Your business card is your company’s ultimate weapon if it’s used correctly.
Many people hand out their business cards to everyone they come into contact with whether the person wants the card or not. If you use your business card correctly, as a marketing and advertising tool, your list of contacts and referrals will begin to grow.
Here are a few tips on how to hand out your business card in a professional manner.
1.Networking: When you meet someone at a networking event, a business meeting or at the store, engage in a short conversation. Always ask for their business card first. Most people will be pleased that you asked and will naturally ask for your card in return.
However, if they don’t ask, don’t offer your card. You never want to be too forward. When they hand you their business card look at it and ask genuine questions about their business.
Make sure all the contact information is there: name, business name, phone number, address, and email. In case something is missing, ask for it so you can add it to the card.
2.Your Card: If and when someone asks for your card politely hand them one and be ready to answer any questions they might have about your business.
Never attempt to sell someone on your company when you first meet them, unless they ask about your services or products. You don’t need to sell someone when you first meet, you really just want to make a new contact at that point.
3.Contact: Make sure you send your new contact a handwritten note within 24-48 hours. Inside, write a short note thanking them for their time and telling them you’re happy to have made their acquaintance. Try to add a personal touch by referencing something from your conversation. Don’t forget to place your business card inside the thank you note and hand address the envelope, then drop it off at the post office.
Your new contact will be delighted to know that you took the time to write a note and use snail mail rather than a generic email.This can be a great first step in building a professional relationship.
4.Organizing: It is important to keep all of your received business cards in an organized file for quick reference. If you don’t hear back from your new contact after sending a note, ask if you can add them to your email list. Ask permission, not only is it the right thing to do, you never want to be accused of spamming. Then only send emails that are short and informative.
Next time you come into contact with someone use your business card as your company’s secret weapon. Now you know how to properly hand out your business card and build a professional relationship.