Unless you are already working in your high paying dream job, you should be networking to better your position both online through sites like LinkedIn and in person. You may have been downsized, or you may be a recent graduate looking for an entry into a chosen industry. You never know when an opportunity may place you in front of an influential person or a potential employer. There are countless impromptu scenarios and all of them call for a resume business card.
The Importance of a Business Card – Scenario #1:
Suppose you are a graphic designer and were lucky to get an invitation to a runway fashion show. You begin a conversation with the person next to you only to find out that the guest is also the owner of an upscale marketing company. With all of the surrounding intensity and loud music that prevails you are only able to briefly mention what you do. This is not the time to pull out your two page resume and try to engage the prospect. However, if you have a brief summary of your skills and objectives on a strikingly designed business card like this one from Tiny Prints:
Having business cards on hand allows for an easy handoff to the person and possibly, after the designers take their call, you can speak briefly. If not, the person has you in pocket or purse and you may make a great second impression when the card appears to them once more.
The Importance of a Business Card – Scenario #2:
In another scenario you may be a sales manager on your way to a trade show in another city and the person seated beside you on the plane turns out to be the VP of sales from your largest competitor. Although you may think you have a captive audience you do not want to risk annoying the person by a lot of self exaltation. He, or she, may be trying to rest or get some important work done. Whatever their plans; they did not include you. An opportunity will become apparent when you can pass on your resume card, and say a few words indicating that you are very interested in their company and would like them to know more about you when time permits. You may run into that same person, the following day, at the trade show and have a chance to talk discreetly about the possibilities.
The Importance of a Business Card – Scenario #3:
In a third situation you are a bartender looking for an establishment where you can flaunt your skills and be in front of an upscale cocktail crowd. You drive past a building that is undergoing renovation and a sign outside states that the Crystal Shaker is opening soon. You enter to find the owner busy directing the construction. This again is no time to present a resume and try to engage the stressed owner. He is too busy for you and your resume will, very likely, wind up on a makeshift plywood desk, accumulating drywall dust. Simply state what you do, how well you do it, and be sure to tell him what a great concept the business is. A compliment and respect for his time, followed by a poignant resume business card will be appreciated. You may get a call when the dust has all settled.
Writing an outstanding resume is a key to some doors when emailed, upon request, to a prospective employer. However, in the proverbial elevator meeting there is no substitute for a subtle presentation and a business card that says volumes about you in very little space. It tells a person that you are respectful, savvy and creative. Those just may be the qualities they seek.