As Scarlet has told you all before, there is definitely etiquette involved with everything you do in life. Today our Meet Scarlet students will be learning about the importance of knowing both interviewing and business card etiquette. This is something that is very important, however many people do not learn these skills until they have messed up a few times. Well Scarlet doesn’t want the same to occur for you, so here are some tips that will hopefully make you feel comfortable with some business practices.

1.    Never leave home with out your business cards. Before leaving home, your checklist should include your business cards, right along with your wallet and keys. Remember that anywhere that you go could be an opportunity to network with others.

2.    Use proper business card etiquette. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don’t just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. You might see something that could be a topic of discussion. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest. These comments will prove valuable when following up with that person. Make people feel important, in order to make yourself important to them. (Les Giblin)

3.    Use “In Your Face” follow up. It’s quite a task for employers to keep track of each individual meeting. So it’s up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting snail mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you’re in the driver’s seat in standing out from other people. Patience and persistence pays off.

4.    Maximize every meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don’t discount those events. Who knows what could happen by having a business card available on the spot.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you to create business cards if you do not have some already, and use them and let them work for you, if you do!

…Until next time…