Business Card Alternatives That Build Business
As an entrepreneur and business owner I am always on the prowl for creative and effective ways to capture the attention of potential customers. During a long flight from Seattle to Columbus Ohio I was seated next to an executive from a large marketing firm with whom I’d managed to strike up a conversation. Her questions and responsive interest indicated to me that she was genuinely interested in the services I offered so I handed her my finest business card which she tucked into her pant pocket while gather her luggage from the over head compartment; as she did this I suddenly thought of all the paper wads I had found in the bottom of the washer that had been business cards I really wanted to save. So I decided to scientifically measure the value of this age old marketing / networking tool. Here are the results:Over 600 people interviewed Subjects sampled more than 29 states (a very scientifically substantial and relevant sampling)r.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing re

Are you're trying to learn how to conduct a job search, how to expose yourself to career opportunity, or how to increase/establish your personal Internet presence prior to or while looking for a job? This article summarizes 10 points executives job seekers should keep in mind as they look to land their next job opportunity. By keeping these basic principles in mind you'll be light-years ahead of those who don't.

1. It all starts with your resume

Most executives fall into the trap of trivializing the importance of having the best possible resume by saying, "I communicate my value and the substance of my career best in an interview."

If your resume isn't "pin sharp", you're dead before you even start.

The quality, content and format of an executive's resume are strong reflections of their capabilities and focus.

2. Have the right tools for the job.

You're beginning the biggest networking and marketing campaign project of your life.

You want access to every business card, contact and email address you've ever collected. You want access to every tradeshow, symposia, conference, user group, relevant industry specific blog/website, and additional contact information via free and subscription based research services and databases you can identify. Possess ongoing memberships and working familiarity with professional business networking environments.

Equate - not - the power of a networking platform with simply the size of the membership – period.

Networking sites don't competing; they complement each other.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing res

se who don't.

1. It all starts with your resume

Most executives fall into the trap of trivializing the importance of having the best possible resume by saying, "I communicate my value and the substance of my career best in an interview."

If your resume isn't "pin sharp", you're dead before you even start.

The quality, content and format of an executive's resume are strong reflections of their capabilities and focus.

2. Have the right tools for the job.

You're beginning the biggest networking and marketing campaign project of your life.

You want access to every business card, contact and email address you've ever collected. You want access to every tradeshow, symposia, conference, user group, relevant industry specific blog/website, and additional contact information via free and subscription based research services and databases you can identify. Possess ongoing memberships and working familiarity with professional business networking environments.

Equate - not - the power of a networking platform with simply the size of the membership – period.

Networking sites don't competing; they complement each other.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing re

e are strong reflections of their capabilities and focus.

2. Have the right tools for the job.

You're beginning the biggest networking and marketing campaign project of your life.

You want access to every business card, contact and email address you've ever collected. You want access to every tradeshow, symposia, conference, user group, relevant industry specific blog/website, and additional contact information via free and subscription based research services and databases you can identify. Possess ongoing memberships and working familiarity with professional business networking environments.

Equate - not - the power of a networking platform with simply the size of the membership – period.

Networking sites don't competing; they complement each other.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing re

g/website, and additional contact information via free and subscription based research services and databases you can identify. Possess ongoing memberships and working familiarity with professional business networking environments.

Equate - not - the power of a networking platform with simply the size of the membership – period.

Networking sites don't competing; they complement each other.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing re

r.

3. Develop a balanced plan.

The old adage of "those who fail to plan; plan to fail" is absolutely true in a proactive job search campaign. Don't focus on approaching recruiters. Read the Career Journal article: "E-Mailing Resumes to Recruiters Won't Generate a Big Response."

Reaching out to recruiters and hiring authorities/executives directly utilizing resume distribution services and a desktop email campaign software should be combined with direct networking. Leveraging professional business networking environments (e.g., Ecademy, LinkedIn, et al.).creates an effective job search strategy increasing your exposure to more opportunities.

Make sure your plan includes investing time in personally branding yourself and building an Internet presence. Can you be found if someone types your name (e.g., "John Doe") into Google?

For more related articles do a Google search on:

Personal Internet Presence Articles

Absolutely check out the "Case Study: Recipe for Success" describing how to leverage a networking platform's power to drive your content to the 1st page of Google. This is an - extremely - powerful aspect of certain networking platform memberships.

Don't kid yourself; you are conducting a direct marketing and networking campaign. If recruiters and hiring authorities/executives don't know who you are, can't find or learn about you, and don't know how to contact you, you will miss out on a lot of opportunities to advance your career.

4. Consider budgeting for and leveraging Resume Distribution Services.

So you've written a - pin sharp - resume. Now what? Just sit around and hope the phone rings right? Of course not. Consider leveraging a Resume Distribution Service to increase your exposure to opportunities.

5. Consider budgeting for and leveraging one or more leading "6-figure" Executive Job Sites such as Forbes "Best of the Web" winners like Netshare or ExecuN