Your Business Cards - Cost Effective Self-Promotion
A business card does not sell your business. Only you can do that! However, it works as a reminder of who you are & what you do. It also gives the receiver your current contact details which is paramount if you want new business. Business cards don’t have to be boring either. As long as the contact details are easily read, then the card can be as “out there” as you wish.
1. Get some business cards! Search online to find some free business cards to get you started. Or create them yourself and print them out. I met a photographer at a networking event the other week and he had made his cards that day on photographic paper. He said they were economical and if he needed to change any details he could do it easily and just print “business cards” as he needed them.
2. Keep them current! Your contact details need to be kept current otherwise your card is useless. Order new cards as soon as your information changes. Then throw out any obsolete cards.
3. Use them everywhere! It is essential to take a wad of business cards to a networking event. Especially a “Speed Networking” one. Everyone holds their wad of cards in their hands in front of them so no foraging in pockets is required! After swapping cards, put their card at the bottom of your pile or in your pocket so the cards don’t get mixed up. Speed is the key, so keep it simple. Always leave a backup stash in your glove box, boot or handbag, just in case you run out.
4. Keep your business cards looking crisp! Don’t just throw your cards in the bottom of your bag or under the seats in your car. Your business card is a reflection of you, so if you want to look professional then present a clean, crisp card; not a grubby, crumpled one. Use a business card case to keep them looking good (except at a networking function – just hold a stack of them in your hands). Your back-up stash should always be kept in one of these cases or in a small ziplock bag in the car. And definitely use you business card case during social networking.
5. It’s ok to write on them! What do you do with the cards you get? Did you promise to do something, call and make an appointment, give them an introduction to a contact? Make a quick note on their business card and then make sure you follow up the next day. Even if it’s a quick email to say you’re in the process of getting them that information, making contact is the key.
Everyone needs a business card. It shows people you are serious about yourself and your business. Use them ALL THE TIME and never fear that they’ll run out… Just order more and keep up the good networking!
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