The Pitch Episode 14: Does Your Card Convey You?
Learn:
With today’s tech do we still need business cards? Learn how to reevaluate the importance of your card in order to pave the way for future pitching.
Does Your Card Convey You?
Read:
In today’s high tech world is it still necessary to have a physical business card? Well, if you are networking in Japan it’s not only necessary it’s highly offensive if you don’t have one and further insulting if you don’t present it properly with both hands. When I’m at a meeting or event and I offer my card to someone and they reciprocate with: “Oh, I’m sorry I’m out of cards,” Then that person is immediately barred from my mental Rolodex. I think: Is it because I’m not worthy of their card? Do they not see value in connecting with me? Or are they just too forgetful or cheap to not take the time to properly present themselves in a business setting? If your excuse for not showing me a card is that you are trying to save the planet from waste then I call bluff. My business card is 100 percent compostable and grows wildflowers when planted. Technology has provided us with a wide range of options when it comes to materials used for business cards, so this is not a valid excuse. Before you pitch in person, equip yourself with the classic communications tool of the business card. If done with a bit of creativity, it’s a memorable way to make sure someone doesn’t forget you. Networking events and conferences can be chaotic, so leaving someone with a physical piece of yourself can improve your chances to connect in the future. “The Pitch” challenge today: Reevaluate the importance of your business card. Take inventory of what your business card says, what it is made of and how it feels in your hand. Does it reflect who you are and what you represent? Is it creative and a conversation starter? Will people want it like you are passing out gold tablets? When you present someone with your business card you are really leaving them with a piece of you, so make sure your card conveys who you are in a memorable way, to pave the way for future pitching.
Apply:
If you were to create your own personal business card that reflects who you are, what colors would you choose?
What would the material look or feel like to best reflect your personality?
If you can only use three words to describe who you are on a business card what would you write?