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Sometimes the simplest business innovations are the best ones.

My post, Partner With Another Business - Use A Double Sided Business Card, struck a chord with Small Biz Mentor readers.

Here's a recap on the post. A local Indian restaurant I frequent had another Indian restaurant in a neighboring town on the reverse of their business card.

I subsequently visited it, because of the association (and implied recommendation) of the first restaurant... savvy business marketing, and such a simple idea.

Small Biz Mentor readers agreed. Here are some of their comments.

Marketing coach, Peter George said,

Used correctly, this is a great idea. I always suggest to my clients that they full advantage of their business cards -- using both sides. It's one of their least expensive ways to increase marketing efforts. However, I have not thought about this idea. The possibilities are limited only to one's imagination.

Jen at Membership Millionaire added,

The idea of shared business cards sounds great. In your case, you immediately wanted to give the other Indian restaurant a try. I think that should also work well for complementary businesses. It’s like a one-stop shop directory of sorts. Plus, you’ll be helping a friend out. Or that friend could be helping you.

Birney Summers at Energy Boomer said,

Great idea! I can put my day job on one side and my blog on the other side.

And from Anne-Marie at The Write Spot -

Just when I thought I heard of every little marketing trick out there! this is a terrific tip and something I'll pass around to my networking groups. 

Raymond at Attracting Your Goals 

What a brilliant idea. It cuts the cost and increases the effectiveness.

Karen at Scraps Of Mind said

What a great idea Yvonne. Sharing a business card with a complimentary business doubles your network instantly. It also makes you look like you are part of a larger organisation as the two businesses appear associated.

Leveraging Networks & An Existing Market
It stands to reason, that if you are interested in one product, you may be interested in a related product or business. So a double sided business card is a simple but effective idea for partnering with another complementary business. 

It's also about leveraging the power of existing customer networks.

Thanks as always, to Small Biz Mentor readers for your comments and insights.