Business Networking in 2018 Are Business Cards Still Relevant?
Business cards don’t have the same presence they once did. These little pieces of card stock were once a vital part of professional networking, but they’ve become more of a niche item these days. So, should we consider the business card dead? Not so fast! There was a time when it seemed that the business card was legitimately on its way out and social media was poised to take over as the business-connection solution. While some websites, such as LinkedIn and
to convey key information in a simple, professional way while also standing out. That’s no easy task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing a business card: Have purpose. Before you order cards, decide how you will use them. Don’t invest in cards that are going to sit in a desk drawer for the next five years. Keep the design clean. The idea is to capture the attention of the recipient, not overwhelm them. If the information on your card isn’t clear, the card is useless. Only say what is necessary — name, profession, contact info, and a brief description of the service you provide — and leave it at that.
Facebook, have become popular networking tools, they certainly haven’t rendered the business card obsolete. The business card provides a snapshot of your business to someone you may want to work with in the future. It’s an easy way to instantly hand someone your contact info — no fumbling around to find your smartphone or a relevant app. And that person will have a physical reminder of your name.
Let your creativity shine. When you hand someone a well- designed business card — one that goes beyond a boring white rectangle — they keep it. Let your card reflect you and your business. Don’t be afraid to step out of the 2-by-3.5-inch box. Need inspiration? Head over to YouTube and search “Tim’s Novelty Business Cards” or go directly to youtube.com/ watch?v=r4IDLvwgDbU. You’ll be inspired in no time!
But in 2018, your business card can’t be boring if you want to catch someone’s attention. It needs
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Because once you answer, you’ve given them control of the conversation, given up your power, and lowered your status. And that’s not good. Furthermore, once you answer their question, what do they always do right after that? Right! Ask you another question! Remember: Whoever is asking the questions is the one who is in control of the conversation. Here’s a better idea ... Sometimes, the Best Answer to a Question Is ... Another Question! It’s called the “Hot Potato” (Remember that game when you were a kid?), and it’s absolutely awesome! Let me show you an example of how powerful this is. Suppose a seller asks you, “Howmuch time do you need to pay us off?” Rather than you replying with, “Well, it all depends on how long our buyer takes to go through the process of qualifying for his bank loan, and ...” If you answer like that, YOU’RE DONE before you’ve even begun with most people. Here’s a better answer: “What’s the longest you could give us?” Brilliant, right? Why? Because the pressure is back on THEM, not you . Just like catching a hot potato, you want to throw it right back at them . And that’s why it works. The ‘Redirection for Clarification’ Trick Ooohhhh ... this is a good one! Can’t believe I’m sharing this here. Okay, suppose your prospect asks you a question that you DO need to answer (It could happen!). With your new training in place from this article, let me ask you something: Should you just answer their question and leave it at that? NO! The better thing to do is to briefly answer their question, and then ... ASK THEMA QUESTION OF YOUR OWN! Example time: A seller asks you, “How much are you going to pay for our house?” Instead of just giving them an answer, why not say something
like this: “I don’t know! I haven’t had the chance to see your house and do my due diligence yet. But let me ask you this: Suppose we can work out a price that works for you and for me so that we both get what we want, is it possible we could do business together today?” Just try that out the next time a seller asks you that question, and watch the magic happen! Can you see why this is golden material, here? Do you think this will help you to feel more positive and more confident when you’re talking with your various prospects on the phone or in person? So let’s wrap this up by completing the title of this article with a personal quote I’ve been saying for years. This is such a powerful idea, so please put it to good use: “You don’t have to have all the answers; you’ve just got to ask the right questions!”
Until next time, Tony Pearl
2 • www.JayConner.com • PO Box 1276, Morehead City, NC 28557
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