Share your ideas on this....

Here's a question I got today:

"I have been attending networking events and wanted to ask you, besides a business card to hand out, what else would leave a really WOW feeling with the person.  Is there anything you would recommend to attach to the business card?"

Here's my idea.... Attach a certificate for a free credit report.  Maybe with a fun tag line "check your financial heart" or something that will grab their attention.  Everyone has been hearing how important credit scores are so this should get noticed.

What's your idea?  Share with everyone by commenting below.

Comments

[Andrew K.]

I don't give anything else when I meet them, but I always follow up the next day with an email saying it was nice to meet them. I also look for ways to help their business... referrals etc. this has resulted in some great relationships over the years!

[Vicki Moore]

I haven't attached anything but I've put "keep this card for free notary service." You could also put "free home warranty."

[Bliss Sawyer]

Thanks for the comments... by the way, I really like Vicki's url for her website: www.callvicki.com. Easy to remember!

[JoAnn Carter]

I appreciate the ideas. I'm always a bit uncomfortable at networking events as I don't want to come across as pushy. I have follow up afterwards with some success. I think a good idea would be to have a coupon with your card for a free appraisal or $$ off closing costs. I like Bliss' coupon example in her marketing book because it really is like a second business card.

[Russ Skinner]

I like the credit report idea, especially with all the games the credit card companies are pulling these days.

There was an article in a local paper the other day, talking about when it would make sense to replace an existing mortgage, and I made some photocopies and attached my business card to the copy. (That way, if the copy gets passed along, the card can't come off.)

Keep up the great posts, Bliss.

[Rob Smith]

I have also struggled with what to do at networking events and love the ideas. Recently, I decided that I was this business is just too tough to worry about what people think of me. I've got a lot of experience and I use that when meeting someone new. I mention that I've been in the business for 12 years and hope we've all seen the worse. I mention something about rates and ask if they own their home. It does get easier!

[Scott]

I say just go and talk to as many people as possible. You'll already be ahead of the game! I just work hard to be friendly and try to drop a few comments about rates or the market. Usually initiates questions. Then I follow up the next day. Works great!

[Steve]

The best thing we can do at networking events is to 1 - have brief meaningful conversations with as many others as possible and 2 - follow up with everyone we meet! So simply leave those you meet with your business card, as well as a special offer, but be determined to follow up with them to schedule a more in-depth meeting, maybe over coffee or lunch, about how you can work together to build two-way-street referrals!