Comments on: When to throw out a business card http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/ Dr. Letitia Wright is Inspiring and Educating Entrepreneurs Worldwide Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:47:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: authentic louis vuitton http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-6607 authentic louis vuitton Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:26:31 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-6607 Greetings, I enjoy your article. This is a nice site and I wanted to post a comment to tell you, great job! Good Day, Berthes <a href="http://www.luxurygiftsbags.com" rel="nofollow">Louis Vuitton Wallet</a> <a href="http://www.luxurygiftsbags.com" rel="nofollow">louis vuitton outlet</a> Greetings, I enjoy your article. This is a nice site and I wanted to post a comment to tell you, great job!
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]]> By: PdMIA http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-4977 PdMIA Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:49:41 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-4977 The release close to this post seems to be superior! Therefore students do not should accomplish the <a href="http://www.topthesis.com" rel="nofollow">thesis writing</a> or mini dissertation by their own, they could get your aid. The release close to this post seems to be superior! Therefore students do not should accomplish the thesis writing or mini dissertation by their own, they could get your aid.

]]> By: Steve Orris http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-879 Steve Orris Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:57:13 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-879 I need to throw away more cards. By the time I get back to some people they are out of business or working for someone else. And as Frank and Eydie mentioned, true professionals will keep their contact information the same no matter where they go. I've had domain email for a few years now. I've changed my business cards several times but my contact info stays pretty much the same. I need to throw away more cards. By the time I get back to some people they are out of business or working for someone else. And as Frank and Eydie mentioned, true professionals will keep their contact information the same no matter where they go. I’ve had domain email for a few years now. I’ve changed my business cards several times but my contact info stays pretty much the same.

]]> By: Mike Jensen http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-875 Mike Jensen Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:45:04 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-875 I Enjoyed that thanks. loved the picture also, but there is only so much time in a day. I try to keep up with anything that is truly personal I Enjoyed that thanks. loved the picture also, but there is only so much time in a day. I try to keep up with anything that is truly personal

]]> By: Eydie Stumpf http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-862 Eydie Stumpf Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:32:11 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-862 I agree with Frank Adamo. Purchase a card scanner and dump the cards. With their permission, add them to your email marketing contact list (Constant Contact, iContact, etc.). Keeping in touch with these contacts is so very important. But, ALWAYS give them the option to opt out of your emails.... once they opt out.... thats a huge hint they don't to hear from you anymore. The great thing about a professional email marketing service is that opt outs....and opt ins are automatically dealt with. Also, as Frank mentioned.... Use your url address as your email address. As an entrepreneur, it is unprofessional to use a Yahoo, Hotmail or AOL email address. When using your url address you are continually branding yourself.... and keeping you top of mind! In addition, use your first name and not info@, support@, admin@ or any other anonymous email name. These merely creates distance between you and your clients and prospects. It deems you as unaproachable and a non-person. Be patient with your stack of cards. Organize them in a database and continue to make contact with them. Being consistant is key and offer them solutions...without directly marketing to them. And remember, these days email is not the only means of connecting with people. Someone mentioned "Send Out Cards". Excellent marketing technique. Look to Social Media to connect with some of those business cards! Small talk on Facebook could lead to big clients! Thanks for listening... Eydie :) I agree with Frank Adamo. Purchase a card scanner and dump the cards. With their permission, add them to your email marketing contact list (Constant Contact, iContact, etc.). Keeping in touch with these contacts is so very important. But, ALWAYS give them the option to opt out of your emails…. once they opt out…. thats a huge hint they don’t to hear from you anymore. The great thing about a professional email marketing service is that opt outs….and opt ins are automatically dealt with.

Also, as Frank mentioned…. Use your url address as your email address. As an entrepreneur, it is unprofessional to use a Yahoo, Hotmail or AOL email address. When using your url address you are continually branding yourself…. and keeping you top of mind! In addition, use your first name and not info@, support@, admin@ or any other anonymous email name. These merely creates distance between you and your clients and prospects. It deems you as unaproachable and a non-person.

Be patient with your stack of cards. Organize them in a database and continue to make contact with them. Being consistant is key and offer them solutions…without directly marketing to them. And remember, these days email is not the only means of connecting with people. Someone mentioned “Send Out Cards”. Excellent marketing technique. Look to Social Media to connect with some of those business cards! Small talk on Facebook could lead to big clients!

Thanks for listening… Eydie :)

]]> By: Micki Peluso http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-861 Micki Peluso Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:19:22 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-861 I keep business cards for years, just in case I might need them. Then in a saner moment, go through my wallet and throw away all those I think I no longer need. Within a week or so, I have a need for that person and now no longer have the business card. Now I play it safe and keep them all, except for the obvious ones that I know I'll never use. For my own busines cards, I hand them out instead of flyers as promos for my book and find that to be effective, since the card has all my websites on it and info on both my book and me. I like to think they aren't thrown away so quickly. :) Micki Peluso I keep business cards for years, just in case I might need them. Then in a saner moment, go through my wallet and throw away all those I think I no longer need. Within a week or so, I have a need for that person and now no longer have the business card. Now I play it safe and keep them all, except for the obvious ones that I know I’ll never use. For my own busines cards, I hand them out instead of flyers as promos for my book and find that to be effective, since the card has all my websites on it and info on both my book and me. I like to think they aren’t thrown away so quickly. :)

Micki Peluso

]]> By: Amber http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-858 Amber Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:49:42 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-858 These are some very interesting responses! The only business cards I get are for my "day job". I generally keep them around for six months and then dispose of them. They are usually included with packages so I know how to contact if there is a problem with the contents. I agree that contact needs to be made periodically and after so many times without acknowledgement it's almost safe to say it's time to get rid of the card. These are some very interesting responses!

The only business cards I get are for my “day job”. I generally keep them around for six months and then dispose of them. They are usually included with packages so I know how to contact if there is a problem with the contents.

I agree that contact needs to be made periodically and after so many times without acknowledgement it’s almost safe to say it’s time to get rid of the card.

]]> By: Kim hanks author of "save the best for last" http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-855 Kim hanks author of "save the best for last" Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:19:12 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-855 Great, indeed its the wise way to do it. thanks, Great,

indeed its the wise way to do it.

thanks,

]]> By: Valerie Patton http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-853 Valerie Patton Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:08:30 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-853 I have tons of business cards that I have collected over the years when I used to work at the bank. I have slowely added them to my contact list in outlook. When I receive new ones I go ahead and enter them into my computer saves me space & time. I have tons of business cards that I have collected over the years when I used to work at the bank. I have slowely added them to my contact list in outlook. When I receive new ones I go ahead and enter them into my computer saves me space & time.

]]> By: Dr. Letitia Wright http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-852 Dr. Letitia Wright Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:54:03 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-852 Yes, Frank, that is my branding pet peeve. Especially when they are in marketing.  I am thinking, why would you advertise anyone else? It really does make a difference! Yes, Frank, that is my branding pet peeve. Especially when they are in marketing.  I am thinking, why would you advertise anyone else? It really does make a difference!

]]> By: Frank S. Adamo http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-851 Frank S. Adamo Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:40:37 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-851 This is a great blog question. I like Sabrina's answer. I also like Michelle's old fashion answer and I really like ?Eat the meat and throw away the bone?. I've heard it before, but it's a good reminder. I've had business cards from 20 years ago. This was BCS (Before CardScan-a fabulous time savings tool) Since most of my communication is through email, I tend to throw out the cards with no email addresses. Then I scan in the others, making a distinction between generic and individualized email addresses. Those with AOL, gmail, yahoo, msn, etc. email addresses, I place in a secondary category -- unless they are personal friends. I really don't understand when a business person has a nice Web site, such as www.abc.com, but their email address is abc@yahoo.com. If their email address is sam@abc.com, then they are placed in a professional category. I throw away the card after it is scanned. This is a great blog question. I like Sabrina’s answer. I also like Michelle’s old fashion answer and I really like ?Eat the meat and throw away the bone?. I’ve heard it before, but it’s a good reminder.

I’ve had business cards from 20 years ago. This was BCS (Before CardScan-a fabulous time savings tool) Since most of my communication is through email, I tend to throw out the cards with no email addresses. Then I scan in the others, making a distinction between generic and individualized email addresses. Those with AOL, gmail, yahoo, msn, etc. email addresses, I place in a secondary category — unless they are personal friends. I really don’t understand when a business person has a nice Web site, such as http://www.abc.com, but their email address is abc@yahoo.com. If their email address is sam@abc.com, then they are placed in a professional category.

I throw away the card after it is scanned.

]]> By: Steve http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-850 Steve Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:08:16 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-850 All busienss card information goes into a spreadsheet, partitioned into the lead source and reason. Auto responses and follow up phone calls take place for 4/5 attempts before the name and contact is discarded. This can be up to 8 weeks, but not usually longer. Then you can shock eberyone and send a Holiday greeting to EVERYONE, and re-start the conversation. The point is to continue the conversation, not continually 'hawk' your product. Also, of course, you are continually promoting your busienss, so you are giving out your card, and collecting others on a daily basis. Don't keep useless paper - get into software! All busienss card information goes into a spreadsheet, partitioned into the lead source and reason. Auto responses and follow up phone calls take place for 4/5 attempts before the name and contact is discarded.
This can be up to 8 weeks, but not usually longer.
Then you can shock eberyone and send a Holiday greeting to EVERYONE, and re-start the conversation.

The point is to continue the conversation, not continually ‘hawk’ your product. Also, of course, you are continually promoting your busienss, so you are giving out your card, and collecting others on a daily basis. Don’t keep useless paper – get into software!

]]> By: Leutrell http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-846 Leutrell Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:33:18 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-846 I too trow them away when I know the person is dead. Most times the card goes into the archives notebook file and remains unless I copy it and use it in a folder with the person. I too trow them away when I know the person is dead. Most times the card goes into the archives notebook file and remains unless I copy it and use it in a folder with the person.

]]> By: Damon Wilson http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-845 Damon Wilson Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:12:23 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-845 Like my Dad always told me, "Eat the meat and throw away the bone". If that can be some use to you and your business thats par for the course. If not" file 13"! Always try to be a help to everyone you meet no matter how they treat you! Communication is everything. Like my Dad always told me, “Eat the meat and throw away the bone”. If that can be some use to you and your business thats par for the course. If not” file 13″! Always try to be a help to everyone you meet no matter how they treat you! Communication is everything.

]]> By: Donna Fisher http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-843 Donna Fisher Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:34:47 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-843 Letitia, I agree with what you say about contacting people to be of service to them. When you nurture your network and keep the communication lines open, then it is much easier to call someone when you have a need. So, it's important to stay in touch with people in order to keep the connections. Letitia,
I agree with what you say about contacting people to be of service to them. When you nurture your network and keep the communication lines open, then it is much easier to call someone when you have a need. So, it’s important to stay in touch with people in order to keep the connections.

]]> By: Dr. Letitia Wright http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-842 Dr. Letitia Wright Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:51:59 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-842 I like that too Michele I like that too Michele

]]> By: Michele Wilson http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-840 Michele Wilson Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:38:10 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-840 Call me old fashion... I have created my own set of business card rules. For business contacts, I generally have two separate piles. Direct and indirect contacts. My direct contacts are people who I have worked directly with in my professional career. I have some cards that go back many years. It is surprising how often I have referred back to them. Saving these contacts gives me a valuable resource for those times when you need answers to questions you just don't know. My indirect contacts, I will permanently "file" with each new year! Michele Call me old fashion… I have created my own set of business card rules. For business contacts, I generally have two separate piles. Direct and indirect contacts. My direct contacts are people who I have worked directly with in my professional career. I have some cards that go back many years. It is surprising how often I have referred back to them. Saving these contacts gives me a valuable resource for those times when you need answers to questions you just don’t know. My indirect contacts, I will permanently “file” with each new year!

Michele

]]> By: Jim Zaccaria http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-838 Jim Zaccaria Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:03:30 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-838 I throw them out EVERY time someone comes and sticks it in my face or hand telling me all about how Great They are without establishing a true 'connection' with me first. Same usually goes for those useless Pass the Stack of Cards "Leads" groups which I won't knowingly attend, but sometimes get 'roped' into. Some people throw away Ugly, ineffective cards, but I like to Save them as Examples. I also PROMISE to throw away any and ALL cards properly entered into my database as I am 'downsizing' in preparation for going on the road in the RV :) I throw them out EVERY time someone comes and sticks it in my face or hand telling me all about how Great They are without establishing a true ‘connection’ with me first. Same usually goes for those useless Pass the Stack of Cards “Leads” groups which I won’t knowingly attend, but sometimes get ‘roped’ into. Some people throw away Ugly, ineffective cards, but I like to Save them as Examples. I also PROMISE to throw away any and ALL cards properly entered into my database as I am ‘downsizing’ in preparation for going on the road in the RV :)

]]> By: Tara http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-837 Tara Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:59:35 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-837 I use the system SendOutCards where I can make notes. After 3 attempts if I don't know the person personally, I get rid of the contact. I get rid of cards immediately. Too much paper. I have clutter issues! Tara I use the system SendOutCards where I can make notes. After 3 attempts if I don’t know the person personally, I get rid of the contact. I get rid of cards immediately. Too much paper. I have clutter issues!

Tara

]]> By: Sabrina Gibson http://wrightplacetv.com/throw/comment-page-1/#comment-835 Sabrina Gibson Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:39:46 +0000 http://wrightplacetv.com/?p=675#comment-835 Each year I make a point to send out an email that says "Please respond if you still want to keep in touch". If people don't respond then it means they are either not getting the email, not wanting to get the email or not there. This year, I am going to use a combination of both email and phone calls (Voiceshot.com) is a great tool to send out the same message to a group of people. Very inexpensive. That way you know for sure who would like to keep in touch. I have people that have never even met me that have been on my list for over 7 years. Sabrina Each year I make a point to send out an email that says “Please respond if you still want to keep in touch”. If people don’t respond then it means they are either not getting the email, not wanting to get the email or not there.

This year, I am going to use a combination of both email and phone calls (Voiceshot.com) is a great tool to send out the same message to a group of people. Very inexpensive. That way you know for sure who would like to keep in touch.

I have people that have never even met me that have been on my list for over 7 years.

Sabrina

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