When to Hand Out a Card

 

• At meetings, cards are handed out at the beginning.
• At a networking event, cards are more typically given out after a conversation.
• Don’t just walk up to people at events and hand out cards.
• Give a card when it is asked for.
• Ask for a card if you want to follow up. Mention that you will be calling; the person’s body language will give you an indication of how he or she feels about this.
• Should you give out two? I’ve seen some people do this in the hope that you will forward it on. I don’t carry around other people’s cards, so I toss the second one away if I’m given it.
• If you are sharing someone’s contact information (e.g., a referral), write it on the back of your card and add an arrow on the front.
• Always carry business cards. (It’s important, so please don’t forget it)
• Be cautious about giving a card to a senior executive unless it is asked for.

 

 

 

Create a “Leave behind Card”

 

When I give out my business card, I also give them a second card that has networking hints. The card often leads to a discussion about networking, people test their handshakes with me, and it creates a conversation.

 

I’d encourage you to do this. For example, if you are an accountant, have a card that provides some of the unknown tax deductions. If you represent a charity, write who you serve and what problem you solve. If you have a product, write out some of the benefits people experience when they use it. If you are recruiting a new hire, write out the job description.

 

This is very memorable and it gives people something that they can easily find later on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling, 2003