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, Inc. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you are marketing YOU, Inc. as a business.
Oh! So, you have a resume and don’t need business cards. Can you carry 10 resumes in your wallet? Can you carry your resume everywhere you go? Here are some proven tips using business cards to increase your chances of landing a job or creating a business opportunity.
1. Never leave home without them. Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include your business cards. 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.
2. Insert a business card when mailing bill payments. You may not think a person in South Dakota who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking.
3. Use proper business card etiquette. 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. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest.
4. 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 2 at a time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a business card. I once asked a person for a second business card, so I could refer his services. His response was “I only have a few cards left and I need them”, as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.
5. Ask for referrals. When giving a business card you should ask, “I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services”. People naturally like to do favors for people. This places you in a good position with them and they will feel better about helping you. Give them 2 cards.
6. Maximize 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.
7. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Consider volunteering to help out at the job fair or other types of events. This puts you in a better strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage.
8. Use “In Your Face” follow up. Did you ever have a job interview and wonder why they never called you back? Today’s economic climate dictates you might be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position. So it’s up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting send a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you’re in the driver’s seat in standing out from other people.
9. Use promotions to promote YOU, Inc. Consider getting some blank greeting cards. Search the internet to find out the address of the company’s executive offices. Send the blank card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your business card. You have just made someone’s day and may create an impression that makes a person feel compelled to respond back to you.
10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that answers the question “Why should I hire you” Or “What makes you different from everyone else?” A catchy phrase or slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.
Carl E. Reid, B2B Consultant & Career Coach, advises small businesses on maximizing the Internet’s potential for creating new profit centers, while developing strategic alliances for win-win business partnerships. As a Career Coach for 15 years, Mr. Reid has helped hundreds of people jump start their careers or start businesses.
Free-Business Cards! Don’t network without them
Whether employed or not, you must always keep a fresh supply of personal business cards handy for networking opportunities. There’s nothing worse than making a great contact, searching for a pen and writing your number on a napkin, that’s sure to be lost. Personal business cards project an image of professionalism and leave a lasting impression.
Right now you can obtain 250 free-premium-quality, full color business cards, an $85 value, (There is however a very small shipping and handling fee). Using pre-designed online templates, you create professional, attractive business cards in seconds. Instantly preview the cards online before submitting your order. To get your free-business cards, go to VistaPrint.