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Small Business Marketing: Set a business card goal at each networking event
If you're a small business leader, responsible for the marketing of this small business, here's a great tip for when you attend a networking function:
Networking Tip: Every time you attend a networking event, put a certain number of your business cards in your pocket. Not 100, not 50, but a specific number of business cards that you can realistically give away during the function. For me it's 5 business cards.
Then, do NOT leave the networking event until you have given out all of these cards. Too often small business marketing folks wander aimlessly around a networking event and struggle with boosting their awareness.
What this 5 Card Giveaway networking strategy does is provide a goal, (I will give away 5 business cards), and then provides an incentive for achieving the goal (I will leave the event). You will feel proud and a great sense of accomplishment after giving away that 5th card...believe me.
PS Make sure you put your 5 business cards in one pocket (or portion of your purse) while storing any business cards you receive in another. That way you don't mix up the cards.
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January 22, 2008 in Small Business Marketing | Permalink
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Comments
Thanks for the heads up on this must do tip. This may become part of my daily ritual.
Posted by: writeonbro | Jan 22, 2008 8:27:58 PM
Jay, great advice. I think you are reading my mind! (Is it because of the name?) I use the 5 business card goal for business networking functions such as business after hours.
However, an important point is that it's not just about giving your own business cards away, it's about collecting an equal number of business cards. One rule I have is to never give out a business card unless I have a meaningful conversation with that person. Then I will ask them for their business card and wait for them to ask me for mine.
Posted by: Jay Ehret | Jan 24, 2008 4:31:37 PM
Thanks Jay for the kudos.
I agree that it's about collecting an equal number of business cards. And I like your "Give one after I get one" rule for Business Cards.
Anyone else out there want to weigh in on when is the right time to hand out your business card?
Posted by: Jay Lipe | Jan 24, 2008 6:25:54 PM
Great timing, Jay. We just published a weekly e-tip on this issue. I absolutely love your 5-card idea.
While the urge is to plaster your card everywhere, we have all pulled cards out of our pockets and asked ourselves, "Now who was this person?" The other Jay's suggestion to engage the contact in a meaningful conversation first is spot on. And, of course, follow up with an e-mail as soon as you get back to the office.
Thanks for the interesting topic, Jay.
Posted by: Judy Dunn | Mar 4, 2008 12:38:39 PM
