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Your Wave 3 X card is one of the most valuable networking tools you
have in your quest for increased referrals to your Wave 3 gateway. Can you envision a reality
where 20 to 30 people in your word-of-mouth marketing circle carry
your cards and have them ready to hand to prospects they're actually
qualifying for you? I certainly can, and am excited every time I hear
someone say, "Let me give you my friend's Wave 3 X card; oh, and by
the way, may I have him (or her) give you a call?"
The Wave 3 X card is the most powerful single business tool--dollar for
dollar--you can invest in. It's compact, energy-efficient, low-cost, low-
tech, and keeps working for you hours, weeks and even years after it
leaves your hands!
Some of the things your Wave 3 X card does is:
Tell people your name and the name of your business
Provide prospects with a way to contact you
Give others a taste of your work, style and personality
It can be so unusual or attractive or strange or charming or funny
that it sticks in the memory like a great radio or television ad
It can be reused, as it passes from person to person, giving the
same message to each person who comes in contact with it
The two main functions of your card are to gain business from the
person you give it to and to get your name out to other people with
whom the first person comes in contact with via referrals. With that in
mind, let's take a look at the most effective ways to use your business
cards. (For a complete look at how to make an effective Wave 3 X card,
read It's in the Cards ).
Make Your Cards Accessible in Every Situation
In short, don't leave home without them! It's a great idea to keep a
small box of your cards in your glove box, just in case you find yourself
in a situation where you need more than you've carried in your pocket
or purse. In addition to my jacket pocket, I tuck them away in my
briefcase, wallet and computer bag, just to make sure I never run out.
Keep an eye on your supply. The time to reorder is before you're in
danger of running out.
In addition to being sure you have your cards on hand, be sure that
your networking partners always have your cards. Check with them
regularly to see if they need more, and be ready to provide them with
whatever quantity they say they need in order to promote you.
Seek Situations to Exchange Wave 3 X cards
There are many opportunities in which you can pass on your card to
prospective clients and customers as well as referral sources you wish
to develop. Some are obvious; others are not.
Whenever you have a one-on-one meeting with someone new or someone you haven't seen
for a while, give her your Wave 3 X card.
At mixers and social events ,
be sure you have plenty of cards when you go in. These are good
places to extend the reach of your network.
Conventions and trade shows are another great venue for exchanging
Wave 3 X cards.
The vendors at the trade shows are anxious for you to
take their card--don't make that a one-way street. Be sure you give
them your card as well.
When you visit a non-competing business that might attract the same
people you would like to have as affiliates, ask if you may leave a
supply of cards to be handed out or made available. In most cases, a
business that's complementary to your own is always looking for a
networking partner. An example would be a sports nutritionist leaving a
stack of cards at a martial arts studio. Be creative and consider even
bringing your own cardholder to leave out.
International meetings and events can provide an opportunity to give
out your Wave 3 X cards. Consider having your card printed double-
sided, with English on one side and the language of the host country of
the event on the other side.
Contacts at a Distance
Whenever you communicate with someone in writing, send a card if it's
appropriate to the occasion. Enclose several cards in every packet of
sales material you mail out. Along with your thank-you note to the
businessperson whose referral brought you a major contract, include a
Wave 3 X card to replace the one she gave away, plus several more.
After any telephone call in which business was discussed, follow up
with a letter outlining the main points of your discussion and include
one or more of your cards. E-mail is a great way to follow up, but a
letter will actually allow you to include your Wave 3 X cards.
Special Tricks of the Trade
When giving out your card, hand-write something on one copy, such as
your cell-phone number, a secondary e-mail address, etc. This will give
that particular card a greater chance of being held onto. Be sure you
give a couple of "clean" cards to that person, as well, and ask your new
friend to pass one on to a potential customer.
After you get someone's card and have ended your time with her, make
notes on the back of the card to jog your memory about something
special that'll help you remember her. Don't do that in front of her, or
you run the risk of making the impression that you are "forgetful." If you
need to record information immediately during your discussion, such as
telephone numbers or other data not on the card, use one of your own
cards. You don't want her to think you view her card as scrap paper
upon which to take notes.
At a restaurant, leave your card with the tip and write a personal thank-
you note on the back or pay the highway toll for the Mercedes behind
you, and leave your card for the driver!
The main thing when handing out your card is to keep in mind what an
effective tool it can be. I hope it helps
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