What’s the value of a business card today?
Let me check with you first: How many business cards have you collected? Many. And how many do you actively use? Not many. In how many cases do you actually remember what the person behind the card said? None.
Cards may seem overrated. The contacts you actively use are stored in your mobile device anyways, so why do we bother with business cards? Why going through the hassle of designing, printing and spending too much money on them just to show the name, position (or degrees achieved)?
The truth is that it is part of our image, how we present ourselves to the world, to someone who doesn’t know us at all. But after the person gets to know us a little bit more and stores our contact to his mobile, is there a need to store a business card too? Nope. Just piling up on the desk or clogging up the drawer. Is there a way to make them a little bit more valuable than just a piece of paper that will be forgotten in a little while? What is really the added value behind the card? In one word (resp. two words):
The story.
Have you ever turned over someone else's business card to scribble down why you met the person? Just a few points will do... For example:
- Try to think about three positive things you take out from the meeting
- Or think about how you felt when you met the person?
- Can you remember what stood out from meeting the person?
- What did he or she say that make you think?
- Is there something that you want to take away with you?
Write it down, just in short, but right on the card you received. After you store the number to your mobile, store the card as well. Somewhere where you can return to it anytime. Keep it with all the information you added and actively use it. Next time you see the person it will be much easier to pick up on conversation where you left it. And it certainly is influential and persuasive showing that you listned and remembered the details the person said. In fact it helps you win people on your side. Simply just by noting down what you discussed and paid attention to. I do this when I meet my new clients. I focus on first meeting and especially first few moments. The first impression is always right. It never fails and by doing this I can easily relate to a person and remember even small details. In some cases for years! It is like a tale.
So start doing this simple exercise now and turn your cards to be your vault of information.
And let me check again with you: How many business cards have you managed to collect so far? Many. And how many do you actively use? More than just one or two. In how many cases do you actually remember what the person behind the card said? All.
