You hit it off with someone at a networking event, and the conversation is going well. This person seems like a great person to stay in touch with. As the conversation winds down, you wonder whether you remember to bring business cards with you.
But wait, are business cards still necessary in a world of apps and smartphones?
I believe the answer is yes.
It’s a physical reminder. When you receive or share a business card, it is a physical reminder of your conversation and any follow-up you hope will happen. That won’t happen if you write yourself a note on your phone, send yourself an email, or use an app to exchange contact cards.
Get it in writing*. Before passing your card, jot a note about what you talked about or the resource you hope they’ll remember to share when they get back to the office. Do the same when you receive a card – add the date and name of the event, which will increase the odds of doing the follow-up.
Your business card has your logo and depending on the industry. You might have your photo. This is an opportunity to increase brand recognition and help your new friend remember you when they see your card on their desk. Pro tip: Point out something on your card, so they look at it.
Look professional. It’s unlikely that when you get home, you empty your pockets and toss all the business cards you collected into the recycling bin without a second glance. If someone hands you a cocktail napkin or a scrap of paper with their contact info, there is a much higher probability that you’ll toss it into the trash, maybe even before you get home – because it doesn’t look significant. Don’t let this happen to your contact info when trying to stay connected.
Provide More (or Less) Information. Include your LinkedIn link. Are you a photographer? Include a link to your portfolio. Don’t receive random calls on your cell phone? Include a landline or leave a phone number.
Make a statement. Show you care about the environment and support labor by printing your business cards on recycled or certified sustainable forest paper using soy ink in a union shop. Include the union bug and environmentally friendly symbols on the back.
Bottom line. Business cards are not dead, and they also are not the point of networking.
Consider them a means to an end – the goal is to build a supportive network based on solid relationships.
*Traveling? It’s crucial to know how cultures differ around business card exchange etiquette. For instance, it’s an insult to write on a business card in Japan (http://www.linguist.com/services-japanese-card.htm).
ABOUT ROBBIE: www.robbiesamuels.com/about
Business Growth Strategy Coach
Robbie coaches inspiring entrepreneurial women in their 50s and beyond (and a few remarkable men) to grow their impact and income by building an audience before launching new revenue streams.
WHO YOU ARE:
You want to have a more significant impact and increased income. The problem is that there are so many options for building your business that you can feel stuck, overwhelmed, and like you’re running out of time.
The reason options are overwhelming is that you’re looking at them as a series of disconnected steps. When to make the most of your time, you need a strategy that connects only the most important and highest impact ones.
You know that you'll accomplish nothing if you try to do everything. To achieve your goal, you have to invest in a strategy to put time on your side.
WAYS ROBBIE OFFERS SUPPORT:
As a relationship-based business growth strategist, Robbie will work with you one-on-one to design a year-long plan that consists of three 12-week sprints, each followed by four weeks of reflection/assessment, rejuvenation, learning, and strategic planning. This will allow you to sequence your goals, create momentum, and leverage your limited time.
Have a project that you want feedback on or need assistance with a specific strategy? He offers half-day strategy sessions.
Already selling but feeling stuck around how to increase your revenue? Sign up for a one-day mastermind with fellow entrepreneurs to break through to the next level.
Ready to dig into your network to validate a solution you’ve been working on to see if you can build an audience for it before launching? Sign up for 12 Weeks to Create Your Irresistible Offer program.
Want accountability, support, and guidance as you implement your strategic plan? Learn more about his year-long Wake Up Your Network mastermind program.
These are not right for everyone; they're personalized offerings and are priced accordingly.
WHAT MIGHT YOU WORK ON?
In his coaching work with entrepreneurs, his clients focus on the areas where they'd like to grow, which may include:
- Creating a strong sales conversation framework
- Building your referral network
- Lead generation through a relationships
- Growing your visibility in your industry
- Increasing your ability to attract the right kind of clients
- Identifying and launching a minimally viable offer
- Breaking through whatever bottleneck is holding you back from getting the results you want and deserve
- Becoming a published author and marketing your book successfully
- Improving your virtual presentation skills
LEARN MORE AND SCHEDULE A CHAT: www.robbiesamuels.com/coaching
Robbie is excited to support you in reaching or exceeding your goals.
Keynote Speaker
Interested in booking Robbie to speak? At www.robbiesamuels.com/speaking you’ll find video clips and a description of his talks.
Watch his TEDx talk “Hate networking? Stop bageling and be the croissant!” at www.robbiesamuels.com/TEDx.
Stay Connected
- Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn
- @RobbieSamuels on Twitter and Instagram
- New to his website? Start here
- On the Schmooze podcast archive – weekly since July 2016!
SIGN UP for his free weekly #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hours – www.NoMoreBadZoom.com
Affiliate Links: Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links above are “affiliate links”. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products and services I use personally and believe will add value to my listeners. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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