Networking is challenging, but it has its advantages. For one thing, you have the opportunity for multiple face-to-face introductions. Unlike referrals, in-store business card displays, or random drop spots; the people you meet at these events can put a face with the name from day one. This simple act of recognition carries a lot of weight when making connections in business; especially if you're one person in a sea of faces.

How do you give your name staying power wherever you go? Practice recognition by association using the caller ID business card and the tips outlined in this installment of plastic printers template of the week.

Putting a Face with a Name

Business cards have always been a conduit of connection. When people exchange these cards, they come with unspoken strings attached.

Business owners are hoping for new and returning customers, chances to collaborate with others, information from other business owners, or that a link will be added to their supply chain. Of course, there are numerous reasons behind this card exchange; that is the give-and-take of being in business. The point is when you give someone your business card, your hopeful of some kind of return for your efforts. The question you might find yourself asking is, am I seeing the return I expected from networking?

If the answer is no, the problem could be as simple as your choice of business card. Networking has gotten increasingly more social over the last decade. Now, people like to find out more about you using these accounts and platforms as a reference point.

Being able to look someone in the eye, even online, establishes trust. That trust can launch an ongoing business relationship that would otherwise go to a competitor. So what do you do to make sure your face stands out in the crowd? Why not let your reputation and your image proceed you?

Create an Eye-Tracking Avatar

We are visually attracted to a product or brand that comes with a sense of familiarity. This tendency is called eye-tracking. Putting your face on your business card encourages people to seek you out because they feel a more personal connection with you.

This is usually the point where a reader expresses doubt about just how effective this marketing technique is. Before you count yourself among the doubters, let me take a moment to present concrete proof that this method works.

I don't think anyone can deny the fact that we live in a world that is saturated by social expectations and advertising. For these reasons, a huge emphasis is placed on getting noticed.

Contrary to what your marketing department might tell you; stop throwing money at the problem. In order to see returns, you don't need to make a large investment, you need an expert-level catalyst. The caller ID business card can be that catalyst.

In today's business culture, you need four components for successful commerce:

1. An ever-present customer base
2. The tools for retention
3. Expert status in your industry
4. To achieve instant recognition

According to surveys published earlier this year, facial recognition can be your path to success.

This is the Face of an Expert

Statistically, business owners that use identification-themed promotion will grab the attention of their target market more often. This translates to a 10 to 15 percent increase in foot traffic, and up to a 150 percent increase in click-through rates online. Not only does it
accomplish the first two goals on the list; facial recognition puts you heads above the rest of the competition.

Industry-leading experts have to start somewhere. For most of us, "somewhere" is defined as gaining an audience. Eventually, that audience trusts and seeks out the content we produce. When that happens, we've established a following.

Believe it or not, your image can help expedite this process. If you have a beneficial product or service, and you get the word out about that beneficial product or service, people will start to seek you out and use you as a resource for helpful, trustworthy information. That's all it takes
for people to start treating you as a go-to authority in your industry.

After a while, your face will become instantly identifiable with your product or service. The more people associate your expert-level knowledge with your business, the more your business will increase in importance within your industry. It's all cyclical.

Even if you still have your doubts about whether or not a caller ID business card is effective, you have to admit, it has some practical uses. For instance, if you have a very common or very unique name, people will have trouble remembering it. Including your face on your business card stops the forgetfulness in its tracks and helps you gain traction in overcrowded industries.

No matter what side of the coin you fall on; these cards can benefit everyone. To test the theory for yourself, all you need to do is visit our website http://www.plasticprinters.com and download the caller ID template. If you like the results, we can help you produce a calling card that is literally like no one else's. Contact us to become the "face" of your industry today.