We exchange far fewer business cards than we did before. This may be because some people saw them as a means to exchange contact information, and it’s now easier to find this information online.
But business cards served another valuable purpose. They were tangible calls-to-action that would help you be remembered. Producing a business card in the first encounter would increase the likelihood of a second encounter.
Business cards were the standard because they were quick and easy to produce in bulk. But if you want to be remembered, there are better business cards out there.
Upon making a connection with someone, produce something that demonstrates your potential value. This may be a blog that you maintain. Or you may have written a great industry article that’s headlining your LinkedIn page. Or you may have a beautiful portfolio of work that you can easily share.
And if you really want to make a statement, gifting a book that you’ve written can be a very effective business card.
Don’t simply share your contact details. Give them a reason to make contact with you again.
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