Why You Should Carry Other People'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. You are always ready to pass your business card along to someone who might be a future client or customer if you have a stack of your business cards with you. But while just about every businessman and businesswoman understands the how and the why of carrying around their own business cards, few of them ever consider the wisdom of carrying around someone else's business cards as well. The practice of carrying around business cards that belong to others can be extremely beneficial; here are a couple reasons why.

As a businessperson, you understand that any conversations with strangers are golden. Each opportunity for conversation with a stranger might be the opportunity that will open brand new doors for you. But a stranger is likely to be turned off right away if they think you are striking up conversation with them just to sell them something. People are protective of their money, and they don't want you to squeeze some out of them just because they were friendly to you! But you have a pocket full of safe conversation starters at the ready when you have others' business cards. Perhaps you will overhear someone in a shop in the mall, talking about how they need a plumber. With your favorite plumber's business card stashed away in your wallet, you are ready to jump into the conversation. "Pardon me, but I heard you mention your need for a plumber; here, take this card - this guy has worked on our house before, and he has been great!" You have now entered their conversation without trying to sell them anything at all. The conversation is sure to cycle back around to you, and to 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. This person is sure to remember you next time they need a product or service like yours, and you will have a new client or customer on your plate!

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.