Business card, business card, business card. This was one of the “must have” item wherever you go. We were told you are not business savvy if you went places 
without your business card.
It made sense at the time and does from time to time in today’s world.
In some countries, it might still be a necessity and for a number of reasons. One of which could be “to look official.”
I remember a few years back that I made sure I had a business card to hand out to people that I came in contact with. It made me look professional. Only professionals carry business cards … So I thought.
I would hand them out as often as I could even without having any kind of relationship with those I handed my card. It was cool.
Today, we are hearing about the death of business cards. I hear from certain circles that no one who is with-the-times carry business cards. I don’t subscribe to this philosophy. I believe there are times when it serves you to have one.
However, based upon my own experiences with people handing me busines cards without forming a relationship with me and what I do with those cards, I thought there have to be a better way.
Why do you need a business card?
You need a business card for those times when you are at a meeting and someone shows interest in you and what you have to say and want to have a way to keep in touch with you.
They might ask for your phone number, which would be on the card, but you would have more information on the card as well, that you want them to have … Your email address, social media information, website URL and maybe, your purpose statement or tagline.
How to make sure your business card gets taken home which can also be found in this AUDIO format:
1. Do not hand out your card without someone asking you for it.
Recently, I had an experience where I was at a bakery when a lady approached me and said, “excuse me sir, I would like to give you this.”
She proceeded to hand me her business card with a smile on her face.
I smiled back at her and politely took it out of her hand. I looked at it and then placed it in my shirt pocket.
One thing I can say is she was polite. At least she said, “excuse me sir.”
Because I have no relationship with her … I don’t know anything about her and what kind of realtor she is, I knew that it would end up in the garbage.
I would not at this point, do business with her because she didn’t meet the formula: know, like and trust. [smile]
2. Do not randomly leave your business card in other business places
How many times have you gone into a business place and picked up a business card not belonging to the business you went into? Occasionally, I have done that but I don’t remember ever contacting anyone whose information was on the card.
A few years ago, when I first started my business, I was very zealous in marketing my business.
I ordered hundreds of business cards and fliers. I recently threw out hundreds of those fliers recently.
When I would go to the gym, I would leave a stack of the cards on the counter. I placed it in my own card holder. It was a proud moment to see my card with my name sitting on someone’s counter top.
There were a number of other cards there as well.
One day I came to the gym and to my delight or dismay, I don’t know which one to have felt, the cards were all gone.
Was it the patrons who took the cards? I wanted to think that even though I had no way of knowing. I chose to believe that.
However, when I saw a stack of someone else’s business cards reelining in my card holder, I wasn’t so sure anymore.
I calmly took out the cards and took my card holder home with me.
Did I get any business from those cards? No. No one called me.
This idea of randomly leaving your business cards on the counter of another business, is a sure way of having them tossed.
3. Do not send out your cards by mass mailing
In my eagerness to get the word out that I was in business, I sent out my business cards to everyone I had an address for.
I didn’t just send one card. I sent three to five cards. I wanted the recipient to be as excited to receive them as I was in sending them. I wanted them to keep one and hand out the rest to friends, family and foes.
What was I thinking? Would I have done that? I don’t think so.
A Podcaster friend of mine, sent me two of his business cards along with a thank you for being a guest on his show. I found it to be a nice guesture especially in an online world that we live.
Did I throw out his cards? Yes, after I had scanned it in my electronic filing cabinet – Evernote.
Why did I keep his information? He had established a relationship with me and I truly admire what he does. I have recommend his show to quite a few people.
Having a relationship like this, becomes a game changer … Your business card will be taken home.
In summary, take the time to build a relationship with the person or persons with whom you want to share your business card. This way, you will decrease tremendously the possibility of your business card being thrown out.
Would you take a few minutes and let me know your thoughts on this article in the comment box below? Thanks.
