Revision as of 06:57, 7 April 2023 by 154.30.194.139 (talk) (Created page with "Whether you are looking for a job or in operation, offering business cards is vital to marketing your skills or services. Even as a job seeker, develop the mindset of running...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Whether you are looking for a job or in operation, offering business cards is vital to marketing your skills or services. Even as a job seeker, develop the mindset of running the business enterprise of YOU, Inc. Business cards speak volumes about who you are, everything you offer and how serious you are marketing YOU, Inc. as a small business. Oh! So, you have a resume and don't need business cards. Can you carry 10 resumes in your wallet' Can you or is it possible to carry your resume everywhere you go' A church bell ringing lets people know they're open for business. Your business card is your bell. Here are several proven tips using business cards to increase your likelihood of landing employment or creating a home based business.1. Never set off without them. Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to add business cards, as part of "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 a quick trip to the local store could be a chance to network. We always ask each other 'do you have business cards', before leaving the home. Ensure it is a habit to transport business cards.2. Insert a small 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 a person in South Dakota who opens your charge card bill payment can assist you. Never underestimate the energy of networking. A movie, entitled '6 Degrees of Separation' points out we have been 6 people from knowing someone of influence. You will be 6 people away from knowing the President of the United Sates, your preferred movie star or somebody who is able to hire your skills or services. Each of us knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone etc. Developing this powerful networking attitude is a fundamental way to obtain continued success.3. Use proper business card etiquette. Whenever you provide a business card, require a small business card. When given a small business card, don't just take it and stick it in your pocket. Make the individual feel important by looking at their card for some seconds. You may see something that is actually a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as for example date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with see your face. This also demonstrates a sincere interest in your partner. 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, in order to make yourself important to them.4. Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including friends and family. Don't allow vanity stop you from offering your last business card or giving 2 at the same time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a small business card. I once asked an individual for another business card, so 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 business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.5. Require referrals. When giving a small business card, people feel convenient once you ask; 'I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that might use my services'. Don't make people feel like they are on the spot. This approach disarms people much better than asking them, 'is your organization hiring People naturally prefer to do favors for folks. Saying 'could read more do me a favor by referring my services to someone'. This always places you in a better position with them. They will feel better about helping you. Give them 2 cards.6. Maximize every "per chance" meeting. You never know once you might meet a person who will let 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 the friend's kid. You never know who you might meet. At a family group holiday gathering last year, I met someone that has been instrumental in developing our business this season. Who would have thought this could happen by giving him a straightforward business card.7. Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Are you 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 an improved strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in assisting them make their presence easier 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 business card. Volunteering for events has been a very successful resource for my business partner and I to expanding our business. Zig Ziglar, one of the most successful sales trainers on the planet says "if you help enough people get what they need in life, you will get what you want in life".8. Use "In THAT PERSON" follow-up. Did you ever have a job interview or ending up in a recruiter, potential client or employer and wonder why they never called you back' 'Out of sight, out of mind' is the operative phrase to remember. Today's financial state dictates you could be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for exactly the same position or contract. It's quite a task for people to help keep track of each individual meeting. So it's your decision to give an individual a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting snail mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat in standing from other people. In the event that you get no response, repeat. Patience and persistence pays off.9. Use promotions to market YOU, Inc. Newspapers frequently have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations' This is a chance for you. Consider getting some invitation size blank handmade cards. Utilize the Internet's search capabilities to determine the address of the company'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 cost of a 37-cent stamp, you have just made someone's day and could create an impression that makes an individual feel compelled to respond back. Make it a habit to get this done once a week. Remember '6 Levels of Separation'. You merely never know . . . People open invitation type envelops faster than any others.10. Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your own 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 after the commercial is over. That's called branding. Companies pay a lot of money to advertising agencies to create these lasting slogans. Consider doing the same thing on your own business card. That is your insurance people remember you, once you meet. Don't just 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, CSIWith 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 info Technology field and 15 years as a Business Career Coach, carl has helped many professionals jump start their careers or business. In get more info to being truly a speaker and published author, Carl advises small businesses on emerging technology opportunities. He is also publisher of Library of Congress recognized globally syndicated newsletter blog "SavvyIntrapreneur.com"Email: MyCompass@Success4U2.netWeb: http://www.SavvyIntrapreneur.comTel: 201-222-5390