Presenting Your Business Card
I attended a networking event recently; one no different than so many others I have been to – although I must give credit to the hosts, as they were doing a fantastic job of making introductions. While there, my compadre and I took a seat at a high table in the lounge area where the event was being held (at an upscale steakhouse in downtown Ft. Laud.). We figured that situating ourselves comfortably at a table and facing the other attendees might offer an inviting scenario for passers-by, and it was also a chance for us to catch up on our most recent work-related affairs.
While seated, a number of individuals came to the table and introduced themselves. Some just wanted to make a quick introduction while others wanted to give their full spiel. I noticed in one instance, a gentleman reached out to offer his hand for a handshake. My compadre, eager as he was to make new connections, already had his business card in his hand and proceeded to extend his arm to pass off his card to the desired recipient. Yet the desired recipient was expecting another hand for his shake… not a business card.
The awkward exchange that ensued was unnecessary, as my compadre’s card popped off the desired recipient’s fingertips and fell to the table. Now the desired recipient wasn’t sure if to pick up the card or to continue offering a handshake. My compadre found himself in the same boat. After an amusing, what-seemed-like-forever few seconds passed, they managed to work it all out, shake hands, exchange cards, etc. No harm done… at least not on the surface. But subconsciously, what does it say to you when you’re trying to introduce yourself to someone (while offering a handshake) and what you get back is a rushed, clumsy, poorly-calculated attempt to hand you a card as quickly as possible?
Networking isn’t about handing out as many cards as possible. It’s about meeting people. It’s about getting to know new contacts that you might end up having a great working (even personal) relationship with. That said, when someone at a networking event approaches you to make an introduction, be prepared to receive their introduction and reciprocate the gesture. Match their body language as best as possible. Make eye contact. Shake their hand in a similar fashion to how they shake yours. If they offer a firm grip, offer a firm grip back. If they offer a delicate shake, be delicate in return. If they offer a slight bow, then bow for Pete’s sake! The business card comes second to any of these gestures, and should almost be an ‘in-passing’ motion. The card isn’t there to tell the recipient what you do. That’s what you are there for. The card just gives them something to remember you by and a way to get in touch.
-Benjamin Gray
Principal, Gray Spectrum
