Business Card Book

Because I am always asking for referrals, I decided to try to come up with an idea where I could GIVE referrals. Not really sure how the idea would play out, I began to share my thoughts with some of my favorite business owners and asked for 25 of their business cards. As realtors, we are often a great resource of referrals. We know plumbers, electricians, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, landscapers, lawyers, accountants...you name it! Right off the bat, I discovered it was a great way to network with area businesses and also to ask for their referrals. Here are all the business cards that I collected--25 cards from 26 different business owners plus my own. Yes, don't forget your own :) Well worth the time it took to collect them all!

I wanted to package these cards in such a way that they would not end up in the trash! I got my inspiration from the Etsy shop of Erin Zamrzla of Santa Monica, CA. See her idea here

My very talented friend, Nikki Morales, printed a front and back cover for the cards on regular card stock paper and then I took them to my local Postal Annex and had them laminated. Just print whatever design you want. These are a little bit larger than the business cards, but you could actually print right onto a blank business card and then laminate. When trimmed, they will end up a little bit larger than your cards. Here is what mine look like:

The front cover has a title: Business Card Book and the rest of it says "Here is a sampling of my top referrals! Add some of your own favorites and keep your collection of business cards all in one place!" Be sure and add your contact information.

The back cover says: "Oh, and by the way...I always love YOUR referrals! Taking care of your referrals is at the top of my business!" Again, add your contact information.

Punch a hole in all those cards (this was the time consuming part!) and package it all together with a binder ring. Since I collected 25 cards from each business, I have 25 booklets to give away!

To finish it off, I secured each booklet with a rubber band and tied a bow with a piece of string! Here is the finished product. Super easy. Hoping they will end up in a drawer and be an ongoing source of referrals!

Hope you get many referrals from your own pack of cards, and remember...I am never too busy for your San Diego referrals! Have a great day!