Business Cards and NetWorking
Years ago I was an enthusiastic networker – not in “Network Marketing” but I was a great advocate for having business cards, and attending events to meet others who may be potential clients, customers or supporters. I had a small business that held mainly breakfast functions where we met others keen to network or even just meet and learn from others in business. It was doing well until my father’s pending death when I had to stop doing the events (a challenge of being the solo operator of a business).
I did attend a range of other networking events and met Robyn Henderson whose book “Networking to Win” inspired me and others to continue networking. When our family moved to a bayside suburb, I started a group for women – mainly because I knew no one and it seemed like a good idea. It was! The group continues today, over 20 years since it started, and a few years ago I was gifted a Life Membership.
Recently I was asked to speak at one of their events about Networking, which I did. It is not a topic that I have spoken about in public like this in recent time, and I was pleased that many attendees came to chat with me afterwards. I collected a few business cards and some of the ladies expressed interest in connecting with me. A few days after the event I sent emails to a few who had shown interest in me and my subject. Strangely, none have replied. I’m not sure why – especially as one I had discussed doing business with her. I know people are busy, but I did expect some response.
Business Cards
I have always been a great supporter of business cards, the paper kind. I know that it is common now for negative comments about paper and issues with the death of so many trees to create these cards – many of which of course end up in trash. As a great supporter of bamboo, I am pleased to see that these days business cards are available made of bamboo – one of the fastest-growing plants on earth. They do cost more though.
Electronic Business cards are apparently popular too – though I have my own thoughts about this concept. I think it is very innovative, but I feel that it is “the top end of town” that this idea would be most popular with. If you are a small business operator, doing business with local folk, something more “personal” I think would be best. I am open to comments though.
People like to do business with people they know and trust, and while the electronic cards may be a great innovative idea, it does rely on technology. Handing a paper/bamboo card to someone as you introduce yourself in person, I believe would be much more personal and successful.
I am not really “in business” now – but I am busy in the community and still like to use my business card – and yes, sorry, it is made from trees, though I will get bamboo ones in the new year. I promise – 2025 I will have bamboo cards!
Name Cards
How many times does someone ask for your phone number or email address while you are “out and about” – and if you don’t have a card with your details, it is written on a scrap of paper. Not for me!
Firstly I always carry business cards/name cards – in fact I have three (a) my personal one and (b) two that recognise me and my position with other organisations. So sometimes people get two cards – one with my personal details. Now I am not going to reveal my phone number and email address here, nor my residential address (which is NOT on my cards), but this is what is on my cards.
Di Hill
M.A., B.A.V.T.
Writer, Traveller, Camera Addict, Bamboo Fan, Workshop Presenter
With green bamboo on the card. I’ve used them for several years and find that often, the words on the card stimulate conversation with the person I have given the card to. Questions like “What do you write?”, What do you like taking photos of? Why do you like bamboo?, but rarely any comment about the last item.
I have created my own fabric business card holders, and I also carry blank cards (and a pen!) so that if I meet someone and would like their contact details I can ask them to write their name and phone/email address on the blank card.
So having a name card (or business card if you want to call it that) is very helpful – especially if you want to meet and get to know other folk. It makes it so much easier to make these connections!!!
