You just got your new package of 1,000 business cards delivered. You’ve started a new business, and the smell of fresh business cards make it all the more real. So now what?
What are you going to do with all those business cards? They are not going to hand out themselves, are they?
Business cards are mini-advertisements for you and your business, and they go to waste if they’re sitting under your desk not being handed out. The best way to use your business cards effectively is networking – meeting new, like-minded business owners and employees.
When you first meet new people, you establish communication with your name and what you do, share stories, and so on. It’s common courtesy to exchange business cards at some point during the conversation. Sometimes people are interested in your services right away, especially if you offer something unique. Most times, your business card will be put in a stack and left there until the time is right and someone needs your services.
Potential customers, vendors, and even friends can be found at business networking events. These events include:
Chambers of Commerce – Every major city and most large towns have a Chamber of Commerce. Chambers are essentially groups of business owners and employees that represent the commercial interests of a town or city. Many, if not all, Chambers of Commerce have networking events where the members meet up in social settings, such as lunches and dinners. These casual events offer a relaxed atmosphere for meeting the local businesses in your area.
B2B (Business to Business) services like website designers and accountants can find great value at these types of events because they are full of other business owners.
Business Networking Groups – These kinds of groups are similar to Chambers of Commerce, but have no specific relation to any city or town council. They are usually made up of all types of businesses, and their sole purpose is to network with each other. These groups include BNI, LeTip, Rotary Clubs, and much more. A simple Google search for “your town + ‘networking’” should provide a great starting point.
Industry Events and Conferences – Almost every industry in the world has its own conference, and some industries have a lot more than one throughout the year. Industry-specific events and conferences are a great resource for meeting like-minded business owners.
These events also offer the opportunity to offer products and services that are niche-specific. For example if you design websites for dentists only, then a conference for the dental industry would be a great venue to pass out your business card.
Meetup Groups – Meetup is a website that lets people create groups for real-life meet-ups. You can meet up with all types of groups that may be interested in your services.
Of course, the opportunity to pass out your business card should not be restricted to only these events. Every new person you meet is a possible contact for you, and the only way they will remember you is through your business card.