I was talking to a virtual assistant who has just finished the startup phase - she wasn't sure she'd need business cards since she'll be 'virtual'. It's understandable she'd think that way but I explained that once she got started with marketing and networking her business she would very likely find many instances where she'd be glad to have a business card to hand out.

With that in mind, I thought it would be great if we could all share who we most recently gave a business card to and under what circumstance.

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I agree, business cards are a must!

The last ones I gave out were at a recent networking event.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

I too feel they are a must. I gave my last ones out at a networking event. I also send one to all of my clients when I send their welcome card.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Last business card was when I was helping a client at their restaurant and I recognized someone -- we spoke for a short time, and then she asked what I did. I handed her my card along with my 30 minute intro. I also hand many out at the networking events I attend. BD's are a must for me.

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Terri Williams, Assisting the small business owner
www.terripwilliams.com

I put them up on local bulletin boards, hand them out at networking events and local businesses, and include them in mail-out brochures and purchased books. Can't live without them.

I print my Goddess cards on my custom 'marble' card stock using an Excel template I created and then get them cut at Office Max. The ones for my book, AOVE, and TVE I print using Avery card stock #8871 that are pre-perfed and I only have to print 8 at a time.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I carry a bunch of them with me all the time, you never know when an occasion may arise. The other day I took my external hard-drive to be fixed and saw that the technician also did websites so I offered my services to help translate sites for him and handed him my card. I think they are a must.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

I left one in a fish bowl at a college fair to win a prize. Since I do not network locally, I do not hand many cards out at all however, I do carry them with me just in case I need to pass one along.

Janine

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I gave one to my hairdresser last week because she knows everyone. My husband and daughter also got some because they work with the public and you just never know who they might meet. I'm having surgery tomorrow and have them in my overnight bag - just in case!

I was a program coordinator for a local mentoring program a few years ago and got used to having my business cards with me at all times. One evening I was washing quilts at the laundromat and because I had my business cards and the application paperwork with me I signed up a new mentor. You just never know who you're going to meet or where you will meet them!

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Margaret
Helping You Build Your Empire

I gave some out today at a local meeting that I attended. I always carry a stack with me especially for networking events. A must-have in my opinion.

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

I gave some out at a local networking event. I stapled on a colorful packet of Halloween candy as well. It was a great talking point.

~Elise

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Elise Tailleur
www.alamodeoffice.ca