... a business card. With card in hand and a simple genuine conversation between you and a stranger, your business could become a nationally recognized brand.
In the profession of sales, you need to be comfortable asking for business. If approaching people is difficult, try practicing. Write it out, talk to a mirror, video tape yourself, whatever works for you. Remember, people respond best to authentic conversation. Walking up to someone on the street and just handing them your card doesn't work. Ending a casual conversation with "lets keep in touch" or "if you need anything, here's my card" works well.
At a networking event, chances are you'll talk about your business and you need to have your elevator pitch ready. The key to the pitch is being able to articulate, in a short sentence or two, your name, company name, product and how and where you can be contacted. Followed by your business card, this quick pitch is your one chance to make a great first impression. Make it memorable!
With thousands of ways to design a business card, do you visually express your personal brand?
To learn more about building a business network, check out Life Lesson 19 in Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs
For more information on business cards, check out The New York Times Business Card Basics
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Very good post Kaira! I hand out business cards like water. Don't skimp on quality either. In many cases that card may be your first impression. Research some online printing companies for your next batch. Our last cards were a thick mill stock and UV glossy coated on both sides with free printing on the back. They ended up costing us less then the cards we had been getting. People tend to hold on to the nicer cards.