Business cards and a website…do I really need them?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Neagle Code Question

Hi David,

I know this may sound like a strange question, but how important do you think business cards and websites are? I’m trying to decide if I should pour a significant amount of money into those things or if they are really just not necessary. I’d appreciate your opinion before making that decision.

Thank you for your time!

Neagle Code Answer

Hi, and thanks for your question!

You know, I NEVER carry business cards and I tell all my students to do the same.

When networking, if someone asks for your card, tell them that you don’t carry cards, but you’d be happy to take one of theirs and follow up with them. Take their card and write notes on the back so you can remember the conversation you had.

That way YOU are in control of the follow up.

Several years ago my website was down for almost a full year, and my company GREW!

Actually it was the best year I had ever had.

Most marketers will tell you that you MUST have a website. I disagree.

NOTHING can take the place of a personalized person-to-person approach to sales.

In fact, in this market, it’s been the single most IMPORTANT thing my company has done.

Don’t get me wrong, a website has a purpose, but if your most pressing need is sales and income, a website is not going to get you closer to that goal. Your ability to reach out to someone, have an effective conversation, and close a sale WILL.

My advice would be to prioritize.

First, bring in the sales through one-on-one conversations, and when you have the capital, build a website that focuses on collecting opt-ins to build your marketing list.

 

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6 comments

    • Well Nancy, that is the first time someone has dropped Gordian Knot in this blog space! LOL I do what I can. Thanks for the post (and the chuckle).

  1. Hello,
    That’s an interesting tactic, putting oneself in control. I’m curious about the follow-up, and I have 2 questions about it: What if the prospective client doesn’t have a business card?
    Also, how do you avoid catching them at a bad time like a pesky telemarketer, or an email they may consider as spam?
    Thank you!

    • If the prospective client doesn’t have a business card, write down their contact information and something memorable about them on a notebook and follow up with them. Don’t worry about catching them at a bad time … if it’s a bad time, they won’t answer the phone. Thanks for the post.