When I graduated
from college, I started my own computer consulting company,
DEO Consulting, Inc, which like any new businessperson went
out and had business cards produced. 500 hundred cards to
start.
I would meet a
new business associate and I would hand them a card. My father
a old-time salesmen would look at me a say, “Why are
you saving those card for, give them a couple”. Hey dad,
these cards cost me money, I just can’t give them away
to anybody. He looked at me and said “What! How do you
think your business is going to grow” Word of mouth,
I told him. My father looked at me and said “Wouldn't’t
it be better if they could pass on a business card. That's
called business card networking. Then what he was saying hit
me, just don’t give out one card, but a couple of cards.
Since that day,
I usually handout two or three cards at once and I tell the
person that here’s my card, and I have given you extra
cards for a friend or just put your gum in it later (networking
through the business card). The customer laughs and follows
up with, I have a friend so-and-so is having an event; I’ll
pass your card on.
Now my only problem
is keeping enough business cards on me. Business Card Networking
is about passing your cards out, not saving them. Make sure
you give them to anybody who shows interest, and keep them
on hand! You will meet some of your best contacts outside
of work, so put them in your car, wallet, hand-bag, or give
extra to a spouse. They too will meet people and can business
card network for you.
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