Business cards and necessary content

At a recently networking event I met an interesting man from a psychology-based company. He told me about this particular man and his use of business cards.

He had two versions of his business cards printed. One had just his company’s logo, name and nothing else, and the other had the same plus his contact details. At networking events, he decides which one he wants to give out according to the kind of person he is talking to.

If he is interested in the person, he gives them the one with the contact details. If the person just routinely asks for a business card, he gives the other one. If the recipient just pockets it, it is obvious that they were not interested, but the ones who are genuinely interested look at it and question why there are no contact details, he takes back the card, whisks out his fountain pen with a flourish, and writes his details on the back of his card using his best calligraphy. This provides a personal touch designed to impress.

Interesting idea - but would it work for you? Sometimes the distribution of business cards at networking events can be haphazard and do you always remember which one goes with which person when you get home or retrieve them the next morning? Especially when you want to email follow-ups…

Another idea I heard if you want to make an impression: wear a large badge which says something like ‘Hi, my name is Alice‘ (obviously substitute your own name) and see what reaction you get - it could be interesting!