Hey, folks. I’m still not done with my doctor’s office rant. While I was waiting around, thumbing through the terrible magazines and trying to avoid making eye contact with the people who were also waiting, I noticed something very strange about the doctor’s office.

All over the walls – every single wall, in fact – were hundreds of business cards like so many little pieces of advertising wallpaper. I was puzzled, to say the least, and had never seen anything like it. But my interest was piqued and, being a marketing and ad buff, I had to investigate.

There had to be over two hundred cards in all, attached to the wall with the help of a wall mount business card holder, something I’d never actually seen before. Let me rephrase that – I have seen business card holders before, but never used to create a wall-mounted mosaic of adspace. And in a doctor’s office, no less, which makes it even more impressive.

After talking to the doctor about it, I came away extremely impressed at his business acumen and sense of civic duty. The man supports local businesses by agreeing to display all of his patients’ business cards on the walls using the wall mount business card holders at absolutely no cost. He charges nothing for this service, and judging from the steady flow of happy, satisfied patients in the office, I somehow imagine his own business doesn’t suffer at all for this gesture. On the contrary: it’s apparent that this gesture has proved to be mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

Seeing the way that doctor used the wall mount business card holders made me hopeful, but it also made me a bit sad. As much as witnessing his example of civic goodwill that really paid off puts a smile on my face, its rarity – the fact that I so seldom happen across a positive example of good business practice – can be disheartening.

As common and numerous as business cards are, it is amazing how many of them are not as effective as they could be. Most people only put their name and basic contact information on them, but there is so much more you can do. By using a sign display with a business card holder, you can advertise your business, and offer business cards for potential clients and customers to take away. Let me point out a few more things that you can do to make your promotional materials stand out above the rest.

1. Maximize your space

You do not completely ignore half of your place of business do you? You use every inch of space available. Why not do the same on your business cards? The back of your business card is like a prime piece of real estate, waiting to be used. You can use the back of your card to include extra contact information or a fun tag line.

Once you’ve maximized the real estate on your business card, you can place your business cards in a card holder attached to a sign holder and give your business even more exposure. Use the sign space to give more info about your business or services. Maybe there is a special offer or discount you’d like to promote, a special event or anniversary you’d like to advertise. Perhaps you have a compelling story about one of your staff that can help brand your company in the minds of consumers. Use the space however you like to entice your customers to learn more about your company, and get in touch.

2. Don’t forget your info

It is amazing how many people neglect to put basic information on their business cards and signs. Don’t make this common mistake when you get yours printed. You want to give your customers as many ways to get in touch with you as possible.

Obviously you are going to include your name and phone number. You also want to include your business name, if you have one. If you have a fax number, put that on there. Include your mailing address, too, because some people still use snail mail, and if you have an email address and a website address, include those, too. Often times, the first thing people do when they get a business card is go online to learn more about your business. This is why having a website is so important. If you have more than one website related to your business, you can include all of them on your sign, but it’s a good idea to list only your main website on your business card or else you might overwhelm your customers.

3. Use your cards and sign to brand your company

No matter how much you spend on advertising, sometimes your business card is the only way that some people will remember you. Capitalize on your opportunity to shine. Put your logo on your cards to brand your company image in the minds of your consumers, and, whatever your tag line is, include it. When someone finds your card a month down the road, you want to remind them who you are and why they should do business with you, not just how to get in contact with you. When it comes to your sign, you should also make use of your logo and tag line(s). Use all the resources at your disposal to brand your company. Make customers remember you.

4. Get your cards out

So many people print out thousands of business cards, use a hundred or so and box the rest up, never to been seen again. Don’t be one of those people who let your cards go to waste. Hand them out to everyone you meet. When you can’t hand them out in person, using a sign display with a business card holder to deliver your cards in a clever, unexpected way. Your sign will attract attention, and the attached card holder will help put your cards in the hands of potential clients and customers, even if you are not there to meet and greet them.

When you stop thinking of business cards as small pieces of cardstock, and start thinking of them as miniature, portable advertisements, you may see a difference in your bottom line. Use a sign holder with attached business card holder and that difference may be even greater.

Looking for sign holders for your business? Go acrylic! Why? Clear acrylic sign holders are easy to keep up to date, easy to install and maintain, and perfect for a business that is looking stand out from the crowd. They come in a variety of sizes to meet all of your business sign needs. If the acrylic holders get dusty, dirty, or scratched, they’re easy to wipe down. There are even reparative products that will fix minor dings and scratches to your sign holders! Acrylic is durable and versatile - definitely worth it.

Acrylic sign holders are an affordable and easy way to transform your office into a sleek, attractive workplace by getting rid of clutter. There are many kinds of acrylic sign holders: window sign holders that stick to glass, business card holders for your desk, and acrylic sign holders for counter tops. Any or all of these products will go a long way in making your office look great.

• Window sign holders can be any size from large poster-sized to small letter-sized. They usually have suction cups on them, which makes it easy to apply and remove them from your work place windows. No matter how little time you have to squeeze in updating your office, you’ll always have time due to the ease of removal of window sign holders. Poster-sized sign holders are good to put in large windows to advertise slogans or special features. Smaller-sign holders can be used to post your office hours. If you are looking to post your marketing materials at other businesses, a sign on the outer window is a subtle way to attract attention without taking away from the business at which you’ve chosen to display your sign.

• Clear acrylic business card holders are simple and stylish. They keep your business cards neat, organized, and available when you need them. An acrylic business card holder is simple enough to look good, but it wont distract from the business card itself. Use them on your desk or a public counter to make sure that your cards are available for whoever needs one.

• Wall poster holders are perfect for transforming empty indoor wall space. Consider uses that go beyond displaying business materials. Use them for hanging art around the office! The quality of acrylic is perfect for showing off any art piece, and the durability of the acrylic material means that you wont have to worry about glass upkeep (as you might with a glass frame).

• Acrylic sign holders usually come in a standard 8.5 by 11 size and can stand alone on any flat surface. They are perfect to keep around your office to highlight policies or reminders. Slanted sign holders add a little twist to the standard display. Use them at trade shows or conventions to give your display a kick! Multi-sided holders are perfect for restaurants - use each side to show off your special menu items or lunch deals.

Acrylic is the way to go if you are looking to streamline your office. It’s affordable, modern, and easily maintained. Acrylic sign holders can quickly transform your office into an office that is inviting, organized, attractive, and, most importantly, highly functional. All of this is possible with acrylic.

Desktop or counter top business card holders are ideal for office or retail environments. They allow you to display business cards for customers or clients to take freely. Similarly, they contribute to the appearance of your place of business by organizing work surfaces and clearing up desktops. Overall, personal business card holders serve as an important business tool, giving your clients access to a tidy stash of business cards while you are away from the office.

Your business card sends a message to prospective customers and clients – but the first impression is made long before your business card reaches their hands, as soon as they see how the cases or holders you use to hold your cards. A classy way to store and deliver your business cards helps the client form a positive impression. How you carry your cards, the quality of your cards, and the way you present them should be as important to you as your initial introduction to anyone you meet.

Carry your cards in an organized, attractive way

If you work in sales, you probably hand out your card right after your first handshake with a prospective customer. When you have a stylish and professional-looking business card case with you, you’ll have easy access to your card in reach while keeping it protected from scuffs, wrinkles, or tears. Likewise, be sure to keep your cardholder stocked and clean. You don’t want to pull out your card carrier only to realize you just gave your last card away. Always double-check your stock before leaving for a meeting or business trip.

High quality cards

A high quality, interesting business card will leave a good impression. Subtle texture, captivating graphics, and enticing design all enhance the effectiveness of your card. Be sure the card design is tasteful yet memorable, and brand your card with the company logo and color scheme. Still, don’t get too fancy – intricate fonts and glaring colors can take away from your message, or worse, render your card illegible. Be sure your card is easy-to-read, easy on the eyes, and most of all, that your name and contact information are prominently featured.

Desktop business card holders

If making a good impression outside the office is important, why stop there? Display your business cards prominently in your office using desktop or countertop business card holders so visiting clients can take them. You can also use countertop business card holders at trade shows and conventions. Holders that display multiple business cards are also available to suit your needs, but the goal is always the same: contact information that is easily accessible to clients, customers, and colleagues.