Meet People NOT Business Cards
It’s NOT about the business cards. It’s about making a connection to the people you want to get to know, and making an impact in what you say and think.
Cards are Paper
There’s nothing especially important about a business card. They contain information (often too much) that should help one get back to somewhere, but they are a bookmark. They are a way back to the conversation. But they are NOT the conversation.
Story: Listen and Share
Lead with something that starts the other person’s story. “What have you seen that’s interesting today? What are you passionate about?” Starting with the other person’s story gives them a chance to feel comfortable with a subject. Okay, sometimes, people are shy. You can start with your story, but with a pass to them at the end. “I’m Chris Brogan. I’ve been listening to great speakers today, and I’m really excited about the party later tonight. Did you hear anyone interesting?”
Neutral ground is sometimes okay. : )
Your Card Comes Last
Your card should come near the end. Do you know why? Because before you communicate, how should you know that you want to continue conversations? Yes, ask for business cards, and yes, communicate about how to contact someone next, but lead with the story.
Human to Human
The strength of everything in this digital community and culture is still humanity-driven. Learn that. Be that. Live that.
Chris Brogan is Community Developer for Video on the Net. He keeps a blog at [chrisbrogan.com].
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Comments
Michael Bailey says on March 21st, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I saw you sitting on the floor, typing away – it is amazing to me how your mind works, and how you can simply have a seat, go online, and hack out your ideas from your head to the keyboard in a matter of minutes.
Donna Papacosta says on March 21st, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Chris, can you get the whole world to read this please? I’m always amazed when I go to a networking event, and someone shoves his card in my hand without saying more than, “Hi, howareya, nice to meetcha.”
John Blue says on March 21st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Super great note! One of the things I think overwhelms people is the processing of business cards in a mechanical fashion (Got to get that business card and put into SalesForce!!!!!). Bring the focus back to the actual interaction between the people.
chuck says on March 21st, 2007 at 4:09 pm
possible exception: Hugh MacLeod ;-)
Melvin says on March 22nd, 2007 at 3:34 am
Nice post Chris! Philosophical it may be, but at the end of the day… it is (must be) all about the people! Good reminder.
Bart Caylor says on March 22nd, 2007 at 7:58 am
Agreed, especially with Donna. But…if done correctly — and after establishing said relationship — a well done business card can become an extension of your personal brand. It can be the reminder of the pleasant and engaging meeting that you shared. It is not about the business card. It is about a reminder of you.
Bart Caylor says on March 22nd, 2007 at 7:59 am
Agreed, especially with Donna. But…if done correctly — and after establishing said relationship — a well done business card can become an extension of your personal brand. It can be the reminder of the pleasant and engaging meeting that you shared. It is not about the business card. It is about remembering you.
Daniel Johnson, Jr. says on March 22nd, 2007 at 9:24 am
I hear you, Chris. I just read something along the same lines in Keith Ferrazzi’s book “Never Eat Alone”. If you collect a bunch of business cards without making a personal connection, you’re left with a phone list from which to make cold calls.
Now, let’s transfer these thoughts into collecting social contacts, okay?
Daniel Johnson, Jr. says on March 22nd, 2007 at 9:26 am
I hear you, Chris. I just read something along the same lines in Keith Ferrazzi’s book “Never Eat Alone”. If you collect a bunch of business cards without making a personal connection, you’re left with a phone list from which to make cold calls.
Now, let’s transfer these thoughts into collecting contacts on internet social networks, okay?
noah kagan says on March 26th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Thank you so much for writing this Chris. So many times people give me their business card in the beginning and it is hard to follow up with them since I don’t even get a chance to know them.
In terms of sex it is like asking for sex without foreplay.
Mike Blaney says on August 7th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I am a marketing guy who makes a living from virtually all aspects of marketing and I do not have a business card.
I am not saying that is the right way to operate, but more people remember me as the guy without the business card than they would as if I had one like everyone else. When people ask why, I say it is because people who want to work with me can find me it they are serious and this adds to the intrigue.
The sorry truth is up until this week I have not been able to design my own card and rather than giving out schlock I would rather give out nothing at all.
It will be interesting what the reaction will be when my cards are ready and I start giving them out.
Daniel says on January 28th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
i wish to meet people who are interesting in doing business in Ghana.. raydray15@yahoo.com is my email if you are interesting .. u can contact me ..
Mike N.N. says on March 31st, 2009 at 11:58 am
Buisness is not all about making money,but also meeting serious people,and get to know them..If you wish to know me.. you can contact me via ntodonkemike@yahoo.com or todox.investment.ltd@googlemail.com