Post by Trade Coach on Oct 12, 2017 19:56:52 GMT 1
Whether you are looking for a job or running a business, giving out business cards is crucial to marketing your skills or services. Even as a job seeker, develop the mindset of running the business of YOU, Incorporated. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you are marketing YOU, Incorporated as a business.
Never leave home without them
Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include business cards, as part of "do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver's licence"' Any 'per chance' meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network. My wife will always ask if, 'do you have business cards', before leaving the house. Make it a habit to carry business cards.
Insert a business card when mailing bill payments
Bills contain advertisements. Why can't you advertise your skills or services the same way' Insert a business card with your payment. You may not think a person in Port-harcourt or Jos who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental source of continued success.
Use proper business card
Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Then place it in your wallet. This lets them know they reside in a special place with you.
Be generous
Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving two at a time to each person. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.
Ask for referrals
When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable when you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services'. Don't make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, 'is your company hiring" People naturally like to do favours for people. This always places you in a better position with them. They will feel better about helping you.
Maximise every "per chance" meeting
You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don't discount those events. So you're going to a birthday party for your friend's kid. You never know who you might meet.
Never leave home without them
Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include business cards, as part of "do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver's licence"' Any 'per chance' meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network. My wife will always ask if, 'do you have business cards', before leaving the house. Make it a habit to carry business cards.
Insert a business card when mailing bill payments
Bills contain advertisements. Why can't you advertise your skills or services the same way' Insert a business card with your payment. You may not think a person in Port-harcourt or Jos who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental source of continued success.
Use proper business card
Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in the other person. Then place it in your wallet. This lets them know they reside in a special place with you.
Be generous
Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving two at a time to each person. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.
Ask for referrals
When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable when you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services'. Don't make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, 'is your company hiring" People naturally like to do favours for people. This always places you in a better position with them. They will feel better about helping you.
Maximise every "per chance" meeting
You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don't discount those events. So you're going to a birthday party for your friend's kid. You never know who you might meet.