SolveYourProblem Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself

How Business Cards Help You Network

You should always have a few of your business cards handy whenever you leave the house. It’s important to have them constantly available because you never know when or where you will meet someone who can be an important contact. Giving your contact information to someone on a crumpled napkin or a piece of scrap paper does not give off a professional appearance.

Having the business card with you is not enough. These cards are tools that can help you market yourself and make an impression. You want your business cards to stand out so that they, and you, will be remembered. The business card should include your name, address, and important phone numbers. It should also include your business logo and website or email address. Another important item to include on your business card is a tagline or slogan. This should be a one line summary of what your business is about.

Another way to make your card stand out is to make sure it is printed on quality material. The paper should be thick and glossy. If your cards have colored print, make sure the colors stand out. Also, you should think about listing your specialties on the card, to make readers aware of exactly what you do.

Don’t be afraid to use the back of the business card to provide more detail. However, make sure the most important information, like your name address, and phone numbers are on the front.

Business cards should be considered a wallet size advertisement. For that reason it’s important that they are organized for maximum impact. This includes the use of bullet points for emphasis and utilizing all the space on the card.

Be generous with your business cards. The more of your mini ads that are circulating at any given time the more effective they will become. Hoarding your business cards defeats the purpose of having them. For this reason, you should give out your cards two at a time in the hopes that they will be passed on.

Furthermore, you should ask for referrals. As you give out your card, mention that you would appreciate a referral in case the person knows anyone else who might be able to use your services.

Also, insert your business cards in any mail outs that you send. Even if you are sending a customer a bill it is important to include a business card in the envelope. The recipient of the mail may not need or want your card, but they might put it into the hands of someone who does.

Handing out your business cards is vital but it is equally important to collect them from others. The proper business card etiquette is that whenever you give out a card, then ask for one in return. When you are given the business card, do not just put it in your pocket, take a few seconds to look it over to show your interest. You should keep a pen available to jot notes on the back of business cards that are given to you. These notes should include something that will make you remember the person, or anything you committed to do for them.

Regardless of your purpose for handing out business cards, they are a crucial tool in marketing yourself or your business. You should make sure you have plenty of them at all times; they should be of good quality and display all of the relevant information. You should give them out as often as possible and ask for many in return. Using your business cards is an effective component of networking, and if done correctly can lead to business and social successes.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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