NETWORKING KNOW-HOW #2: BUSINESS CARD SMARTS
Published on Nov 18, 2015
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NETWORKING KNOW-HOW #2:
BUSINESS CARD SMARTS
Wow, no one claimed $1 million in cash last week by guessing what the one crucial must-have is for any networking event.
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I guess I’ll have to go ahead and get that around the world cruise I’ve had my eye on …
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I’m sure you know what it is, though, right?
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However, having business cards and giving them out is not enough!
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It’s important to know WHY you need them, and HOW to use them effectively.
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*They provide people with multiple ways to contact you.
*They can give others a sense of your style and personality.
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*They can be passed on to others who just might be prospective clients or strategic partners.
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*They can be kept until just the right time!
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There are some business card best practices you might not be aware of:
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Always keep your cards in a case until you’re ready to use them.
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You want to avoid giving out a card that’s bent, unclean or has been written on.
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Visit the Executive Gift Shop or Amazon for a nice assortment of cases.
A nice business card case makes a lovely gift as well, especially for someone who has just joined a new company or been promoted.
2. Keep them separated.
At any event or in any situation, put your cards in one pocket and the cards you receive in another.
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You will avoid “card confusion” and the appearance of being disorganized and unprofessional.
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3. Recognize their power.
Business cards are the face of you and your business long after they’ve been given, so make sure they are unique.
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Here are some ideas that will inspire you.
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I use my books as business cards on occasion, so if you have written a book, always have one on hand.
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4. Keep them organized.
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If you have a drawer pull of cards or piles and piles of them on your desk, you may be missing opportunities to find, use, and share them.
Use an app like Evernote to organize and make them instantly accessible from any device.
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5. Keep a stash in key places.
I keep a small stash in each car, in every purse, briefcase, portfolio, and suitcase.
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Put an extra box in your glove box or trunk, keep one at home and at the office.
You just never know when you’ll need some for an unexpected networking event and you don’t want to miss an opportunities.
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In fact, it is a great idea to have at least a dozen cards on you at any time, and access to others in case you need them.
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6. But in the event of a business card fail …
Here’s what you say when you’re fresh out:
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“I’ve been more popular today than I anticipated. May I have your card and I will send you one of mine?”
You will save face (mostly) and have the opportunity to impress your new contact with a follow-up note (handwritten, of course).
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7. Use them liberally.
Put them in the thank you and nice-to-meet-you notes you're sending.
They may just end up in the hands a prospective client, or supply the recipient with your contact information at the right moment.
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Business cards are a tool that when used effectively can help you network like the star you are!
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