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In the modern age, many of us wonder whether business cards are necessary. Physical methods like these often fall by the wayside for interactive options. Instead of handing out cards, many businesses not pass out Twitter handles or websites.

But, it might not be the best idea to give up on business cards. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that they’re still one of the best ways to make your brand stick in clients minds. Sometimes, you can’t beat the old methods. Sure, many companies may be doing away with the practice. But, here’s why we think you should keep the tradition going.

The professional touch

If you’ve read or watched American Psycho, you’ll remember the business card battle. Patrick Bateman watches with despair as his associates out-do his offering with gold lettering and different shades of card. Bret Easton Ellis meant to poke fun at the business world. But, he had a point. Business cards are like currency in many circles. The design you choose, and the card you print it on, all play some part in forming the image of your business.

You don’t need to have ‘the best card on the table,’, but being unable to provide could be seen as bad preparation. It’s still commonplace to swap business cards with associates. The practice adds a touch of professionalism. It also shows that you’re willing to spend money to make your business look good.

Leaves a lasting impression

Your card is also a sure way to leave a lasting impression. Online platforms are all well and good. In fact, they’re crucial to modern business. But, once a customer clicks away from your website, it’s unlikely to stick in their minds. By comparison, a business card forms a lasting impression. It’s physicality, which could be seen as a downside, is actually the reason it’s worth considering. After all, clients will think of your company every time they see it. Even if they don’t search for your site, they could come across your card while cleaning. Just like that, your business will be back in their minds.

You could take this even further by creating a card with a difference. Simple things, like changing the shape, will help you stand out from the crowd. Or, you could opt for a more unique design, like the folding z card options from Alpha Cards. You can guarantee you’ll stand out from the crowd with an alternative card like these.

Ease of use

It’s also worth noting that business cards remain one of the easiest ways to spread your brand. It may seem strange, but websites and social media links require effort from your customer. They have to type it in, or remember it. And, why should they when they don’t even know who you are yet? By comparison, handing out a business card is as easy as picking it up and passing it over. And, your customer doesn’t even have to work for it. What could be better?

Online shopping has opened up a new world to eCommerce stores. Nowadays, retailers are open 24 hours a day and don’t require a customer to come into the store. It’s like a dream come true! But, there is a problem and it’s called shipping. Sadly, lots of unhappy customers return their items and ask for a refund. Sometimes, it’s because the product wasn’t how pictured, but mainly it’s due to damage. Returns are the bane of an online store’s existence because they cost money and impact lead generation.

Something must be done, then, to stop damage in transit. Thankfully, Viking Wanderer has the answers. Just carry on reading to find out more.

Use Extra Protection

A shipping company may take care of fragile items so that the company doesn’t have to bother. Not to be cynical, but don’t take the risk. Sure, there is a chance that the package will arrive without any damage. However, it’s a gamble, especially when there are cheap and accessible options to hand. One quick look at postaltubeshop.com and you’ll see a simple tube can make the world of difference. Or, just think about all the parcels which turn up in bubble wrap. They don’t do that for your benefit!

Review The Courier

Shipping is too expensive to keep in-house, which is why there is an agreement with an outsourcer. The thing is the shipping company may not be up to scratch. Some couriers are well known for their professionalism, such as DPD. If you aren’t aware, they take care of Amazon’s goods around the world. However, others, such as Hermes, don’t have the stellar reputation. Just because you haven’t had a problem yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future, so consider making a change. Remember that their track record is an indicator how much money you stand to lose.

Don’t Over Pack

Packing is an art which eCommerce retailers have to learn. Those that do it correctly can save time and money by utilising space within a package. But, when you go overboard, it inevitably causes issues. A full parcel has no give or flexibility. So, should it hit a hard surface, the odds of it breaking are high. A box with fewer items has more room for the products to manoeuvre. Hopefully, the extra space should be enough to prevent any damage.

Deliver Via The Internet

Some products are impossible to deliver over the internet, for now! However, there are examples of items which don’t need sending physically. A gift card is a prime example because it can break or go missing. Amazon.co.uk has come up with a smart solution which is to send an e-ticket with a voucher code. That way, there is no reason to worry about damaged goods. Even if the item doesn’t break, it may get lost in the post and result in a customer refund. Wherever possible, try and utilise e-tickets for money and safety purposes.

Follow these tips and customer returns should become a thing of the past.

Do you want to know what one of the big things that causes issues for bosses is? It’s a very simple word, and it’s one that I’m sure you use very often – it’s the word ‘no’. It’s just a very small word, but it can have a big impact on a business. So, it’s very much worth trying to change all your ‘no’s into ‘yes’. When you do try and say ‘yes’ more than ‘no’ you will find that more opportunities open up to you, and these can help you grow and develop your company.

So, ready to learn to say ‘yes’? Here are some opportunities and questions you need to stop saying ‘no’ to quite so quickly.

‘Can I Work Flexible Hours?’

When you are recruiting new members of staff, you might find that you are frequently asked if the company offers flexible working hours. You might even get asked this question by some employees who have been working for you for some time! It’s a good idea to embrace flexible hours rather than just blocking it without considering it. It can greatly improve the working day for your workers, as they can work at hours that suit them better. This is a big deal with parents and employees who have many commitments outside of work. Once your employees are happier with their hours, you will find that they start to become a lot more productive!

‘Should We Outsource This?’

Even in this modern day and age, in which so many people are turning to remote workers and freelancers, there are still some entrepreneurs and business owners out there that are reluctant to outsource some of their tasks. However, outsourcing can be hugely beneficial to your company – if you’ve previously said ‘no’ to it, it’s time to change that to a ‘yes’! Many new companies like to pass their finances onto a bookkeeping company until they are more established and can afford to hire a full in-house accounting department. It’s also a good idea to outsource recruitment and marketing, so that your time isn’t taken up by these processes.

‘Is This Failing?’

Even experts fail at some projects and jobs some of the time. It’s perfectly natural – after all, we’re only human! So, it’s important that you do admit when something you have been working on is failing. If you don’t, you will only be wasting your precious time and effort on this pointless exercise. So, the next time someone asks you if something is failing, it’s necessary to own up and say that it is. That way, you will know that it’s time for you to walk away and move onto a different project that will, hopefully, become a much bigger success!

Hopefully, this blog will have spurred you on to be a bit more positive in your working life. And you will certainly notice the great benefits of saying ‘yes’ once you start doing so. In fact, you might never want to say ‘no’ ever again!