The Art Marketing Action newsletter and previous blog entries have been about handling business cards appropriately. In my opinion, it is even better for you to collect business cards from others than to see your cards in their hands. Why? It puts you in control! And my consulting and Web site are all about giving artists control of their careers.
What do you do upon receiving someone else’s card?
- Look at it while they’re still with you. Say their name and make sure you have the pronunciation down correctly and that you can remember a tidbit of personal information about them.
- As soon as they’re out of sight (or even when you return home), turn the card over and jot down that bit of information that helps you remember them. I’ve read it’s rude to write on someone else’s business card. It doesn’t bother me when someone writes on a card I give them, but, apparently, it isn’t always acceptable.
- Within one week, send them a postcard or nice-to-meet you card (with one of your images on it, of course!).This must be done immediately before they forget who you are or how they met you.
- Put the card in your “mailing list” file for when it’s time to update your contacts. Don’t forget to add notes that will help you personalize your relationship.
