3 Things to Do Before You Hand Out Your Business Card

NEWS AND INSIGHTS UPDATE:

Are you handing out business cards because it’s a habit or because you think that’s what you’re supposed to do when you meet someone new? If so, you’re wasting time, effort, and paper.

Erica Nicole of YFS Magazine explains three things you should do before you hand your business card to someone so the effort benefits you and the other person:

1. Never fail to qualify.

“Is the person you’re attempting to connect with your actual target audience? Are they remotely interested in what you’re selling? Start by developing a dialogue that is meant to qualify sales leads.”

2. Build a semblance of a connection.

“Assess the situation and if time permits — attempt to build a connection. Once a relationship or quick connection is built, then engage and offer.”

3. Realize the value of your opportunity and never beg for a sale.

“Do you truly understand the value of your company’s offering? If you did, then you wouldn’t beg or debase yourself for one more sale or hand over a business card to someone who is not at all interested.”

Get the details: 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Hand Me Your Business Card (At Least Not So Quickly) via yfsentrepreneur.com

Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).