Keep Your Cards to Yourself
December 7, 2009Michael Port wrote a great article in this month’s issue of Entrepreneur Magazine on how to expand your network and improve your reputation without business cards. Too often, business cards get lost or tossed aside, but these tactics can help you stand out from the crowd:
Share Your Connections
Introduce people in your network that have something in common. It doesn’t have to be a referral for a job, but it could lead to that.
Share Your Knowledge
Make it a habit to read articles, journals and blogs that are relevant to your industry and forward your most interesting finds to others in your network.
Share Your Compassion
Send a card or a note to someone in your network just to see how they are doing. No sales pitch or marketing. This will show them that they are more than just a potential client and that you care about them as a person. People will remember this and appreciate it.
Don’t Share Your Business Card
Unless you are asked for it, do not give out your business card. Instead, ask for others’ business cards and request permission to follow up with an email or phone call. If a time or date is specified, be sure to follow through on your promise.
You can read the entire article here.