose of a business card is to give your customers and associates information about you and what you do.  Your goal is to have them keep that card so that when they need to get a hold of you they have all the information they need.  The problem though is that most people lose the card or throw it away.  So, how do you get people to keep your card?  Be unique.

Make your business card unique with full color.  Full color catches the persons eye who is reading the card.  Business cards that are dark with bright colored print are very eye catching.  Metallic colors are also an interesting addition. 

Add information to your card that the person will need again and again.  For instance, put a yearly calendar on the back of your business card.  People always need a calendar and the business card size is perfect for being tucked away in a purse or wallet.  Other examples of things to put on the back of a card are menus, license plate county codes, numeric tables, zip codes, area codes, important phone numbers, and health and safety information.  Another great idea is to add a coupon to the back of your business card or make it a punch card.  Then you can track how many people are keeping your business card to use later.

Another thing you can do to make your business card unique is to make it durable.  Choose a business card that is 16 pt or thicker or made of a durable material.  This makes it difficult for someone to tear up your business card and also makes them feel like they received something valuable.   There are many different types of coatings for business cards.  You can add a matte finish, a glossy finish, or silk finishing just to name a few. 

When designing your business card make sure to use good artwork.  Full color art only looks stunning if it is quality artwork.  Look at having a graphic designer design your card.  There are lots of graphic designers that do freelance work at a great rate.  It will be worth the extra money to have art on your business card that is colorful and well designed.  Some graphic designers charge as little as $35/hour and a good designer can come up with a design in about a hour.

Safeguard believes that a business card is an important first impression.  That is why we offer 500 full color, two sided print, glossy business cards for $39.99.  That price includes shipping.  Go to our website www.businessbysafeguard.com to see examples of business cards we have done for customers. 

The buying local campaign is everywhere thanks to the Sustainable Business Council.  We at Safeguard joined the SBC last year.  We joined the SBC because we thought it was important to support our local economy. 

Safeguard as a company has always strived to support our customers.  Which means that we financally invest with customers, buy products from customers, eat at customer's establishments, and get services from our customers.  We also refer business to our customers. 

By supporting each other we can get through these hard economic times. 

As football season draws near it's time to get ready.  Time to pull out the stadium cushions and stadium cups.  Time to get the Koozies ready and make sure the megaphone isn't cracked.  Also you can't forget the foam finger and the pom poms.  There are so many promotional items that are used to celebrate the football season.  Make sure that football fans are using a promotional product with your logo on it when they make their way into the Washington Grizzly Stadium.

We have all of the products referenced above and a great selection of noise makers, retractable banners, fans, victory shakers, collapsible coolers, stadium blankets, umbrellas, flags, and much more.

We also have a great selection of athletic apparel and outwear that will keep you warm on the cold afternoons. 

Give your customers a way to show their team spirit while they are advertising for you.

Go Griz!

Lindsey
www.businessbysafeguard.com

Check out this great deal on a Duffel Bag. 

$5.99/each
Minimum Quantity: 50

4 color imprint is an extra $3/bag with no setup fee.

This duffel bag is a great giveaway or sale item for camps, marathons, gyms, sporting teams, and schools.  It is also a great overnight carry bag. 

Atchison (R) Center Court - Duffel bag with fabric wrap handle grips, bottle pocket and front slip pocket.

Duffel bag features fabric wrapped handle grips, adjustable shoulder strap, full front slip pocket, and front water bottle pocket. Made of 600 Denier polyester canvas.

Material: Canvas, Polyester
Color: Black, Burgundy, Navy, Olive, Red, Royal
Size: 18" x 10 1/2" x 9"

It's almost Fair time again.  On August 11 the Western Montana Fair starts.  I remember as a kid that I waited all summer for fair week.  It was all about the rides, the food, and the great free stuff from the commercial building.  Thousands of people flock to the fair everyday.  Fair week is an opportunity for you as a business person to give your customers an added "Thank You".  You can make it a special coupon for fair week or hand out hats with your logo for people to wear at the fair.  If you have a booth at the commercial building think of a unique item to hand out.  You want fair patrons to leave your booth and tell the next person they see about the great item they received.  Paper fans are always a big draw when the heat becomes unbearable.  Food booths are also a great place to get your name out there.  Consider donating water bottles with a custom label to one of the non-profit organizations.  Not only will you be helping a non-profit group but they will be advertising for you.  Don't forget the apparel.  If you have a food booth or a commercial building booth make sure that whoever is at your booth is advertising your company with the clothing they are wearing.  T-Shirts are an inexpensive way to get your brand out there.  Safeguard has great specials right now and there is still time to make sure your items get here before fair week.  Call us today at 800-476-0559 or at 406-542-8432. 

The Western Montana Fair runs August 11 - 16.  Can't wait to see you there.