Business cards. Who thinks about business cards?
I do!
During the past eight weeks I've spoken in
The one thing that jumps out at me is how many people don't come prepared.
They don't bring pens, they don't bring paper, and they don't bring business cards.
Some Examples
He mumbles to himself that he's not sure where they are. He pulls out his wallet and begins searching.
As I watch him I feel as if I'm an eye-witness to an archaeological expedition. He pulls out credit card receipts, credit cards, family pictures, his driver's license, and other people's business cards - with notes scribbled on the back.
Sheepishly he says, "I know I've got one... somewhere. Let me look in my briefcase. The search continues.
He opens his briefcase, which is packed with files and papers, memos and reports, newsletters and newspapers, and maybe somewhere deep inside... a business card.
Finally he finds one and hands it to me.
We exchange pleasantries and move on.
I write down some notes on the back of his business card so I can add him to my ACT! database and give him a call in a few days. Who knows where my business card ended up.
A few moments later, I begin a conversation with Ellen. We chat for a few moments, and I ask if she would like to be added to my e-mail newsletter. She says Yes. I ask her for a business card.
Ellen opens her purse, and starts rummaging around. She finds everything except a business card.
Ninety-seconds later I give her one of mine - along with a pen, and ask her to write her name, e-mail address and other information on the back.
I put her business card in my right pants pocket. Mine goes into the bottomless pit known as her bulging purse.
Using Your Business Cards
Business cards are inexpensive. You can buy a thousand for $25 to $50, maybe less. But we forget to carry them around with us. It's a big mistake.
You never know when you're going to meet someone who could become a customer, business associate, or sphere of reference.
Always Be Prepared
While flying back to
During the flight we started talking. I asked her a lot of questions, and guess what, she liked talking about herself. The more questions I asked, the longer she talked.
During the conversation we discovered we shared a number of common business interests. She had also read several of my books, Small world, isn't it.
When the plane landed in
At the end of our conversation we both made notes to ourselves - on the backs of each other's business card - about what we would do next.
Then we said good bye. I hopped in a taxi and went home, and she flew onto
It's Your Job To Follow-Up
Giving your business card away isn't nearly as important as getting the other person's business card. If you hand someone your card, and then expect them to call you up, you're going to be sitting by the phone for a long, long time.
The single reason most people aren't effective networkers is that they don't have a good follow-up system.
When you meet someone, and want to keep in touch with them, take the responsibility to put their name in your database, schedule a follow-up call, and then call them.
Here are five business card and networking tips you should use. They'll help you take advantage of the opportunities that come your way through the people you meet.
· Always keep a large quantity of business cards in your briefcase, wallet or purse.
· Replenish your supply after every meeting and networking event.
· Create a system for giving and taking business cards. I keep my business cards in my left pants pocket and place the cards I receive in my right pants pocket.
· Look at a person's card before you put in your pocket or purse. Look at the name, then look at the person's face. Try to make a mental picture of both their name/face in your mind so you can remember your new friend.
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