Are you afraid to hand out your business cards? I know the feeling.
You see someone that you know will love your product or service. You approach him or her. The two of you talk. Your sweaty palms are holding your business card, ready to hand it over. But you don’t. It just hinds in your hand while the two of you talk.
You agonize over it. When is the right moment? What will she think if you thrust this card in her face? You don’t want to be pushy right?
Finally as the two of you are done with your conversation, you blurt out, “Here’s my card!” Thrust it at her and run away.
I’ve been there. It stinks.
By waiting until the last minute, you are depriving yourself. He or she might be interested in your product or service. You’ll never know because you ran away before they could tell you. You didn’t even given them a chance to learn about what you have to offer. You’re passionate about your business right? Which is why you started it. You didn’t give them the chance to give you their contact info so that they could become your client. Your product or service might be what they’ve been looking for.
Here’s how I overcame the fear of handing out my business cards:
- Buy a lot of business cards. The more cards you have, the less likely you’ll be stuck somewhere without them. I keep cards in all of my purses, my diaper bag, my wallet, and my car. Keep them in a case or ziptop bag so they stay nice and clean. No one will take your card if it has crumbs from the bottom of your purse on it.
- Buy inexpensive cards. I’m not saying this to save you money. The less expensive your cards, the easier it will be for you to give them out to everyone. Once you’re more comfortable handing out your card, you can get nicer cards. Or you can try companies that offer decent quality cards at a great price, such as Vistaprint, Overnight Prints, or UPrinting. (I’ve used the first two but haven’t tried UPrinting yet). I’ve fallen in love with Tiny Prints business cards. They offer high quality for a good price. (affiliate link)
- Stop thinking about YOU. No matter what your product or service is, what you offer will improve their quality of life. Don’t deprive them of that!
- Ask them for their card first. They’ll ask for yours in return or it’ll feel more natural to hand them your card. The best part about this is they are interested in your business, you already have followup information!
- Keep a small notepad or index cards in your bag. Many people don’t have business cards. If they don’t, just offer them an index card or a fresh sheet in your notebook for their information
- If all else fails, just ask “Can I give you my card?” And give them your 10 second elevator pitch.
This weekend I went out with my girlfriends to see Sex and the City 2 movie. It wasn’t the greatest movie in the world, but guess what? All the women in the movie theater was my target clients: women who loved a fun night with their girlfriends AND like to talk about sex. Perfect for Passion Parties.
I had my friends save my seat. Before the previews started, I walked up and down the aisle and handing out my business card. I introduced myself and told them what I did, including offering the lovely rabbit that Charlotte becomes addicted to and gave them my card. I brought 30 cards with me and handed them all out in less than 5 minutes.
Not everyone was excited by my business. Some were. If I had more time, I would have asked for business cards or collect contact info to follow up.
These are my tips based on my personal experience. I’ve been a Passion Parties consultant for almost 9 years.
Photo via Julia Roy