Your Business Card is Your Front Line Networking Tool

I’m a bit of an addict when it comes to person to person networking. For the past two and half years I have been Managing Director of a women’s networking organization and it was my job to meet people. It is my passion to connect with people and learn more about them and their businesses.

No Business Cards

I attended a networking function last week and once again I meet two people who when asked for one of there cards responded, “I didn’t bring my business cards with me”.

I don’t know why I’m always amazed at this response because I hear it quit often. I’ve even heard, “I don’t have cards”. Perhaps there is some creative reasoning in their minds for this strategy, however I fear they don’t realize what message they are really sending.

The message I hear is either, “I didn’t come prepared” or “I really don’t want to make it easy for you to connect with me”.

Make It Easy

Be ready with your business card.

If you are looking to foster new relationships, increase your sales create strategic referral partnerships, and grow your network you want to make it easy for people to connect with you. Your business card is your front line tool to do that with when attending a networking function. You want you card to be clear about who you and you want to make it easy for people to reach you.

Your card should have your full name, business name, email address, website address, business telephone number and yes I believe your business postal address (get a post office box for your business if you work out of your home office and concerned with privacy issues). Also make sure to have some space on your card for people to take notes. I’m always writing notes about the person on their cards as they are sharing who they are and what they do with me.

Pay Attention

People love to know you are paying attention to them and you will remember them better when you contact them. A good business card will allow those that have connected with you re-connect with you after the event. It’s that simple.

If you’re new in business and you don’t have your ideal logo, make a temporary card. You still need to come prepared and nothing says “I’m not serious about my business” more than the words “I don’t have cards yet”.

Now for those who are saying, “I don’t want all that spam email”, “I don’t want everyone calling me” and “I don’t want all that junk mail” you need to hear this: You are in business and that is part of business.

Let People Connect With You

You don’t know who your future clients are going to be. Those newsletter lists you get added to or mailings you may receive can always be deleted or thrown away if you don’t want to read them. However by receiving that information you may receive valuable information on future events and potential business. So learn to put yourself out there and let people connect with you.

Remember, Networks don’t have people, people have networks.