Open for Business

Last week I wrote a blog about handing out postcards or brochures or flyers when in a networking environment instead of business cards.  In there was a ‘note to self’ about writing at some point about people who tell you they don’t have a business card.

Well, “at some point” is now, because I just witnessed it again over the weekend.

Now, full disclosure, yes, there is a protocol for entertainers who are out performing, meaning that you’re supposed to respond to anyone who comes up and asks you for a card with, “Thanks so much for your interest.  Here is the business card of who booked us for this event.  Just give them a call and we’d be grateful for the opportunity to perform at whatever you’re planning” (or words to that affect).  I even mentioned on an episode of “Now Hear This Entertainment” one time that you don’t want to try to cut that person/agency out, since they’re the reason you’re performing there and in a position for someone else to see and take an interest in you in the first place.

But what about those times when, say, you book yourself, or you’re just out somewhere (not performing) and someone wants your card?  Yes, you should have one of your own, and here’s why.

Flat out not having anything at all to hand over makes you look like a hobbyist.  In this technological age, a lot of people try to move away from physical cards and use an app to organize all their contacts.  But, the higher up the people are who you meet, the less likely they are to stand there and type all your information into their phone.  Sadly, they leave that to their administrative assistant.  And now we’re back to a business card.

A major consideration here is that they’re going to want to hear what you sound like.  And, continuing the hobbyist comparison, they’re going to want to see how much you’re putting into (branding) your music career.

So, how can they look you up later if they don’t have a business card, which will, of course, have your website on there?

I’ve heard people try to say, “I’ll just tell it to you, it’s really easy to remember.  Are you ready?”  And then they give what they think is a clever URL that no one will forget.  And then an hour after I’ve finished talking to them, I don’t remember it.  That’s why I have to use an app called NetMemo to send myself voice note emails – so I remember important tasks.

Furthermore, there’s a generation of performers out there now whose name doesn’t use the traditional spelling.

“I was just told last night that I was coming to this” was an excuse I heard at a recent networking event.  That, apparently, was supposed to make it okay that this person didn’t have a business card.  Someone else said, “Mine are still being printed.”  My reaction to both was one that if carried over to my face would have resulted in a dumbfounded look.

Some people try to do it on the cheap and make their own business cards at home.  I don’t support that approach, but it’s better than nothing.  The approach to your business cards should be the same as the old tagline that American Express used to use for their credit card: Don’t leave home without it.