I’m a fan of business cards as networking and job search tools.
And I know that sounds weird in a digital world, where people might just say: “Look me up on LinkedIn!”
I always try to remember to carry business cards with me so that I may efficiently share my contact information with someone – if they ask for it.
(Here’s my LinkedIn profile, in case you’re not interested in my business card: www.linkedin.com/in/kevinswayze)
Again this week in class at Conestoga College, I told my 20-something-year-old students about the value I give to simple paper business cards in a digital world. They’re graduating at the end of this semester and will be looking for work. I encourage them to add business cards to their job-search tool kit.
And since the class was about Starting a Consulting Practice, talking about business cards was even more appropriate in a world of personal business branding. In mind, it’s showing you’re ready to connect with potential clients.
I adopt the outlook that you never know who you might meet today, who might be the connection to the job you are looking for. My ritual of placing business cards in my pocket at the start of the day primes me to be ready and open to opportunities.
You can order 100 business cards for $5 at Walmart, I tell my students. That’s about the price of two basic coffees at Starbucks, after you add the HST.
I suggest students pick a simple design that’s easy to read. And put their name and essential information on one side. That way, if someone wants to take a photo of your contact info, it’s easier.
In a digital world, I think paper business cards remain a good addition to anyone’s job-hunting and networking kit.
What do you think?
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