Getting the most out of any networking event is about more than just
handing out and collecting cards. Some people seem to think the success
of an event can be measured by the number of business cards they take
away. The truth is it’s better to make real connections with fewer
people, rather than to pride yourself on a collection of cards that you
may never use. These simple steps will help you to use your business
cards effectively and to know what to do next with the cards that you
collect at a networking event.
Always carry your business card. That means both in and out of
business hours – even at social and sporting events; you never know
when someone may need your services. Ladies, it is a good idea to keep
a supply of business cards in all of your handbags while gentlemen, you
may like to keep a supply in all your coat jackets.
Never hand out cards with incorrect or crossed out information.
It is not professional. Information crossed out may give the appearance
that you are disorganised or don’t have attention to detail. Business
cards are not expensive to print and you should ensure each one you
hand out is an ideal representation of you and your business.
Keep a good supply of cards. Don’t allow yourself to be in a
position where you can’t give someone your card. Be aware of your stock
and reorder before you get too low.
Ask for a business card. When you have met someone and had
conversation ask, “May I have your card?” Always ask for their card
first. Once you have received it then ask, “May I give you my card?”
Don’t always assume that they will want your card. It is more polite to
give it to them after they have said yes.
Ask permission. If you want to write details on someone’s card
(while you are still with them) always ask, “Do you mind if I make a
note on the back of you card?” Some people invest substantial money in
their cards and asking this question demonstrates your respect.
Write notes to yourself. When you have finished a conversation
with someone, take a moment to write something about him or her on the
back of his or her card. This will help jog your memory when you
contact them after the event.
After each networking event I gather all the cards I have collected and
put a rubber band around them together with note to remind myself of
which event I met these people at. I place the pile of cards on my
laptop keyboard so I that I action them the next day. Some people
invest in contact management systems, and many of them are good,
however you can still establish an effective contact system using basic
tools such as a business card holder and Microsoft Outlook or Lotus
Notes.
Schedule follow up time. Whenever I book a networking event into
my schedule I always schedule another 30-minute appointment with myself
for the day after the event to follow up with the organisers and the
people I meet.
Send handwritten cards. I handwrite thank you cards for those
people I made a real connection with. I thank them for the time we
spent, for the information they gave me or acknowledge some other
connection that we made. Receiving a hand written card in the mail is
so unusual and personal that it delivers with it a powerful impression,
far stronger than a quick email might.
Book a 20-minute coffee. If you have connected with someone at
an event and you want to know more about them and their business, make
an appointment with them for a 20-minute coffee. Twenty minutes is an
easy appointment for most people to fit into their schedule. It
indicates that you value their time and shows that you are genuine
about wanting to find out more about them. When you contact them you
might say, “I’d like to invite you for a 20-minute coffee so I can find
out more about what you do, what day is most suitable for you?” Make
sure you honour the 20-minutes. At the 20-minute mark I always stop the
meeting and say, “I promised it would only take 20-minutes so thank you
for your time”. At this point the person you are with is able to choose
whether they want to end the meeting or continue.
Send a thank you to the event organiser. Take the time to thank
the organisers of the event, let them know why you found it valuable
and include your business card in the envelope. There is a lot of time
and energy that goes into organising events and people appreciate you
taking the time to acknowledge that.
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