Notes

10 Powerful Networking Tips Using Business Cards
Whether you are looking for a job or in operation, giving out business cards is vital to marketing your skills or services. Even while a job seeker, develop the mindset of running the business enterprise of YOU, Inc. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, what you offer and how serious you're marketing YOU, Inc. as a business. Oh! So, you've got a resume and don't need business cards. Can you carry 10 resumes in your wallet' Can you or can you carry your resume everywhere you go' A church bell ringing lets people know they are open for business. Your organization card is your bell. Here are several proven tips using business cards to increase your likelihood 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 business cards, within "do I have my wallet/money, house keys, driver's license'" Any 'per chance' meeting can be an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or perhaps a quick trip to the neighborhood store could be an opportunity to network. My wife and I always ask each other 'do you have business cards', before leaving the house. Ensure it is a habit to carry business cards.

2. 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 might not think an individual in South Dakota who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking. A movie, entitled '6 Examples of Separation' points out we have been 6 people from knowing someone of influence. You will be 6 people from knowing the President of the United Sates, your preferred movie star or someone who is in a position to hire your skills or services. All of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude will be a fundamental way to obtain continued success.

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 stick it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for some seconds. You may see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as for example date, location and common sights. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. This also demonstrates a sincere fascination with the other person. Then place it in your wallet. Allowing them know they reside in a special place with you. "Skill with People" by Les Giblin is really a book that expands with this approach. Make people feel important, to make yourself important to them.

4. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including friends and family. Don't let vanity stop you from offering your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. I've met many people who have totally missed the objective of a small business card. I once asked a person for another business card, therefore i could refer his services. His response was "I only have a few cards left and I want them", as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your organization cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.

5. Require referrals. When giving a business card, people feel more comfortable once you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, once you learn anyone that could use my services'. Don't make people feel just like they are at that moment. This process disarms people much better than asking them, 'is your organization hiring'' People naturally like to do favors for folks. Saying 'could you do me a favor by referring my services to someone'. This always places you in an improved position with them. They will feel better about helping you. Provide them with 2 cards.

6. Maximize every "per chance" meeting. You won't ever 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. At a family holiday gathering this past year, I met someone that has been instrumental in developing our business this year. Who would have thought this may happen giving him a simple business card.

7. Place yourself at the proper place at the proper time. Have you been to employment fair or business conference and been disappointed with the networking results' Turn the tables around. Consider volunteering to greatly 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 excess mile in helping them make their presence simpler to manage. Get involved by visiting Eventme, TheLunchClub.net, Craigslist.com or view the calendar of events for Jacob Javits Center to put yourself in opportunities for offering your organization card. Volunteering for events is a very successful resource for my business partner and I to expanding our business. Zig Ziglar, probably the most successful sales trainers in the world says "in the event that you help enough people get what they need in life, you will get what you need in life".

8. Use "In Your Face" follow up. Did you ever have a job interview or meeting with a recruiter, potential client or employer and wonder why they never called you back' 'Out of sight, out of mind' may be the operative phrase to keep in mind. Today's economic climate dictates you may be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It's a significant task for people to help keep track of each individual meeting. So it's up to you to give an individual grounds to call you back. Soon after a gathering snail mail a hand written note thanking the person because of their time. Insert your organization card. Now you're in the driver's seat in standing out from other people. If you get no response, do it again. Patience and persistence pays off.

9. Use promotions to market YOU, Inc. Newspapers frequently have stories of individuals being promoted to high levels in various organizations' This is an opportunity for you. Consider benefiting from invitation size blank greeting cards. Utilize the Internet's search capabilities to find out the address of the business's executive offices. Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your organization card. For the expense of a 37-cent stamp, you have just made someone's day and may create an impression which makes an individual feel compelled to respond back to you. Ensure it is a habit to do this once weekly. Remember '6 Examples of Separation'. You just never know . . . People open invitation type envelops faster than any others.

10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that answers the question 'Why must i hire you' Or "What makes you not the same as everyone else'" A catchy phrase or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services. People remember even with the commercial is over. That's called branding. Companies pay big bucks to advertising agencies to create these lasting slogans. Consider doing the very same thing on your business card. That is your insurance people remember you, after you meet. read more put Hortence Smiley, Accountant on your business card. Add something like "Financial Services With Integrity". A slogan makes all of the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.

Happy trails networking . . .

Carl E. Reid, CSI
With corporate career travels from the mail room to the board room, Carl Reid shares his 40+ years of business experience. As a successful entrpreneur With 26 years in the Information Technology field and 15 years as a small business Career Coach, carl has helped many professionals jump start their careers or business. In adition to being truly a speaker and published author, Carl advises smaller businesses on emerging technology opportunities. He could be also publisher of Library of Congress recognized globally syndicated newsletter blog "SavvyIntrapreneur.com"
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.SavvyIntrapreneur.com
Tel: 201-222-5390
Website: https://www.thedailyengage.com/lamboraul-signals-review/