Networking naked? Not me, you say. Your style is business suit, not birthday suit. But that’s not what I mean by “networking naked.” It’s when you show up without two crucial and basic items.
The purpose of networking is to meet new people and make connections that may be mutually beneficial to your business and those in your circle.
How can you help new connections remember you? It’s very simple.
There are two basic—yet powerful—items that every business person should have when attending a networking event and yet woefully often neglect:
- name tag
- business cards
1. The humble name tag
The name tag should be placed on your upper right lapel, not the left (yes, it makes a difference). This makes it easy for people to see your name during that first hand shake. Your extended right hand to theirs gives them a natural sight line to your right shoulder/lapel, as they grasp your hand, hear your name and glance up to meet your gaze. This compounds the impact of hearing and seeing your name and face.
Caution: Watch that your name tag isn’t too low, turned backwards (as often happens with lanyards) or obscured by long hair artfully draped.
Custom name badges with your company name, logo, colors as well as your name make a strong polished statement. But even if you don’t have one, the sticker name badges provided at most events will do the trick. Just be sure to print your name in large, legible writing. If people need to squint to read it or ask you what it says, that’s not a good first impression.
2. Business cards
Remember that first box of business cards you received when you landed your first “grown-up” job? You couldn’t wait to hand them out. That feeling seems to have faded to obscurity for many a networker. It’s time to bring back business cards—or maybe just bring them to your next event.
The card is tangible evidence that a connection was made. In a crowded, loud room, people may not be able to retain much more than your name and company name. But the recipient can get your details later, such as the correct spelling of your name, your email and phone number in the quiet of their office the next day when they pull your card from a pocket or purse. It reinforces your brand—both your personal brand and your company brand. It makes it easy for the other person to remember your name the next day and hopefully to follow up with you (if you don’t follow up first, which you should if they provided you with a card).
My boss says that when you run out of business cards, it’s time to ask for a promotion because the new cards can have a new title on them. Besides making meaningful connections, what other incentive do you need to hand out your cards?
No more networking naked
We all have trouble putting names to faces and recalling them later, right? So the kind thing to do (and kindness is very much in fashion) is to make it easy for others to know who you are and to associate your name and your business with your face and your all-star, firm handshake (never a soft, milquetoast wimpy grasp, but that’s for another blog).
Annie said you’re never fully dressed without a smile. But you’re not fully dressed for networking without your name tag and business cards. It’s time to suit up, put that badge on and stock up on cards.
Happy new year networking!
For more ideas on building your brand, read our article We've got to get our name out there! If you need help with innovation or a fresh marketing strategy, call Martha direct at 785.969.6203 or
Photo credit from Unsplash: A group of white statues blindfolded—Zyanya Citlalli.
