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Your Business Card: An Important Networking Tool
posted on September 4, 2005
I've seen too much advertising copy saying that business cards and the greatest marketing tool since sliced bread. They're a very important tool, but if you're relying on your business card to sell yourself then I'm worried about you.
Honestly, I'm just really frustrated with the number of people that don't bring, don't have, or who run out of business cards during a networking event. For me, a business card is just a tool that helps me remember who you are. My memory is pretty sketchy when it comes to names. If I don't get a business card from someone I just met I'm screwed!
There are lots of opinions out there about business cards. What information should be on the card? Should it be horizontal or vertical? How about more information on the back of the card?
A basic, simple business card it what makes me happy. Who are you? What do you do? Who do you do it for? How can I get in touch with you? That's all I really need. I also prefer that the back be blank. [I know I'm going to get all sorts of folks telling me that this is a missed opportunity to sell, educate or whatever.] If you have stuff on the back of your card then I don't have space to write where I met you, something unique I learned about you, and why it's important for me to follow-up with you.
It's also a great way to make an impression with someone when you hand them your business card. I often will give someone I've just met a little piece of information by writing it on the back of my card. That you if what I've given them is useful they can remember who it was that gave it to them.
Everyone should have a business card! Especially if you're looking for a job, or new to an area. Even if your not in sales, or think you don't have a reason to need business cards... You do! There's no excuse not to have them either. If you need some business cards printed very reasonable give me a call. I'll be happy to refer you to some very inexpensive printers, or print them yourself.
Ok, enough of my ranting. Just remember that a business card no matter how well designed and/or useful it might be is absolutely useless if you don't have any to give to that person you just met.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com
Honestly, I'm just really frustrated with the number of people that don't bring, don't have, or who run out of business cards during a networking event. For me, a business card is just a tool that helps me remember who you are. My memory is pretty sketchy when it comes to names. If I don't get a business card from someone I just met I'm screwed!
There are lots of opinions out there about business cards. What information should be on the card? Should it be horizontal or vertical? How about more information on the back of the card?
A basic, simple business card it what makes me happy. Who are you? What do you do? Who do you do it for? How can I get in touch with you? That's all I really need. I also prefer that the back be blank. [I know I'm going to get all sorts of folks telling me that this is a missed opportunity to sell, educate or whatever.] If you have stuff on the back of your card then I don't have space to write where I met you, something unique I learned about you, and why it's important for me to follow-up with you.
It's also a great way to make an impression with someone when you hand them your business card. I often will give someone I've just met a little piece of information by writing it on the back of my card. That you if what I've given them is useful they can remember who it was that gave it to them.
Everyone should have a business card! Especially if you're looking for a job, or new to an area. Even if your not in sales, or think you don't have a reason to need business cards... You do! There's no excuse not to have them either. If you need some business cards printed very reasonable give me a call. I'll be happy to refer you to some very inexpensive printers, or print them yourself.
Ok, enough of my ranting. Just remember that a business card no matter how well designed and/or useful it might be is absolutely useless if you don't have any to give to that person you just met.
Happy networking!
Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com
Author: Scott Ingram
Categories: Business Networking, Networking Tips, Scott Ingram