Networking in a Digital World: Is Your Staff Really Ready?

When your staff is sent out on business for networking opportunities are they really prepared? Sure, they have their mobile devices equipped with valuable information, but the real question is, are they really ready to network?

In this ever evolving digital world we live in today, it can be really easy to forget the basics. Business owners have learned new avenues and channels for which they can reach out to their target audience, which is great… for internet connectivity. However, ask yourself, how well does a website link or Facebook profile work for networking in person?

If your staff runs into an interested party wanting to know more about your products or services, what information will be provided to the potential client? Will they have to jot down their information on a napkin? Slowly spell out the company URL and Facebook URL while the client writes it down? Or will they hand them a professionally designed and printed business card complete with an informational brochure?

If your staff does not have tangible products to further enhance brand recognition, chances are you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. Business cards and other printable marketing materials are essential in three ways:

1.  They are Direct Marketing Tools

2.  They Don’t Get Lost in Translation

3.  They Aid in Making a Great First Impression

Direct Marketing Tools

When conducting business, there is essentially no better marketing technique that is more effective than face to face communication. Business cards help to end the conversation while also leaving a strong call to action. Physical marketing materials such as business cards are portable, and therefore are an essential part of establishing new clients for business in the future. You can never be sure as to where potential clients might be and making sure you’re prepared is the only way to capitalize.

Will Not Get Lost in Translation

When potential clients attend networking events, they are likely provided with a lot of information they have to take in and remember. While you may have given an impressive discussion on your services and how they could benefit potential clients, how much of that information did the client actually remember?

Maybe there was some commotion near them while you were talking and they missed the part where you gave out contact information. Or maybe they misspelled your URL….

It can be easy for things said out loud to become nothing more than a distant memory, however, with materials such as brochures and business cards, clients are more inclined to remember the discussion and reach out to you to learn more.

Makes a Great First Impression

Hands down, one of the most important factors about having business cards and other tangible marketing materials is the impression they give off. A potential consumer who receives a crisp business card complete with a company logo, slogan, and contact information is more likely to reach out. In fact, statistics show that for every 2,000 business cards handed out, 2.5% of those cards turn into sales.  Your business cards show the type of professional you are and more importantly, what your company represents.

Tip: It is best to utilize the services of a professional printing company for business card development. Online printing service providers such as http://www.printpelican.com/ can generate customized business cards suitable for various networking occasions.

Your marketing materials will far outlast any conversation or discussion that your staff has with potential clients. Investing in business cards and other materials is a surefire way to stay in with the competition and put a lasting impression in the minds of your target clientele.