Beyond the Handshake: Leveraging Business Cards to Build Your Network
I’m excited to be coming to you on Friday, May 5th, 2023, on the Kanawha Valley Hustle podcast. We’ve had some incredible guests this week, and I hope you’ve had the chance to listen to them all. If you haven’t, be sure to subscribe to the podcast, which you can find on all the usual platforms like Google and Apple, or online on Facebook Live and LinkedIn.
As you know, I love talking about the hustle, and I’m always excited to bring you tips and tricks to help you improve your hustle game. Today, I want to talk about something that you probably have in your pocket right now, and that’s your business card. It’s one of the most powerful tools that you own, but I bet you’re not using it to its full potential.
You see, most people think that their business card is like a billboard that they can throw around town, and hope that someone contacts them. But the real asset is not the card that you’re handing out, but the cards that you’re getting in return.
That’s right. Anytime you go to a networking event or meet someone new, make sure you get their business card or contact information. This is the difference between you and everyone else. You’re not going to sit and wait for them to contact you. You’re going to follow up with them.
As the saying goes, “Fortune is in the follow-up,” and that’s exactly what you need to do. Don’t just collect business cards like they’re souvenirs. Take the time to get to know the person and their interests. Did you talk about sports, politics, religion, or the latest news? Take note of what you discussed and use that information to follow up with them.
For example, if you talked about sports, you could send them an article about their favorite team or the latest game highlights. If you talked about AI, send them a recent report on the latest advancements in the field. The key is to show that you were listening and that you value the relationship.
But the follow-up doesn’t stop there. If you really want to up your hustle game, take it a step further and suggest a meeting or a coffee chat. This is where you can really make a connection and start building a meaningful relationship. Remember, people do business with people they know, like, and trust.
In conclusion, your business card is one of the most powerful tools you have in your hustle arsenal. But it’s not just about handing them out. It’s about collecting them and using them to build relationships. So, next time you go to a networking event, don’t forget to bring a stack of your own cards, and make sure to get to know the people you meet. The fortune is in the follow-up, and with a little effort, you can turn those contacts into long-lasting relationships that will help you in your hustle journey.