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!
One of your primary resources in your Networking Tool Kit is your simple, little, low-tech Business Card. Since you only get a few moments to make the best possible positive first impression on strangers, what you do – and don’t do – with your business card can make a significant difference. Consider these four simple Network Pro strategies that will help you avoid coming off like a Card Shark!
- Don’t give your card to people at the beginning of a conversation. Wait until you have a reason to want their card or to want them to have yours.
- After a short, focused chat, decide if you think the other person is someone you could help … OR … who could help you. If so, then ask them for their card. Write a note on the back indicating where you met and what you discussed. This should prompt them to ask for yours.
- If they don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not interested in you. It just means they haven’t asked you for your card … yet.
- Then, simply say ‘May I give you my card?’ instead of ‘Would you like my card?’ Almost everyone will say ‘yes’. And don’t take it out of your pocket until they do. Write a similar note on the back of yours.
This simple little strategy can project a positive first impression of uncommon courtesy and professionalism. It can also help differentiate you from all those Amateur Card Sharks networking at the same event.