Carrying Someone Else's Business Cards With You

If you are in business, you understand all the reasons why it is wise to carry your business cards with you everywhere. When you are out, you never know who you will meet; furthermore, when you meet someone, you never really know who they are, and you never really know who they might know. With a stack of business cards at the ready, you are always prepared to pass one along to someone who might prove to be a future client or customer. But while most people in business know the benefits of carrying business cards with them, and practice this sound business practice without any problems, far fewer businessmen and businesswomen ever think to carry around business cards that belong to someone else. This can be a very beneficial practice, and here are just a few of the reasons why.

When you are dealing in business, conversations with strangers are golden. Every opportunity to talk to someone you do not know just might be the exact opportunity you have been looking for. But if a stranger thinks that you are starting a conversation with them strictly to sell them something, they are likely to be turned off. People are protective of their money; they are less likely to talk to you if they think you are trying to exchange something for their money! But if you are equipped with others' business cards, you have a full arsenal of safe conversation starters. You might be at the movie theater when you hear someone talking about how they really need a plumber. If you are equipped with your favorite plumber's business card, you have an open door to slide into the conversation. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help overhearing you say you need a plumber; I happen to know a great plumber - he's worked on our house, and we've been thrilled with him!" In this way, you have opened conversation without trying to sell them something of your own. At some point, the conversation will cycle back around to you, as they ask you what you do for a living.

People are also inclined to remember someone who helped them out without receiving anything in return. You are sure to unload one of your own business cards once the conversation comes back around to you. And you will have yourself a new customer the next time something arises in this person's life that you might be able to help with.

This might seem like a small step in improving your business, but you never know what "small step" might turn into your next big thing.