Remember to take your business cards, lots of them....

Russel,

I've got the car stocked full and I keep a few in my pocket at all times.

Hi Russel, I always have a least one in my back pocket! And you are right, just give them away - that's what they're for!!!

I had to squeeze mine in the corner of a community corkboard the other day - didn't think it fair to steal another persons pushpins, there were no available pins and I didn't have any on me... but at least the card's out!

Russel, Great reminder -- I've always carried lots of cards and try to pass as many out as I possibly can.  I agree that it is one of the best possible ways to market yourself.

Thanks for sharing - business cards make you look professional - so give out as many as possible!

Hi, Russel. Good post! When I ride, I often encounter people on the trails who have fallen in love with the area (Big South Fork, in Jamestown, Tennessee) and are happy to talk to a realtor. A flat pouch that snaps on to my horse's breastplate keeps my emergency contact info and a copy of the horse's Coggins handy and it's a great place to keep business cards as well. I always carry a supply. Mary said it...that's what they're FOR!

Russel,

This is a great addition to the networking businessperson's library!  Are you in a BNI chapter there in San Diego?

Mike in Tucson

Is that a typo or a California thing...I am still laughing..Hallo-weed ? Smoke it, smell it...dig it...plant it...

Chuckles-Only Sally would catch that one! - Now on to subject at hand- So true, Business cards do no good sitting in a box. Pass em out, leave them with your restaurant check, stick em up. I am going to look for that book.

Russel,

That's good advice.

The business card has fallen into "disuse" in recent years, due largely to the internet. But, it does still have significant value.

Brian

Great words of wisdom, why is it when you need one, you have one left and you wrote on the back of it! LOL. Am going to check our stock in the car right now!

This is my biggest sin.  I need to get better at carrying them with me.  Good stuff Russ.

Hey, Russel. Great reminder. I make it a point to always carry my cards with me and to leave them everywhere. Thanks, Jim

Great simple reminder Russel!  I know you're not a fan of facebook or twitter but just a reminder for those who are to add those links too - I printed some labels to stick on the back of our industrial cards (not our branded ones)...

Okay Russel, another great idea.  I need to reorder cards since I just got a new designation, but will definately carry some around with me as soon as I get the new batch in.

Thanks for the nudge, Russell.  Back in the day when I took a Quick Start class the instructor suggested giving out AT LEAST 20 cards a day.  That's a good goal to strive for.  Unfortunately, I don't think I've ever given out as many as 20 in a day!

Hey, Brian - Since I don't smoke and don't allow smoking in my cars, I've always kept business cards in the ash tray. They fit perfectly and are convenient to get to.

Hey, Mary - Often when I work with someone who wants my help, the first thing I'll do is ask for a business card. That's when I find that they have an unopened box of business cards at home. ??????

Hey, Ashley - I carry both push pins, a stapler, and staples in my car. I have a large carrying container in the trunk that has all the necessities in it - extra business cards, tape, stapler, marketing brochures, etc.

Hey, Gary - Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Hey, Norma - That should be true, but I have seen some self-printed business cards that don't make the person look professional.

Hey, Leslie - It doesn't surprise me that a horse rider is prepared.

Hey, Mike - I've been in many BNI and Le Tip chapters in Houston, College Station, San Antonio, Detroit, Philadelphia, Tampa, Oakland, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and probably a few others that I'm forgetting. Currently I'm not in a BNI chapter because I don't have the initiative to start one and the other chapters around me are full and too far away to make it feasible to get there.

Hey, Sally - Halloweed, huh? I'll have to go check on that and correct it. As soon as I finish the weed - LOL.

Hey, Dick and Dixie - I always leave a nice tip and a business card when I go out to eat. I have gotten business from that tactic.

Hey, Brian - I've heard that about business cards, but they are still in use here in San Diego.

Hey, Al and Peggy - I don't know because I've never been down to my last business card - LOL. When I reach the last box, I re-order.

Hey, Jim - Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Hey, Lee and Pamela - You're right, I'm not. You're also right to add those links if one is.

Hey, Liz - Glad I could help.

Hey, Angie - I've given out as many as 500 in one day, several times - Houston Rodeo, home & garden shows, etc.

Russel,

Great post. I couldn't agree more. You just never know when you'll meet someone that needs your services. I try to always have plenty of cards with me. I do have to say though, as social networking has become more and more popular, it's harder to remember the value and necessity of face to face networking. Thanks for the reminder.

Your friend in the Cosmic Cow Pie.

Russel -- Thanks for the reminder to both order new cards and start giving them out everyday.  I am also going to order the book.

Russ,

Thanks for the reminder! I'm driving to a seminar on Thursday and I'll be loaded with my cards! I love those referrals!

Kathy Opatka