In Asian Culture, handing a business card to someone is very sacred. Their two hands are securely fastened to the edge of the card and the expectation is that you receive it in the same manner on the opposite side. They are passing on their contact information that is very important to them and making that sacred call to action to potentially do business with you.
In the Western Hemisphere, we have a lot to learn about business card etiquette. Often, a business card is found lost in an abyss of file folders within their briefcase, stuck in a desk drawer, or left in a pile for the receptionist to enter.
Realistically, any business card received is an open invitation to do business with them!
How to maximize your company’s exposure from one simple business card
It’s no exaggeration to state that every employee should have access to this business card in electronic format as there is so much that you can do with it!
The Business Card Receiver – makes follow up call.
Receptionist – Inputs the information into a CRM system like Outlook or ACT!
Social Media Manager – Searches and adds the contact on LinkedIN, Facebook, and Twitter. Send them your Constant Contact “Subscribe to my Newsletter” email.
Social Committee – Sends the contact a Christmas Card
Sales Representative – Reminds contact of a Chamber meeting in your community and informs them that someone from your company will be there.
The Business Card Receiver – Invites them to lunch
How to Store Your Data
Client data should be retrievable within 20 seconds internally or externally. Allowing your key employees load this information into their mobile phones is an asset to your company. By utilizing Microsoft Outlook or a CRM software like ACT!, you can work seamlessly with little or no issue.
The data should export easily if you choose to utilize an online email platform. Your CRM Software should be the only place where you enter data regularly. There should be only one person allotted to delete data and nightly back-ups are a must!
Having an organized database of names that is accessible to all of your employees is just good business. Your employees will thank you and clients will notice to your commitment to them by keeping in regular contact.
In a day and age where being social is “in”, it only makes sense to dust off those business cards and get busy with them!
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