Business cards are great for marketing yourself. Despite their size, their importance is second only to your website. They serve as an introduction to yourself and are an extension of your first impression. So why are they so important?
- You can miss out on important connections if you don’t have them with you at all times. For example, you are at a networking event and forget your business cards. The likelihood of someone remembering your name and business are pretty slim, even if you are the most memorable person in the world!
- You will give a great first impression if you have one to give first, unprovoked. You don’t want to be that person who just hands out your cards and bails, but you want to be proactive! Find 2 or three people that you want to meet and spend your time getting to know those three.
- Carry several with you and hand out 3 to each person. One for themselves and two to pass along in the future. It is always a great idea to start by asking for three of the recipient’s as well!
You’ve exchanged business cards, now what??
- Have a real conversation and write notes on the back of the business cards after you part ways. Write down a similar connection, a need that you could fulfill or a fun fact about the person!
- Store the card somewhere, and connect with them on LinkedIn. Here is another fun fact for you. You can put those same notes about your connection on LinkedIn too! If you have a database or a business card collecting app, add your new connections info there as well. Saving this information in multiple places will be best for remembering that connection in the future.
- Finally, don’t forget to actually follow up with them in the near future. Early morning coffee follow-ups are nice and casual, and dinners are great options as well, because everyone needs their coffee and a delicious meal. Not to mention, most people grab your card and never follow back up, so start the trend and make a great impression!