Networking is a vital piece of building business relationships and making the connections necessary to succeed. Handing out business cards is one of the ways business professionals the world over build their networking base. But there is more to networking than just handing your business card printing pieces out. Here are some tips for networking successfully with business cards.

#1 Put Yourself Out There
There are many situations both deliberate and happenstance that will afford you the opportunity to give your business cards to others. Attend mixers, business card exchanges, professional or industry clubs and organizations, etc. Use these events to meet new contacts and begin to build those relationships that will facilitate various functions of your business.

• Chambers of Commerce
• Professional women’s groups
• Local business associations
• Industry specific associations such as real estate, medical, construction, manufacturing, etc.
• Small business associations

#2 Focus on Others
As you attend any number of these organizations, you will be in a good position to meet many new business contacts. The way to make an impression while handing out your business cards at such an event is to focus on others. Rather than offering your card with a spiel about what you do, which will quickly be forgotten, first listen to others’ spiels.

Find out about their business, what they do, asking questions with genuine interest, and eventually leading to how you think the two of you may be able to work together. Then offer your business card, perhaps noting a particular solution you are able to offer their business on the back of the card. This type of a meeting leaves a lasting impression.

#3 Create Interesting Introductions
Offering your business card to someone with a generic greeting of “Hi, my name is Joe and I sell forklifts” is an easy introduction to disregard. Spend some time coming up with a few thought provoking introductions to accompany the handing out of your business cards. Sparking curiosity in others will have them asking questions of you, easily opening lines of memorable communication. For example:

“My name is Joe and I help businesses move mountains.”
Mountains of product that is!

#4 Schedule a Follow Up Meeting
You may find as you hand out your business cards in this fashion that there are many of your new contacts that would be a great benefit to you. Networking groups are great for meeting new contacts but lengthier meetings at a later time may be needed. Rather than monopolize the time of your new contact, suggest a meeting at the office or over lunch to further discuss the benefits to be had by doing business together. This is also a good opportunity to use your business card as an appointment reminder.