365 Tips To Becoming A Successful Realtor®
Tip #68 - Networking. Never give Out Your Card Until You Are Asked
Ever walk through some type of convention where there are vendors handing out a flyer to everyone who walks past without ever talking to any of them? Usually the next trash can along the path is filled with those exact flyers! It seems like they could cut out the middle man and just throw them in the trash themselves.
Now think about a networking event that you may have recently attended. Notice anyone randomly handing out their cards to anyone within arms' reach? Breaking in to conversations to "Introduce" themselves and passing out a grip of business cards before they quickly head to the next group? Where do you think those cards end up?
One way to be certain that your card will be appreciated is to make them ask for it. Rather than shaking someone's hand then stuffing a card into it, it is more effective to get to know them. Ask them what they do and see if you might be able to refer business in their direction. Once you have built rapport, ask them for their card. They will most likely ask for yours in return. If they know that you are able to send business their direction, they are more likely to hang on to your card and refer business to you.
Business cards are a valuable tool and should be treated as such. Handing them out to random passers-by just devalues them in everyone's' eyes.
Mark Hall
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Well said! I rarely hand our cards unless there is genuine interest.
That is a new prospective contrary to the goal some coaches advise to give out x amount of cards everyday. It never did work for me and know I know why.
Interesting tack, Mark. I shall have to try that.
I agree, I almost feel if they hand the card to me before they even introduce themselves and find out what I do that they are starving and don't care what I do, they are only there for themselves and that isn't what networking is.
Hi Mark. I agree. Its been recommended to me that my focus be not in giving cards but in asking for then and creating the best connection I can with that person and being the best help I can be to them. Its the best promotion.
Mark, this is such a great tip. Yet one that is rarely taught. Thanks for sharing.