Networking with Business Cards
Posted on October 1, 2007
Filed Under Business, Entrepreneur, Networking |
Last week I wrote an article titled, ‘Business Cards for Beginners’. Following from that, I give you, ‘Networking with Business Cards’.
As previously mentioned, business cards provide a quick way to promote your business, and always leave a mark on the people you give them too, so you need to make sure they make a powerful impression.
Here are some tips and tricks to networking with business cards.
Always have business cards on you
It is important to always have a few business cards with you, in your wallet, your jacket pocket, your briefcase, laptop bag, in the car, on your desk, or in a special business card holder. There is nothing worse than being asked for a business card and replying that you don’t have any with you, or forgot to bring. Add it to your check list before going out – ‘Phone, wallet, keys, and business cards’. Remember: no business card = lost opportunity.
Point of conversation
Business cards can always be used as a point of conversation. It is always a starting point when you give or receive a card to leverage off the business cards design, layout, and other details.
Give them out
As mentioned above, they are a great point of conversation, but only if you are giving them out to people you meet. Always offer your business card when meeting someone new. It gives them a point of contact with you, shows you as an authority in what you are discussing if it is business related, and also provides the person with more information about where you are coming from. Be generous when giving out your business cards. They have no purpose sitting in your wallet where no-one can see them.
Start a train
When you meet someone, give them 2 or more business cards. Politely ask them to pass them on to someone they think would be interested in you or your services. This is a great way to start the networking train and get your cards around to potential clients, employers, customers and other networkers. You never know where your business card may end up.
Business Card Etiquette
When given a business card, be sure to give yours, and more importantly, take time to look at their card and really analyse it. This will show you are interested, care about and have taken note of the person you are talking to. This will make the person you are talking to feel more important, and open up to you more.
Take notes
After talking to someone, write on the back of their card what you were talking about. That way, when you email them later on, you can refer to your conversation. This will really leave a good impression, and make the person feel valued, as they know you were listening, and genuinely interested in what they were saying. This might seem like a small simple thing to do, but it’s bound to make you look good.
So remember to get those business cards out there, and to follow these networking with business card tips to networking success!
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