subject: Networking through Well-Designed Business Cards [print this page] Networking through Well-Designed Business Cards
If you want to have a successful business, you don't only need to offer good products or services and be familiar with the industry that you are in. You also need to study, research and be familiar with your competition. You need to see what they've got and what you can do to outshine them.
The point here is you need to know and understand your target market. You don't actually need to be a rocket scientist to study your target market. In fact, you don't even need to employ a researcher to do that simple job. You can do it yourself and save a bundle in the end. How do you do this? For one, you can talk to your friends and relatives and they'll be the one to talk to friends and relatives as well. You can ask them to come to a friendly lunch meeting. You can also consider talking you people you meet on the street. If you are in a grocery store or gas station, strike a conversation with people you meet. You can ask them questions or offer opinions to issues which you think you can relate to your product or service. Keep in mind that potential consumers are in all kinds of places, so be sure to talk to people.
Now, before you end a conversation and part ways with a potential customer, you need to leave behind something that can make them remember you. You can do that through business cards. Business cards are necessary in any business. Although simple and doesn't carry a lot of information and product description as the brochure, business cards can encourage people to contact you and learn more about your offerings. As initiator of first impression, it is critical that your cards are well produced and designed.
Promoting with your business card:
1. Carry your business card anywhere you go. They are small and handy; they won't really become much of a hassle for you. So, why are you leaving them at home or in your office? Remember that you never know when you are going to meet a potential customer. They could be in the next corner or the next person you talk to at a business event. Don't let the chance pass up; have your card with you always.
2. Practice business card etiquette. Don't hand out your cards during a meal, or stop someone to talk business at an entirely social function. If you meet someone you would like to give your card to, ask for their card first and they are likely to ask for yours in return.
3. Keep your cards organized. This doesn't only mean the business card templates and design of your card but also the manner you keep it. You can devise a system for safekeeping cards at function and events. For instance, you can put your cards in your left pocket and every card you receive in your right. You can consider jotting down notes at the back of the cards you receive to remind you of the person.
4. Respect your cards. If you want your cards to be effective, respect them. Keep them clean and crisp by storing them in a card holder. Every time you receive a card, take a moment to read the content to show the giver that you are interested then store it carefully in a card holder.
