Tag Archives: Business Cards

That’s really a dumb question

By Phil Stella | Published: June 9, 2022

You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. There are plenty of dumb questions.

Three of my faves are:

1.  Excuse me, do you know what time it is? 

2.  Hey mister, got any spare change?

3.  Honey, do you want to take out the trash? Read More »

Dumbest Networking Question

By Phil Stella | Published: July 4, 2021

Many of you were taught that there aren’t any dumb questions. Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but there are plenty of dumb questions.

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That’s Really a Dumb Question!

By Phil Stella | Published: August 2, 2019

And speaking of questions, let’s look at questions in a networking context. You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. Read More »

What To Do AFTER Your Elevator Speech

By Phil Stella | Published: September 5, 2018

As wannabe Power Networkers, many of you polish your finely-crafted Elevator Speeches and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance you get. Great. Read More »

Don’t be a Card Shark!

By Phil Stella | Published: July 3, 2018

I’ve been ranting about business card finesse for over 25 years and I thought by now there would  be no need to keep doing it. I assumed business people would get it, change behavior and stop being card sharks forever. Apparently, that’s not the case … so here we go again! Read More »

That’s Really a Dumb Question!

By Phil Stella | Published: February 1, 2017

You know that old adage, ‘There’s no such thing as a dumb question’? Sorry to spoil your fantasy, but that’s wrong. There are plenty of dumb questions. Three of my faves are: Read More »

Don’t be a Card Shark!

By Phil Stella | Published: April 2, 2014

Regular readers realize the mission-critical value of effective, efficient and compelling networking. Properly done, it can result in easily learning important information to help you do your jobs better or find better jobs or grow your businesses. It can sometimes even lead to creating new mutually beneficial business relationships.
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Got Cards?

By Phil Stella | Published: January 1, 2013

Regular readers know that I frequently engage in lively discussions with several LinkedIn groups. A recent posting asked about ideas for following up on business cards gathered at networking events. Some excerpts from my comments:

  • I only get cards from people I want to get to know better – people I think I can help or who might be able to help me.
  • Don’t give your card to anyone! Really! Wait for people to ask for one. If they don’t and you really want them to have one, ask if you can give them your card. A simple little difference, but it sends out a very clear – and positive – message.
  • I send an email to each person I want to get to know better, asking for a good time to follow up on our brief conversation started at the event, but I don’t send any marketing information unless that person asked for something.
  • Here’s a different twist on the typical tactic after a networking event of asking for an in-person follow up chat. Since I’ve already met the person and established a minimal ‘hi touch’ connection, I respect their time and mine by suggesting we begin a more detailed and convenient email or phone dialogue. As that conversation evolves, the need for and value in another in-person meeting becomes more obvious.

Happy Networking!