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| Kate Spade cardholder |
Whether it’s a lunch, or a large industry event, networking is a must if you want to be successful in your profession. Networking is a great way to market your personal brand or business. What many young bloggers and entrepreneurs tend to struggle with is what to bring along. Here are five must-have items to help make you a successful social butterfly:
Business Cards
Don’t go anywhere without your business cards. Your business card is the ultimate way to promote your brand and make connections. Include your name, a link to your website (minus the http://), your Twitter handle, your email address, and your title. If your website is your name, or something nondescript, a tagline, or a few words summarizing what you do will help people remember you. You should also purchase a cardholder to keep your cards organized. Check out the one shown above by Kate Spade.
Camera Phone
Meet a celebrity, industry-leader, or fellow taste-maker at an event? Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and ask for a picture. Taking photos at events provides great material for your blog and social media accounts. If you take a picture with someone, and tag them in it, it will help you both gain followers and share your audiences. It also helps to keep the conversation going once the event is over. Just make sure people are okay with you snapping and sharing their photo.
Small Clutch or Cross Body
Don’t lug around a huge bag or carry things in your hands at events. As fierce as that Hermes Birkin bag is, you want to make sure your hands are free. Opt for a small bag that will hold all of your items, but allow you to shake hands and have a glass of bubbly! Try a cute clutch that you can tuck under your arm or a classy cross-body that you can toss on with ease.
Pen + Paper
Maybe I’m a little old fashioned, but I always have to have a pen and a small notebook with me. Yes, I know that with all the technology out there, you probably use your cell instead. But, as a writer, I like having my little journal with me to write down ideas that inspire me or to keep notes about the meeting/event. Who knows what brainstorming or idea sharing could happen. Treat them like accessories and pick tools that are fashionable and fun.
Lipstick
Appearances matter. But, there’s no need to bring your entire makeup bag. Instead, take your lipstick along for touch-ups in the powder room… you want to keep up the façade that you are effortlessly fresh looking.
Not sure of the dress code? When in doubt, opt for a LBD (it’s always better to be a bit overdressed). And remember, making small talk is never easy. But, if you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll make valuable connections and open new doors. Just remember to bring these tools, put on a smile, and you’ll be a networking pro!
By
Real College Student of Atlanta
love this post and sooo true!
Julie DiGiovine
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Happy Networking!
- Julie
Ani Danielle
This is SUCH great information! Definitely going to file it away in my pinterest for future reference… thanks for posting.
xx Ani
Zeeshan Hanzillah
Simple and to the point enhanced my knowledge about
plastic business cards designing a lot..
A Ali
This is SUCH great information! Thanks for sharing…
Print VIP cards
Julie DiGiovine
I’m so glad you all enjoyed it! Please tweet me with any questions/comments you may have: @TheStylishOne_
Happy Networking!
- Julie DiGiovine
TheStylishOne.Tumblr.com
Robyn
Hey Julie! Suggestions on where to print you business cards? There are so many websites out there, and I was wondering if you (or anyone else) had a favorite site!