Hey, Have You Got A Business Card?

For growing your business, cards are a wonderful tool. When I am out and about, and come across a potential prospect, I can use my business cards to assist moving this prospect into my pipeline.

However, if we want to take control of the sales process, then we have to be able to initiate the next step. Simply giving my card to someone does not give me control in the next step if I do not have their details.

If they do not have a card of their own then I make sure that I write their details on the back of one of my cards. This means that if I am going to grow my business, here are some basic business card sales hints:

• Always carry your cards with you, in your car, purse or wallet, briefcase, gym bag, etc.
• Make sure that your cards have space and a surface that can be written upon.
• Everywhere that I have business cards, I have to have a pen.
• I scribble on the back of the cards why I should keep the card.
• As soon as possible, the details of my next step have to get to my tickler system, either PIM or 1-31 file, etc.
• Always assume that they will not have any cards of their own, so make sure you have extras
• No excuse for shabby looking cards. Rather not give a card than give one that looks like it has been through the wash cycle. It represents you!
• If they do give you a card of their own, look at it first before putting it away. It will show your prospect that you are interested in them, not just the sale.