The Profits and Pitfalls of Using a Personal Card
PERSONAL CARDS ARE A MUST WHEN NETWORKING DURING A JOB TRANSITION
Personal cards are a must during a job transition just like business cards are a standard business tool when employed. They are used in a similar fashion and in similar situations, both require some savvy in knowing how to best use them to your advantage.
Personal cards are designed to communicate the best way to follow-up with you after the meeting. Therefore, include on your card your name, email address and phone number. Other information like home address, hobbies, cartoons or jokes are not recommended. Graphics, tastefully done, are a matter of personal choice.
Let’s look at several rules for using your personal card.
1. Handing your personal card to someone you just met is not networking, it is hard selling. The number one mistake people make is pulling out your card too soon and too often. When you do this, your card will end up in the trash.
2. Take your time in building repore with the person you just met. You cannot rush a relationship. You first need to learn about the person, their situation, and their needs. This is about building a relationship that can turn into trust in the future.
3. Timing is important, start the conversation with a simple goal in mind. Challenge yourself to be looking for a way to assist the person you are talking to. They will not be expecting your offer of help and will in most cases gladly accept your offer. Build a need to exchange cards, and then they will want your card for a reason.
4. Building a need to re contact that person is important. If you can find a way to assist them, this builds the first bridge in the relationship. It gives you an honest reason to contact them after your first meeting. Follow up promptly.
5. When you have connected with a person and created a reason to reconnect with them use their card to take notes. As soon as the conversation is over, write a note on the back of their card. A date, time, place or call you will make to remind yourself of your need to follow-up. When you expect to see that person again, review the information on the card. Be sure to remember their name and title. Review the company name and location. Be sure to review the notes on the back; did you follow through on everything you promised to do?
6. If someone offers you their card in the first minute of the conversation, use it to your advantage. Don’t just put it in your pocket, hold the card up and talk about the information on the card. Repeat their name. Comment on their job title. Ask about the company. Do a mini 60-second interview. Find out all you can from the card about the person without giving them the third degree. Then makes notes later.
7. If someone hands you their card first, then look for the appropriate time to offer your card. This will be the right opportunity to talk about your job transition. Be ready to talk about your past experience, your strengths and field of interest. Use your polished elevator speech.
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Use your cards wisely and with a specific purpose, it can represent you well!
