What if my company doesn’t provide me with a business card? If you don’t have a business card or your company doesn’t provide one, make one for yourself. This is your primary calling card.

• VistaPrint.com is a great resource for getting inexpensive business cards. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be functional. Remember to include all of your contact information (tele, email, mailing address). Make the font size and type easy to read. Leave plenty of white space so that other people can jot down notes on your card.
• Attention college students: you need business cards too. That is unless you want to live with your parents forever!

Do I really need to carry my business card after work hours? Absolutely! A motivated networker knows that new connections can happen anywhere: grocery lines, airports, conferences, boy scout meetings, church, gym. Get one of those slim business card holders that fit easily into your purse, car, briefcase. This will keep your business cards clean and undamaged so its presentation will befitting of your professional image. AND, you’ll always know where they are.

I feel awkward offering my business card. Get over it. It’s a very professional and normal thing to do, just like shaking hands. You can ask your new connection “Would you like to exchange business cards?” or “My I give you my business cards?” or “May I have your business card?” Remember to treat the business card (yours and theirs) with great respect. Present it to them with dignity (i.e., don’t just fling it at them); Remember to look at their card when they hand it to you (i.e., don’t just stuff in your pocket or purse). This basic business card etiquette will help you be more successful in your networking.

What do I do with the business cards that I collect? Jot down a quick note on the card before leaving the event or place where you met them. I like to write down the date and location or event. I also jot down one or two words about our conversation to remind myself and remember this person.

• Within the next 24 hours, send this new person an invitation to Linkedin.com
• Within the next 36 hours, add them to your database or contact management system (CMS). Don’t have a CMS? It’s time to get one.
• Within the next 72 hours, send them a personal card or note, expressing your appreciation for meeting them. If you don’t yet have a SendOutCards account, you may want to get one. It makes following up a breeze and will help you stand out AND strengthen your relationships.

What do I do if I forget to bring my business cards with me? Ask for their business card and then take the initiative to follow-up with them shortly after your meeting. Mail them your business card or send them your full contact details electronically.

What if I can think someone else that this person should meet? Then ask them for TWO of their business cards, one for you and one for the other person. If they want to connect you to someone else, give them a few extras of your business cards.

With all this new technology and ways to connect on line, do we really need business cards anymore? I say YES! Your business cards is one of the hardest working, lowest cost marketing tools you will ever have. It makes you easily findable. It communicates your professionalism and willingness to connect. It is an expression of your personal brand.

Please don’t show up empty handed and give one of those sad excuses “Oh, I left my card at the office/car/other briefcase.” It’s easy to step up your networking game. All you have to do is remember to bring your business card with you everywhere you go…AND be ready, willing and able to exchange your business card with others.

Goal for this week

Grab a stack of business cards and place them in your purse, briefcase, car and porfolio. Practice exchanging business cards with at least 3 new people this week. Get comfortable ASKING for their business card and PRESENTING your business card.

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