Email Your Business Card

by Tom Hopkins

If you use Microsoft Outlook as your email program, here's a great way to send all of the information from your business card to potential clients, existing clients and those who might refer business to you. It's easy.

Simply go to your Contacts list. Click on "New." Enter your information and save it. Then, re-open that listing and under the "File" menu, select "Save As." At the bottom of the window under "Save as Type" use the drop-down feature and select "vCard Files." Save this file somewhere easily accessible such as on your Desktop. When sending an email message, simply attach the vCard.

For your recipients who also use Outlook, they can simply click on the card and it will open a new contact in their file. All they need do is hit "save" and they have all of your information without having to manually enter anything.

Using this feature shows clients that you're considerate of their time, efficient and readily available to them. You can even include a nice message in the notes area such as the times of day you are most available, the time zone in which you reside, or a simple "Thank you for the opportunity to serve your needs."

Another idea is to include your company slogan or mission statement or even a brief description of your most popular product in notes area of your contact information.

Beware not to include anything in your contact card that may become dated or offers that might expire. Assume your recipient will keep your information on file for a very long time.