How to Make Money With Your Letterhead!

Steve Yankee

Here's a simple little trick that not many people know - one that will allow you to actually make money with your letterhead.

Instead of merely putting your company name, address, phone numbers, email and website address on your letterhead, include some specific, problem-solving information.

Here's a few thought starters:

High-quality corporate video productions that boost your business revenues.

Or

Budget-minded videographers capture your special event.

Or

Most experienced wedding videography service in Columbus.

Or

Lasting memories with professional slide, photo and film transfers to video or DVD.

Or

Emmy-winning director handles your next project with enthusiasm and professionalism.


You might also include professional credentials and affiliations, such as mentioning you're a member of The Video Business Advisor, 4EVER Group, Michigan Independent Videographer's Association, WEVA or your local Chamber of Commerce; or say something about your payment plans. Perhaps " All Major Credit Cards Welcome ," or " 90 Days To Pay With No Money Down!"

(I'm kidding about that last one. Get paid on time. You'll stand a better chance of staying in business longer. Nowhere on your letterhead should you suggest you're a Lending Institution as well as a videographer or video company!)

Likewise, you can use your business cards to sell your benefits. Of course, your cards need your name , prominently displayed. You want people to remember you. They also need your business name and/or your logo .

Get specific. Very specific.

If your business name doesn't say what you do -say it's "Precious Memories" or "Endless Images" or something else that's a little vague -add a line underneath it that says exactly what you do, such as Event Videotaping or Video Duplication or Corporate Video Production.

Next, make sure your complete address and phone are on your letterhead (and business cards, too.) If you work out of your home and don't want your address listed, consider a mail drop address. Just look in the Yellow Pages under 'answering services" or find a Mail Boxes Etc. in your area, then go get a box there. For years, I worked from my condo in the woods, but my business was "located" at 101 Washington Avenue, Suite 230, Grand Haven, Michigan -which was the address of my Mail Box franchise. Don't use a Post Office box number for your address , though. That gives you all the credibility of an escort service.

Details, details!

Make sure you have your telephone area code on your cards and letterhead, too. I'm amazed at how many letters I receive without an area code on the number. Which means if I'm interested in talking to this particular person, I have to call information or look them up in an area code directory...and sometimes, it's just too much of a bother.

Corporate colors...

What colors should you use for your business cards, letterhead and envelopes? Three background colors that are good for business, simply because they convey a perception of professionalism, are light gray, off-white and beige. Don't get too cutesy with colors. It's hard to read type on dark paper, and extra-bright colors don't really convey a businesslike attitude.


Size? Standard is always best.

Your business cards should be cut to a standard size, which is 2" x 3-1/2". Oversized cards are neat, but no one knows what to do with them. They don't fit in wallets, Rolodexes or card cases. You could always use a fold-over business card, though, and make it into a mini-brochure by taking the extra panel to explain what you do and the benefits of working with you. Video Producer Dave White does this, and the extra paper carries a copy of his latest Yellow Pages ad, which lists all his services and benefits.

If you decide to use a photo of yourself on your card -this is a design I recommend highly in order to promote yourself as far above the rest of the herd -why not have it showing you doing something related to your video business, such as a picture of you holding a camera, a light, or getting ready to direct a scene?