Are You Just Gambling with Your Business Cards?

I’ve heard one reference and seen one reference to all those networkers out there who go to an event and then hand out business cards in a way that makes you think you’re in Vegas. You know who I mean – the ones who have a stack in their hands and pass them out as quickly as the Blackjack dealers deal out the cards.

There is usually very little to no conversation involved in this transaction. Your business card will likely be requested so that they can get a good count of how many people they “connected” with at the event.

Are you tempted to do business with these individuals? Do they make you curious about what they do and how you can send business your way? Probably not.

I have to say that my favorite line came at a networking event I attended the other night: I met someone I hadn’t spoken with before and I found out what the gentleman did and expressed some interest and knowledge about his business. He, in turn, wanted to know what I do for a living. When he found out I am a marketing solutions specialist, he proceeded to tell me all the ways his company is already marketing and how successful they are at it. After all this, he hands me his business card and requests mine. (I don’t offer mine unless I am requesting that they contact me about something specific.) As he’s handing me his card, he says to me (Are you ready, ‘cuz here comes the line): “Please don’t throw it away.”

WOW!!!

If you’re handing out business cards in the hopes that the odds are in your favor that someone you give it to will remember you and want to do business with you then remember this: Yes, Vegas has winners, but there’s a reason the casinos can afford to keep all those glitzy lights on – it’s because gamblers usually don’t win!

Need a better strategy? Lev Promotions can help.

Trade Show Efficacy Boosters

One of the things I love doing most is helping my clients make their trade show/tabletop show exhibits more successful.

That starts with pre-show preparation, goes through booth/table setup and training for staffers, and winds down with post-show follow-up.

I recently had a display table at a San Diego Regional Chamber networking event where my focus was on the promotional products that are always a big hit on a trade show floor as well as a live demonstration of one of the many available ways to attract and keep prospects at your display so that you can engage and qualify them.

With trade show season in full swing, what do you need to do to make sure your exhibit brings in the business you want it to?