The e-card, or CD business card, is a new twist on the traditional 3-1/2 by 2 inch business card. And believe it or not, this new technology is both cost-effective and easy to create. From design to production, e-cards can vary between $1.00 to $6.00 each, depending on your approach and features. Say goodbye to the stacks of brochures and hello to a paperless marketing campaign.

An e-card is just as portable, if not more so, than a brochure, and less costly to produce. One card can hold graphics, presentations, audio clips, resumes, hyperlinks, contact information -- you name it. You have the ability to profile and market your company with something that fits into your wallet!

You can make your own e-cards with a presentation software such as PowerPoint, or a business card template software. Once you have the design and content finished, burn it onto mini-CDs. Then begin to hand them out to prospects at trade shows and other networking events.

Here are just some of the companies that specialize in e-card products and services (and a sampling of the companies' offerings):

• CityScape Shapes - buy template software and accessories for e-cards
• E-card Builder - presentation and duplication services
• Business Cards on Disc - manufactures business cards and mini discs
• E-Marcom - digital marketing solutions
• TDN - bulk wholesale distributors of digital business cards
• Niche Options - convert a video to a mini CD
• CD Digital Card - designs and manufacturers e-cards shaped in various images, including a beer mug

Cheers!