As our bon voyage to our series on networking continues, we will make sure the bases are well-covered by reviewing the final 5 commandments. Some of these may seem basic, but when it comes to business card etiquette, there’s no harm in sharing these friendly reminders.

From Memorable Entrance to Tactful Exit: Networking in Style

Networking is all about timing. When to start and stop a conversation. When and how to offer a referral or exchange business cards. It can feel like you’re stuck in an awkward dance without a guide. That’s what commandments 6 through 10 are for. They will help you look prepared, poised, and stay cool under pressure. Most importantly, these commandments give you a solid exit strategy.

So, what’s the best calling card to bring to a networking event? When in doubt, go with something distinctive and classic like, basic black.

Commandment #6: Remember that giver’s gain. This philosophy focuses on how to help each other. In part one of this article we stressed that you shouldn’t go into a networking event with a “what’s in it for me” attitude. This commandment harnesses some of that active energy and put it to work for others. Whenever possible; offer genuine referrals, leads, and active support to others. If none of that applies to the current situation, try to be aware of upcoming events in the area that you can tell someone else about.

You’d be surprised how often your efforts come back to you. Even if they don’t and you feel as though you walked away from the conversation empty handed; focusing on referral giving rather than lead getting; will keep you in the right mindset. That said; there is a way you can make sure you almost never walk away empty handed: follow command #7.

 Commandment #7: Square off the exchange. One good exchange deserves another. After you have exchanged helpful information, it’s time to exchange business cards. The secret is to ask for 2 cards. One to give away to another person at the event and one to keep. This not only creates incentive to network; it helps you build up a solid on-the-spot referral portfolio.

Don’t be worried about running short on those black business cards! Plastic Printers has your back. We can get your cards re-ordered whenever you start to run low. That’s what good business partnerships are all about; being a resource you can count on when you need it most.

Commandment #8: Value time; yours & theirs. This is where the well-intentioned often misstep. When you first enter an unfamiliar environment, your natural inclination is to either gravitate toward people that you already know, or to spend your time talking to one or two “really interesting” people. Avoid this instinct at all costs.

To revisit our goal from part one, you have 10 to 20 black business cards to hand out at any given event. That goal will go continually unmet unless you deliberately limit the time you spend with each contact. Your maximum converse cut-off: 10 minutes. This may seem like an unnatural limitation at first, but once you begin meeting the challenge, it will become a habit.

What about those “really interesting” people you meet? It’s simple; exchange your business cards and contact them later to set up an appointment or talk in more detail. The more important question is: how can you remember what face goes with which card? A black business card from our company sets you apart, but what about them? That’s why there’s:

Commandment #9: Always write in the margins. Take note of everyone you meet. Make sure to write down something unique or memorable about them. Business cards make the perfect pocket-sized “notepad.” Taking the time to complete this exercise will help you complete your final commandment.

Commandment #10: Follow-up. Even if you follow all of the commandments religiously up to this point; if you don’t do this, none of the groundwork you’ve spent all that time laying matters. Follow-up within a week of the event. Make phone calls, send emails, set appointments, and complete your referrals. Always follow-up and follow through, otherwise; your reputation won’t hold any professional clout.

In networking, your reputation is your currency. Spend it wisely by spreading the word about who you are and what you do through a black business card from www.plasticprinters.com. We know a thing or two about reputation building. We’ve built a niche in the plastic cards business over the last 20 years.

Contact us and we’ll pass our promotional expertise onto you.