I have just returned from one of many conventions and homecomings we attend. I am always amazed at how many opportunities are passed up by D.C's who fail to carry business cards.

For instance, just on my journey to the convention, I passed out three cards. One was given to a man sitting in the terminal at Chicago O'Hare. We gabbed about his limp, which in turn was related to his back. I happen to have a friend who is a chiropractor in the man's city and voila! a new customer.

Another card was given to a man on the plane who happened to know an old friend of mine and would pass on the information. The third card went to a woman who needed a product we sold! That was just on the way there!

At a convention, you'd expect vendors to have business cards, because we don't want to miss any sales opportunities. But what about doctors of chiropractic? If D.C.s serve less than 10% of the population, wouldn' t you think having business cards might be an inexpensive marketing tool and give them an edge in acquiring new business or business opportunities?

Even in school, cards with general contact information can be used to:

• Foster new relationships
• Provide information on chiropratic
• Make buiness contacts
• Show professionalism

It goes back to the old addage. "You only get one chance to make a first impression!"

Make it a special one. Hand out a card!