Can Social Media Replace Business Cards?
No matter what your business or industry, the value of the internet and social media cannot be denied. It’s allowing us to stay more connected than ever; but are social media channels set to replace the classic paper business card? All signs point to “yes.”
Just as online shopping systems have taken the place of many brick and mortar stores, and the website has all but replaced the paper catalog, the use of social media is rapidly replacing the old school Rolodex.
The Virtual Address Book
Yes, paper business cards were helpful, but static. They provided a contact’s name and phone number, but not much else. You had to keep track of them, organize them and make sure not to lose them. Social media is the user-friendly virtual version of the address book, but it’s also so much more: it can offer valuable insights about your contacts and allow you to make timely, successful sales calls.
For example, a loan officer specializing in funding loans after foreclosure might be following a particular realtor on Twitter. One day he notices they are voicing their disappointment about a client being turned down due to a foreclosure on their credit. This type of revelation can offer insight to the loan officer, who might then tweet: “I can help, even one day after foreclosure.”
Making Social Media Work for You
Connecting with people on social media before and after meetings via social media is far more effective than simply accumulating a pile of business cards and making contacts via phone later. Social media takes things to a new level, allowing for the easy organization of those contacts you want to follow as well as potent insights into their daily wants and needs.
To make social media work better for you than the business card ever did, start by signing on to all of the viable social media platforms. Take the time to make contacts before and after meetings via channels like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and more. Don’t hesitate to ask people about social media in meetings: “Are you on Facebook? Google+? How can we stay connected?” These are valid and even expected questions in this social media-driven age we live in.
After you’ve made contact, stay active. Watch for trends and patterns; post when you have something to offer, and be responsive to others. You’ll soon find yourself reaping the benefits of the next-generation “business card.”
Drew Meyers
Posted at 19:37h, 27 Augustsomeone should build a simple service, that lets you tweet someone w/ a specific hashtag — and have that automatically create a new contact in contacts, and/or send a linkedin request
Bryn Kaufman
Posted at 14:30h, 28 AugustTroy, the Rolodex started going out 30 years ago when the Apple II was sold. People immediately started to store their contacts in a database.
I assume you have a business card, and I do too, so I don’t think they will be replaced until all phones can instantly transfer contact information to each other. Business cards are a good cheap way for someone to remember your name.
Regarding social media, I know it works for some, but it can also be a big time waste if you are not careful. We have 30,000+ people in our database, there is no way I could start to socialize with them all via social media. My entire day would be spent looking at family photos.
I have heard of successful agents who use Social Media, but I have not figured out a way to make it work for me. Perhaps it has to do with the volume of leads that you are getting. If an agent does not get a lot of leads, they probably can keep up with them via Social Media.
Anyway, if anyone has innovative ways they are using Social Media to keep up with their clients and leads please let us know.
FlyerCo
Posted at 15:51h, 05 SeptemberBusiness cards are great because you’re taking up real estate in someones wallet. Your contact might get lost in a list and your business card will probably get lost with the other but, at least it will be in their pocket and they’ll have to look at it again sometime! Also what if they forgot your name? Business card! Social media and contact management systems are going to get better but, I can’t see the business card ever dieing. It’s like a watch, the time is on your phone you don’t really need one but, it’s a classic.
Eric
Posted at 00:58h, 26 DecemberWhen it comes to checking backgrounds and reviews, social medias would be the best option however, business cards are also important. As what FlyerCo said, with business cards, you’re taking up real estate in someones wallet.