“But I’m not in business.” Like hell you’re not! A business card will probably do more for you than a resume. Why? When you meet someone, you may want to connect later (defer asking upfront for a LinkedIn connection with someone much senior, however, as it may come across as presumptuous). You don’t want to shove a resume in their face; it has an air of desperation (you can send one later).
Here are some things to consider for business cards:
· Name - Use the name you’d use when meeting someone (yes, the military only recognizes first name, middle initial, last name; but this isn’t the military). For example, if your name is “Ernest”, but you go by “Ernie” or “Jacqueline”, but you go by “Jackie”, use the familiar name.
· Contact Information – It should include your email, LinkedIn address, and cell phone number. You may want to consider whether to list your home address, but you should at least provide the area where you live.
· LinkedIn Address – Include your LinkedIn address and, of course, your LinkedIn profile should be outstanding. It should include a concise description of your capabilities and experiences, have a professional photo of you, and you should have recommendations from previous supervisors and others familiar with your work. You know you can upgrade to LinkedIn premium for free as a veteran, don’t you?
· Field of Expertise or Career Focus – Provide your specialty on the card, e.g. Leading Edge Web Designer, Aggressive Sales Leader, Accomplished Logistics Specialist, but you may also want to include a tag line. A tag line can create a lasting impression if done properly. For example, I know a vet who is a finance type and her tag line is “I Make Numbers Talk”. You could also list some of your skills on the back if you’re willing to spend extra.
· Sources - Vistaprint, Zazzle, Gotprint, and others will make 500 cards for you for as little as $10. You may want to consider a somewhat heavier card stock than the standard, but stay with traditional colors and designs.
When you get someone’s business card, write on the back of the card the event where you met, the date and something memorable (“has connections at company A” or “plays golf”, “well connected”) to jog your memory later.
A professional looking business card is the best means for making a lasting impression when networking. It not only provides your contact information, it helps create a professional image.
Here are some things to consider for business cards:
· Name - Use the name you’d use when meeting someone (yes, the military only recognizes first name, middle initial, last name; but this isn’t the military). For example, if your name is “Ernest”, but you go by “Ernie” or “Jacqueline”, but you go by “Jackie”, use the familiar name.
· Contact Information – It should include your email, LinkedIn address, and cell phone number. You may want to consider whether to list your home address, but you should at least provide the area where you live.
· LinkedIn Address – Include your LinkedIn address and, of course, your LinkedIn profile should be outstanding. It should include a concise description of your capabilities and experiences, have a professional photo of you, and you should have recommendations from previous supervisors and others familiar with your work. You know you can upgrade to LinkedIn premium for free as a veteran, don’t you?
· Field of Expertise or Career Focus – Provide your specialty on the card, e.g. Leading Edge Web Designer, Aggressive Sales Leader, Accomplished Logistics Specialist, but you may also want to include a tag line. A tag line can create a lasting impression if done properly. For example, I know a vet who is a finance type and her tag line is “I Make Numbers Talk”. You could also list some of your skills on the back if you’re willing to spend extra.
· Sources - Vistaprint, Zazzle, Gotprint, and others will make 500 cards for you for as little as $10. You may want to consider a somewhat heavier card stock than the standard, but stay with traditional colors and designs.
When you get someone’s business card, write on the back of the card the event where you met, the date and something memorable (“has connections at company A” or “plays golf”, “well connected”) to jog your memory later.
A professional looking business card is the best means for making a lasting impression when networking. It not only provides your contact information, it helps create a professional image.
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