I'm wondering if you find yourself handing business cards out on a daily basis (during grocery store conversations, to other moms in the park or at school, at your exercise classes, etc. - during casual conversation) or is it less often and only during business-related events?

What's your philosophy about how to use / hand out your business cards?

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Tess,

I carry my business cards in my purse or if I am 'hands free', I slip a few in my back pocket when I go out. I also keep a few in the car. However, I do not hand them out on a daily basis.

If someone asks me about my business during personal conversation, I will hand one out. But I don't speak to too many people in the supermarket other than the typical supermarket-type-talk.

If I am at a business event, I do hand them out. I have also left a few cards in a Chinese restaurant on a table with other business cards.

I don't really use business cards frequently from my hand to another hand. I attach them in correspondence or will include in a gift or a package I might send to a client.

Since I don't typically market my services on a local level, business cards are not a key part of my in-person marketing plan.

Janine

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Although I always have biz cards with me, I seldom hand them out, mostly because I've been wanting to update them to something much more 'geek' appropriate now that my services have narrowed so much. I'm starting to grab more local attention here so I am sure if I can ever make the final decision on a new design I'll be handing them out more!

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

Originally Posted by Your Virtual Wizard

Tess, "If I am at a business event, I do hand them out." Janine

Hi Janine,
What type of business event are you referring to - I have not joined any local business associations and I was wondering if you would be willing to share some ideas on organizations to join.

Leazell,

I do not belong to any local groups, however, I do have one client who is local. When I attended an event at the client's location, I did carry business cards with me.

Many VAs belong to their local Chamber of Commerce or a local business Meet-up group. Check http://meetup.com to see if there are any meetups in your area...or you can start your own professional group which can include local businesses.

Also, this category under Business Development her on VAF entitled Offline Networking will help you as well.
Janine

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Hi Tess,
My philosophy on handing out business cards is IT CAN'T HURT! I had out mine when the opportunity presents itself.
I belong to a few networking groups and have loved getting to pick the brains of other entrepreneurs.
I use my fax,email and regular post as my sources of networking.
Good luck
Jacki :-)

I hand out my cards selectively depending on the occasion. If I sense that I will be dealing with the person in the future, I initiate an exchange of cards.

I also prefer to offer my cards one on one. So, if I'm in a group, I will not arbitrarily distribute my cards.

While I might offer a card at a social event, I do so discreetly and try to arrange for a future meeting to discuss business.

Here are a few tips, which I try to observe:

• Hand the business card to the prospect so that the person can easily read the card
• When receiving a card, take the time to look at the card and perhaps comment on the design. Slip the card carefully into your business card case, or into your wallet (not in your pocket). File appropriately on return to office.
• Be mindful to use any titles indicated on the card

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Eunice
Savvy Corporate Planners+

Thank you so much for the reply and links. I will follow-up in my area.

I am so glad you posted this Tess, I have been wondering about this for about a month. I went to a professional Women In Networking meeting about a month ago and not one person had business cards. I had mine in my purse and wanted to hand them out but since no one else had any, I did not. We all stated our name and business niche, no one got into too much detail and I was hoping that someone would ask for a card but they did not. I am attending another event soon and would appreciate feedback on if you think I should hand out my cards.

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just Kate, VA