"When you give out business cards, not only are you giving out your company's contact
details to a client but you are also advertising your products and services through that business card as well. Business cards speak a lot about who you are, what service you offer, and how serious you are in marketing yourself. A card is also important even while seeking a job. Don't think just because you already have a rsum, you don't need a card. It is easier to carry ten cards in a wallet. This is something that you should remember. And you yourself don't carry your rsum everywhere you go. Below are a few tips on using a card effectively.
Carrying your card with you always is important. You might come across someone and you may need to give out your information on a card. You could find opportunity to do some networking even when you jog or when you run errands. Try to make it as part of your daily routine.
You can advertise yourself on bill payments. Ever notice how bills nowadays have fliers advertising something? Have you thought of doing this as well? When paying, you can insert your card together with your payment. Never take the power of networking lightly. We could be six persons away from knowing an influential person or anyone who needs your services for that matter. Every person knows someone who knows someone. Developing this kind of attitude may matter in your own success in the future.
Swap business cards. See to it that you ask the other person's card also when giving your card. We call this business ethics. When somebody hands you a card, don't just tuck it in your pocket or your wallet. Make the person feel important by looking at the contents of their card even for just a brief time. You may even see a subject that is worthy of discussion. Make sure you note down some facts about the person that would prove valuable for your next meeting, such as common points of interest. Doing this will prove that your interest for this contact is genuine. Show them that you place their card on your wallet. This means that you have a special place for this contact. Make them feel important and probably, they will do the same.
Business people in other countries sometimes have their own ways of accepting or giving their business cards to others. You may want to research ahead to find out what is the ethical way of exchanging cards in their country if you are about to travel abroad.