Business cards are funny little bits of paper that we exchange with each other. Everyone knows that but not everyone knows that business cards and how you use them are part of creating a great first impression.
At a recent networking function, I met a number of future leaders in government and business organisations. On being introduced, or at times introducing myself, I proffered my business card which was accepted by the person I was meeting. One person apologised that he didn't have a business card because he had just started a new role in the last two weeks. He was waiting for his new business cards to arrive. Understandable, apology accepted.
The surprising thing was that no one offered her/his business card in exchange! There are a number of possible explanations. First that no one wanted to keep in touch; second, that everyone had forgotten to put some of their business cards in their wallet or pocket; third, that there was a generally poor understanding of the importance of the business card in all kinds of networking and business situations. The most likely reason is, I believe, the latter.
The business card and how you use it is a core part of good business etiquette. If someone you are introduced to hands you his/her business card, it is poor business etiquette not to reciprocate with your own card. This lack of the accepted business protocol will create a poor first impression. So always complete the exchange of the business cards. This practice applies even if you think to yourself, "I don't want to keep in touch with this person in the future. I don't see the point." The point is that networking not a logical sequential process but works laterally and in some unexpected ways. What you will never know on meeting someone for the first time is what their interconnections are. That person's wife, husband, brother, sister, best friend, neighbour may indeed be someone who is highly placed and influential and relevant to you. You may have missed the opportunity to be connected with someone you do wish to know.
An image to keep in mind for building connections and relationships in business and life is the circular pattern of a spider's web. Some of the web is predictably circular but the spider also builds a lot of interconnections between the silken strands. These smaller strands are not predictable and can pop up everywhere to strengthen the web's structure.
"But I don't have a business card!"
Is that because your firm or organisation hasn't given you one? Have you asked for one? If not, ask your manager to have a business card printed because you are attending networking functions and conferences and want to be able to represent your organisation there. You are the best form of advertising for your organisation and I would be most surprised if the vast majority of managers don't say, "Yes, no problem."
"But I'm a student!"
If you are a student and don't yet have a professional role, and you are attending professional events and industry and academic conferences, you should still have your own business card.
It is simple and cheap to have business cards designed and printed. You can organise it on the Internet or a digital printing shop or OfficeWorks. Have your card printed on white cardboard as heavyweight as you can afford (online this weight is referred to as "Premium.") Just include your name, email address, and telephone numbers.
When to hand over your business card
- When you are first being introduced is the best time. Later it can be awkward to break into the conversation and make it seem natural.
- When you are taking your leave of someone you have been chatting to. This can be 'hit and miss' because people do drift off to get a drink or say hello to someone else and often the opportunity to exchange cards is therefore lost.
- When you first sit down at the table, it is a good time to hand around your business cards. It works as an ice breaker too.
- When others in deep conversation, you drop into the group abruptly, introduce yourself, hand over your business card and rush off to the next group. Not a good look!
- When you and others are at the table and everyone is eating. (Wait until the meal is over.)
I hope these few points about the humble, yet very important, business card are helpful.
Lynne
Lynne Lloyd
People Results
07 3910 1003
0421 998749
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