Turning Everyday Conversations into Networking Opportunities
by Robert JohnstonDid you know that you can close almost every conversation with a chance to hand out your business card? As long as your business or the business of the person you are speaking with is introduced somewhere in the conversation, handing out your business card is perfectly natural. Learning this skill simply requires you to learn a “catch phrase” that you can use after every conversation.
First, thank the people you speak with for taking the time to talk to you, but do so in a way that makes them feel important. You can say something positive, such as “I really enjoyed talking to you today.” This shows them that you are appreciative of their time and interested in what they had to say. By making this personal, the people you speak with are more apt to remember the conversation in the future.
Next, ask them for their business card. Again, this shows that you have taken a personal interest in them and their businesses. You can say, “Do you have a card?” This is easy to do, yet many new business owners forget to ask.
When you receive the card, resist the temptation to simply stick it in your pocket or purse. Remember, the person you are talking to spent as much money on business card printingas you did, and they want the chance to network as much as you do. Consider getting a business card folder that you can carry with you in your purse or briefcase. Slip the card into this folder. If you do not have a folder, carry a business card case that you can put the card into to protect it. By treating a business card with care, you are showing the individual that their contact information is important to you.
Remember to use the business cards in your business card folder when you need professional services. Remind the people you call where and when you met, and chances are they will return the favor at some point. Not only is this a great networking tool, but this folder will also become an important resource when you need professional services for your business or personal life.
Now is the chance to give out your business card. Simply say, “Here is mine,” and hand it to the individual. Because you took the time to ask for the other person’s card and treat it with care, your card will likely be accepted and also treated with care. Whether or not the conversation develops into more business for you in the future, you have taken the opportunity to get your name out there.
Finally, tell the person you will email them. This is the final step in closing the conversation, and it is the first step towards a potential future business relationship. Of course, you do need to email the person as soon as you possibly can, using the contact information on the business card you received. In your email you will again state that you enjoyed the conversation and provide the person with your contact information. Keep it short and sweet, but follow through.
If you close every possible conversation with these four phrases, you will be able to give out your business card effectively. As a side benefit, you will not appear pushy when you do present your card to those you meet. Soon you will see these efforts resulting in new business contacts and more income for your business.