We know that it is a tradition to exchange business cards with a potential business partner for networking. Given the deep rootedness of this culture in the corporate world, having a business card is a given when it comes to meeting someone in a business setting, for the first time. 

So, we know that leaving your business card with someone can be one of the most efficient ways to get people to remember you. But, how can you keep retaining that connection? You do not want your card to be merely stuffed away after that effort you’ve gone through to make an impression. 

Here are some ways to keep attention focused on your card, and to stand out.

Hands-On

In the exchange of cards, the hand feel of the item can communicate how ‘professional’ your business is to your recipients. A well-structured card with a pleasant design and texture will surely keep many hands on it! 

Thickness: Cards that are too thin will come off as cheap and flimsy. Too thick? It will make the cards annoying to carry around. We recommend between 260-480 gsm.

Paper type: Choosing textured paper over regular paper will make your card stand out from touch. However, paper type can affect the look of your design.

Finish: Adding a laminated layer would communicate meticulousness in not only protecting the contents of your card from wear and tear, but also in making the feeling of your card smooth and pleasant for its receiver. The lamination can also serve an aesthetic purpose by making your card more visually pleasing and attractive.

Design: Embossing, Debossing, Spot UV, Hot Stamping, Foil -- Adding these design features in your card can add an interesting design and texture to that will keep hands (and eyes!) lingering on it, making your content more accessible, friendly and engaging.

A Card that’s Not Exactly a Card

Now, who says that a business card has to strictly remain a card? You can also incorporate your creativity and make a business card that is interactive and can serve multiple uses. 

A pretty standout look of your card can be a topic of conversation you can bring out upon the first meet and exchange. A classic rectangular business card? Business standard serious. A custom cut card or an interactive one? Quirky, fun and interesting.

We at p;log cloud can help you with that. Hop on to p;logcloud market, or give us a call to get started.

In the business world, networking is a crucial skill to learn and have. Want to market yourself, get your business heard, and build up connections? Network.

But, networking isn’t as easy a thing to do, due to its highly personal nature. 

We do know that in many cases, people network with the goal of getting ahead in their own careers. However, networking wrongly could also ruin your chances in getting a new job, or a business venture if you rub others the wrong way.

If you go into networking events like an overeager rookie, it turns you into an obvious signpost that scares people off. 

You don’t want to make people feel like a stepping stone for your journey to success. These are people who are also looking out for themselves, that you are connecting with! 

Here are 4 things you should look out for if you want to get people to actually like, connect, and help you build your career after a networking session: 

The ‘Meet and Greet’

It helps to do your ‘homework’ about the crowd of attendees at any networking event. But the general routine and preparation that every attendee should do is to:

• Dress well
• Behave appropriately
• Prepare your introductions on hand (a warm smile, a firm handshake, and the exchange of name cards)

But, as an attendee interested in actually building themselves up long-term, you have to push through and do more to actually connect with the people you meet – a mere “Hi, I am…” and dropping your card off won’t cut it. 

Starting off strong will be sure to make a favourable impression that you can build upon with conversation.

Build Relationships Through Conversation

Focus on having a real conversation to create a genuine connection with someone. Get to know their interests and their hobbies to not make it purely business. 

One great tip is to start going into a conversation through leading into talking about personal interests first before exchanging name cards. 

By connecting personally through mutual interests, for example, you make yourself more attractive and valuable in another context other than business. This makes people like you and be more inclined to want to maintain that connection with you.

(Refer to this link to understand more.)

The Aftermath, and Follow-up

After the above, you probably will have attracted and have exchanged contacts with several people. So, what do you do now?

The fresh networker would likely either take the connection for granted by letting the collection of name cards sit, or by only following-up with the ones whom they think are immediately useful and relevant to their business interests. 

That is one definite way to limit your opportunities as you will never know if a connection that seems irrelevant might have contacts they can offer to build you up. 

So why limit yourself? Branch out as much as you can to cover that potential ground! 

Don’t let the connections you’ve made go cold.