Do you reciprocate handing out business cards?
I'm planning to attend a speed networking event, in which people sit in small groups, and each person gets 2 minutes to introduce themselves to the group. Once everyone has been introduced, the groups are scrambled, and you repeat the process.
I attended this event last year, with mixed feelings about it (http://blog.optimalupgrades.ca/2009/01/post-networking/) but still feel that it is worth my time to return. However, I'm wondering about a practice that seems to be common at this event.
As soon as I sat down at the table, I was handed cards from each of the other people at the table, before we had been introduced. I therefore felt the need to hand out one of my cards to each person, again, prior to being introduced. In retrospect, however, I discarded the vast majority of the cards I was given, because there was no reason for us to connect.
How would you handle this situation? Would you accept the cards from the other people? Would you give your card to them immediately?
Good Answers (26)
Dave M.
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It never hurts to hand someone your business card... You never know how you may connect in the future... Never discard cards handed to you...
I recommend handing business cards out at the end of any meeting as they can be quite distractive especially since you only have 2 meetings to learn about the other person.
Any little thing can be an asset to you hence the benefits of Networking. You have to proactive in Networking where it might not make sense currently but with this everchanging that other person might come in handy 6 months or even in a year timeframe.
I hope this helps....
Yes, I would accept the cards and hand out mine. It's easy enough to toss the cards you don't need, but I would not want to lose the chance of getting the cards I really did find useful
Sindy M.
President, Smartin International - Speaker, Author & Consultant of Business Professionalism, Civility & Etiquette
Hi Elie,
At any type of networking event, you do not have to give someone your card even if they ask for it. Do not give your card to anyone unless you want them to have your contact information. You do not have to accept anyones business card. Simply, and politely, state that you do not feel you would be a good contact for them. Suggest that they take a look at your LinkedIn profile to discover more of what you do. You can have a card made that simply has your name and your LinkedIn address if you feel uncomfortable not giving a person a card.
Never hand out your business cards like they are a deck of cards, definitely poor form!
It is correct to discard the business cards that you know you will not use. The less clutter the better in any business. Just wait until you are in the privacy of your office.
You never know who you will meet at a networking event. When you least expect it, your kindness is returned ten fold.
Sindy
Absolutely give these people your business card. Just like you kept a few, someone may keep yours. It can't hurt...
When I receive cards, I try to write on the back to help me remember the person: where I met them, what we spoke about, etc.
Perhaps you could incorporate this into your table and lay out all the cards in front of you and write on them as you learn about the people...perhaps they'll do the same and you'll make your business card more effective and yourself more memorable.
Think of it this way, a business card is perhaps the cheapest brochure or advertising pamphlet you can give out. Even if 99 out of 100 are discarded, it is the one that is kept that has any significance.
From a different angle, image the hassel of writing down everyone's contact info and spelling out your name 10 times because the guy accross the table cannot pronounce or spell a Slavic or South Indian name.
Also, euphemistically speaking, it is better to quietly throw away a business card as opposed to telling the guy in front that you won't bother writting down his info , because he is not worth your time.
Finally, you never know, who would want to connect with by relying on your first impression. Discarding a card a few days later gives you the deliberation time needed to make a more logical choice.
I would had out cards very generously.
Adele B.
Keep your Customers Loyal and Satisfied | Sales Strategies using the Internet | Consultant and Trainer
I would give out business cards. It is the protocol and it would be awkward not to do so. It's the cost of advertising.
Reno L.
Marketing Communications Services; Author, Trainer, Multimedia Web Video Producer specializing in book video trailers.
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Absolutely give your card. In my book I make the point that it is not about the cards that are thrown away it is about the cards that are kept. This is like any other advertisng opportunity only a percentage of people with take you up on your offer. Cards are cheap do not try to guess who is a good contact you will probably only be right about half the time.
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Andrew W.
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At an event like you describe I accept all cards and hand out mine. Refusing a card creates an awkward social situation that detracts from your business message.
As I listen to everyone's two minute introduction, I make a note on the back of their card if I want to connect with them. This makes it easier to sort the cards when I get home. Like you, I only keep a card if there is a reason to connect with the person.
Similary I hand out my card so people can follow up with me.
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Brenda Elizabeth P.
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Accept the business cards of others as a valuable and important document. Repeat their name back to them as seen on the card when you receive it. Make sure that your business cards are professional-looking, high end, and take them out of a nice looking business card holder. This is a more impressive way to present yourself to those around you. Never throw away business cards. Keep them in the back of a desk drawer with an elastic around them and a label as to where you got them; you never know when you may need to access these cards again!!! A great place to order cards (and other business materials) online is at http://www.vistaprint.com
Joyce F.
Social Media Tutor | Enrollment Advisor | District 26 Toastmasters Social Media Chair| Networker *Extraordinaire*
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Hi Elie,
My opinion is that you follow along with the culture of what is done at events like this. Just as they say that sales is a numbers game, so is networking in many ways. Even though you discarded the vast majority of the cards you were given, you apparently kept some of them.
Just be sure not to prejudge a situation. A person who at this time doesn't seem like someone you might want to connect with could down the road be just the person you would find valuable to know.
Sahar A.
Diversity&Inclusion| Leadership Training| Social Media Marketing| Employee Engagement|Public Speaker|Cultural Competence
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It is the proper decent thing to do when someone hands me their business card I accept I never tell them thank you but no thank you and to reciprocate the gest I do give them my business card
I go through them later on and I divide them into 1, 1 for the ones I can contact immediately that can be vital for my business and the 2nd part are the people that might not have an impact on me right now but who knows what the future brings I go throuh them periodically to discrad the ones that changed or moved
Wallace J.
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Yes. Our business cards are two-sided UV coated with graphics from major brand client campaigns, and get posted on cubicle walls rather than tossed. If giving/accepting BCs from someone from the East (Pacific Rim) be sure to offer/accept using two hands and be ceremonious about the process (slight bow, thank you, etc.). Cheers. Walls.
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Maria M.
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I find that more new business owners attend these speed events. If they're your ideal clients, then the event is worth your time attending, traveling to and paying for.
Judy B. M.
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The exchange of business cards at a networking event is de rigueur; it's a social nicety. That's what you're there for, right? To meet new people. Why would you discard the cards of people that might be able to help you in some way or who may know someone who can? You're here on LI, so you must know something about how networking works.
Wilson Ramon T.
Future Designer
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Dude, it's just your card. It's not speed dating. You never know, which of those individuals you meet can help you in the immediate future.
Michael L. N.
Principal Architect at Nelson Design Group, Inc.
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For me, business cards are just part of the cost of doing business.
I always exchange business cards with those that ask, regardless of benefit to me, as it is a matter of professional courtesy. I also never discard business cards given to me as one can never be certain where leads will develop.
Rationing your business cards will not positively impact your business.
Sue C.
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Elie
You say you feel it is worth your time to return. Why? If you know the answer to this, then pin that down. Was it the card you kept? the person who made the greatest impression? the extra contact you didn't know? ???
I agree with all those saying you give out the cards and take all offered to you. If done at the start of the "round" then I, too, would make notes on the card to remind me of the person and their business.
If someone has cards and leaflets, I avoid the leaflets, unless it's something I'm specifically interested in and found most people do the same.
I've had a few odd shaped cards, which stand out - until they get lost because they don't fit in the card holder! I have a box full of cards from the last event like this I went to; I made a note in my own lists of the ones I would most like to keep in touch with and keep the rest because you never know.
Sue
Zohaib H.
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Hi Elie,
Accepting cards is always good, it never hurts to get to know more people. I don't discard business cards unless i'm really full (i keep a card ledger sorta thing at home, it has room for zillions of cards). But that's just me, i'm kind of a 'spick n span' freak.
As far as handing out cards is concerned, I keep that context sensitive. I only hand out my business card to people I KNOW i've impressed, throwing it around otherwise feels like pushing myself, which I'm not comfortable with.
Good question, few people give attention to such details, but they really count.
z
Lynn K.
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You know Elie, maybe I'm becoming a curmudgeon in my old age but I hate the idea of "speed" networking. It's just really so gross. I believe to truly network we need to look into the eyes of another person, be curious about who they are and what they're up to and make a connection. And, yes, if business cards make sense to exchange then to do so
Who the heck has time to read all the cards anyway? Do you ever look at them afterwards UNLESS you had some kind of a connection with the person?
Follow your gut on this and trust yourself. It sounds like you're on the right tact.
Shaun J.
Wills, Trusts & Estates Attorney & Law Professor
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Cards are inexpensive compared to the chance that you'll miss an opportunity or worse offend someone.
Find out something useful about the person for yourself or one of your connections and write it on the card. Also, make sure you know where you got the card to make it easier to make the connection in the future.
You're already talking to the person, you might as well make the best use of your two minutes.
Clarification added November 4, 2009:
Oh, and if you have a "live" one, don't forget to follow up quickly.
Firas A.
CEO ♦ Finance & FMCG Professional ♦ Real Estate Brokerage ♦ All In One ♦ One For All
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I’ve never discarded business cards I was given....and Sure I don't give my business card for any person unless, I am sure that s/he would a future contact,....
At the end this is the purpose of these cards..They contain personal and contact details for future usages..I give them for right persons..Besides I don’t throw ones I receive, since maybe I will need these people help/service one day.
Make Ur Day A Gooood Oneeee
F.A.A.
Mark H.
President/Owner of Full Color Resources. Printing, signs/banners. "High quality, superior service, big savings"
In a situation like speed networking it is absolutely necessary to exchange cards with everyone at the table, that's what the event is all about. In the end there will probably only be 1 or 2 people that you are really interested in connecting with. I suggest finding out who the participants are before hand even if you need to arrive early and scan the registration table. Determine who you want to form a relationship with and focus on them.
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Networking is about building relationships, not collecting business cards. That said, it depends on the purpose of the event. Have a card for networking with a catchy tagline to set you apart from and make you memorable. Note if you are actually job hunting, put on the back what it is you are looking for so someone can help you. Most importantly, in your intro, if you are looking for a job, be able to describe what you are looking for so anyone can understand. (Even your mother-no insult intended.)
Linda F.
Mental Health,Disabilities and Health Services Coordinator
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Hi Elie,
I don't see much value in that sort of event personally, but if you've taken the time to attend, may as well make the most of it.
I would wait until my 2 minutes and hand the cards out at that time. I would think it rude for someone to skip me at a table, because my dear, one never knows who I know and may pass your card on to with a good word!
The cards are pretty inexpensive in the scheme of things, I say hand 'em out!
Cheers,
Linda
Always... There's no such thing as "bad" publicity. You never know who might take a look at your card and go "I think these guys might be right for so and so..."
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Paul E.
Director / Pres at Mallard Luxury Group Ltd. (twitter.com/MallardLuxGrp)
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Wallace Jackson got it 100% correct! Couldn't agree more.
