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[William Nissen Company: ViSalus Sciences Contribution Level: 4]

When I work with newbies in direct sales they seem to spend a great deal of time creating their business cards. When they ask me what I recommend putting on the card from my experience...I say...nothing. I don't use them.

Now, to be fair, I do have a few for formal use such as reserving a room, high level networking etc. But I rarely use them- and for two main reason.

1. Natural spontaneity in interaction. I find people will keep my napkin I've written on far more often than a business card. I have had many more poeple call me back from a napkin than from business card. I believe this is because a business card communicates an agenda when it comes out of what's supposed to be a natural interaction between two people. If I recommend a movie to a friend- he may want me to write down the title so he remembers...but if I pull out a business card showing me as a promotional rep for the movie with the movie poster logo on there and everything- he will tend to think my recommendation is contrived and part of an agenda. He will feel "had". But even with this, I rarely even give them a napkin- I usually don't give them any way to contact me.

2. In attraction marketing, the whole goal is for them to give you something- not for you to give them something. They only get that from you if they demonstrate interest. So instead of cards, I focus on one line sentences that will provoke more inquiry, like:

How have you been?...listen....they ask you...... "I'm great, I just came back from LA with a new company that really impressed me, so I'm looking forward to that relationship"

OR How have you been?...listen....they ask you...... "I'm great, I'm helping others make a great income through mentoring and consulting- it's really satisfying knowing you're giving someone hope"

From there most people inquire...I don't tell them anything- I usually say, "do you really want to know more? If so, it would take more time than we have right now, can you give me your card or phone number and then we can set up a time? (Oops, I don't have any of my cards on me)

They will either say "no, I don't want to know more, I was just being nice" or yes. If yes, then we set up a meeting where I'm in charge and I don't have to compete with the reason they were at the place I met them before. If you don't have a card, it comunicates that you wanted to interact with them with no agenda which enables you to affirm your purposes are genuine and honest. I apply these same principles on social networking. DO NOT send them to an opportunity page- send them to a blog or something that is safe and builds you up as genuine and a person of integrity and experience. From that dialogue, they will ask you...then get their contact information if you don't have it already. Don't take the first seat until you've been invited. But you can cultivate that invite.

Without a card- they have to give you their contact information...that's the goal.



Bill

[Susi Gilbert Company: Magnetic Sponsoring Contribution Level: 2]

Great article, Bill. I don't have cards yet because I'm a financially challenged procrastinator who can't make up her mind on the design(s)! : )

I love your idea of asking people for THEIR card (or napkin), w/ their info, and I'll get back to them!

I'm afraid you may raise a firestorm on the side of Social Marketing that says "funnel them first" before they can go to your blog/whatever. That approach worries me, and might seem like the "old ways--how we've always done it" which, w/ Internet/Network Marketing, raises the "scam antennae" on the passer-by. (MY assumption, from old prejudices.)

As my blog is inside my head at the moment, people are going to have to concentrate REAL hard to get to it! Your message offers another option for how to create/what to put on a newbie blog.

Thanks again, great article/post.

Susi.

[Kirk Eidson Contribution Level: 1]

Woah,

I'm glad you brought this out Bill. The way we do business is changing fast and at the core of everything is 'how can I serve you' instead of 'let me get you to give me' etc.

Depending on the situation, I see how not being too concerned with giving your business card but being concerned with getting their card is more valuable to them.

What a great way to apply attraction marketing even when dealing with business card exchange.

Kirk Eidson
http://BestPPCCourse.com

[Mark Fuller Contribution Level: 3]

Woah,

I'm glad you brought this out Bill. The way we do business is changing fast and at the core of everything is 'how can I serve you' instead of 'let me get you to give me' etc.

Depending on the situation, I see how not being too concerned with giving your business card but being concerned with getting their card is more valuable to them.

What a great way to apply attraction marketing even when dealing with business card exchange.

Kirk Eidson
http://BestPPCCourse.com

If there is an intersest in the card, I will give it out. But giving it out just to hope they will call you is not worth it for me. I see business cards in the same way I see brochures.

[Charles Larkin Contribution Level: 1]

I have to agree. I bought a box of business cards but as I look beside my desk, the box is still full.