I’ve seen this done more times than I can count. A business person turns up to the networking event and has absolutely nothing to give anyone with their business details on.
Now, I know that it’s possible to write down telephone numbers or information and with the trusty smartphone on hand even hook up on social networks before parting company. But what sort of an impression does that give the other members? Lets have a look at a few possibles…
- I totally forgot to bring them
- I don’t have any
- I left them at the office
- I left them in my other jacket/bag
- They’re at the printers
- The dog ate them…
I’m sure there are lots more excuses. The problem with all of the above is that, to your potential new client, the first impression they get of your, is that you either didn’t value the meeting highly enough to actually bring cards in the first place (i.e. they are not THAT important to you) or you’re pretty disorganised. I’m sure you don’t really want them thinking either option.
It’s certainly not a death sentence to turn up empty handed, plus it’s always good to take control and get other people’s cards too, but it is much better to be prepared and arrive with something to give to interested parties… after all, you just never know who you’re going to meet!
As always I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this so please join in the conversation below…