“Would you mind if I gave you my card?”
I certainly wasn’t expecting this question as I finished an introductory meeting with a pre-med. At 21 years old, he already had a few biotech patents and had assisted in creating multiple startups. I had just asked him for an email and phone number for our records, and he caught me off guard by passing me a fancy, professional piece of cardstock across the desk.
A student had never given me a business card before, and that moment has stuck with me to this day. Needless to say, he made a strong impression, and I suspected that he had a similar impact on others he came across. I was happy when he signed up to work with us at Passport Admissions, and I was not surprised when he earned acceptance into several medical schools.
Was all his success a result of his business card? Of course not.
But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t help his cause in a significant way.
Business cards are essentially the OG social media profile, but you shouldn’t view them as archaic. Business cards aren’t just for middle-aged execs in gray suits.
In our digital world, the tactile charm of a business card is often underestimated. As a student or young professional, crafting your own business card is a strategic move akin to wearing a sharp suit to a casual interview—it makes you memorable. It's a tangible piece of your professional persona that you can physically hand to someone, creating a sense of ceremony and importance that digital communication often lacks
Having your own business card signals that you're serious about your career aspirations. It's like a tiny billboard that screams, "I'm a grown-up! I've got skills worth knowing!" It's a professional flourish that sets you apart from your peers, many of whom may not have considered creating one. It shows foresight, preparedness, and a certain level of sophistication. When you pull out a business card, it's not just your contact information you're offering—it's a statement that you're playing in the big leagues, even if you're just starting out.
And here's a neat psychological trick: Handing someone your business card often compels them to reciprocate and give you theirs. It's like social etiquette's version of Newton's Third Law—every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You give a card; you get a card. Just like that, you've snagged a tangible link to a person you can now reach out to for opportunities, advice, or even mentorship. So, get some cards printed, and make Newton proud.
So, invest in designing a business card that reflects your personal brand. Make it unique, make it you, and make it happen. In a stack of virtual connections and LinkedIn profiles, your physical card will be the one they remember, the one that doesn't require scrolling to find again. It's a small step that can lead to a giant leap in how you're perceived in the professional world.
This might sound daunting, but it’s not that bad. For example, Adobe Express has dozens of free business card templates that look great:
Bonus Tip #1: Leave the Back Blank to Write Down Personal Information
When it comes to business cards, there's a little trick that can turn that tiny rectangle of paper into a networking powerhouse: leave the back blank.
It's a simple move, but it's genius. Here's why: In the flurry of handshakes and hellos, you can jot down a note on the spot about the person you've just met, the conversation you had, or the follow-up you promised. It's personal, practical, and shows that you're not just collecting names, you're building relationships.
Plus, when you hand your card over, the blank space invites the recipient to do the same. It's a two-way street of information exchange, making that piece of cardstock a mini ledger of connection. So, when you're designing your business cards, think of the back as your canvas for context—it's where the magic of networking happens.
Bonus Tip #2: Use Blinq to Make a QR Code Business Card
In the age of smartphones and instant connectivity, the paper business card is getting a tech-savvy upgrade. Meet Blinq, the digital business card that lives in your phone. It's a QR code that holds all your contact info, social links, and anything else you'd want to share.
I recommend downloading Blinq from the app store and setting it up with your details. It's quick, eco-friendly, and you'll never run out of them. Plus, it's a neat conversation starter – "Let me Blinq you my details" is sure to get a smile. With Blinq, you're not just sharing your contact information; you're showing that you're at the cutting edge of networking technology.
Creating a digital portfolio is like building your own personal exhibit in the museum of the internet. It's a dynamic way to showcase your work, projects, and skills, and it definitely sends the message that you're more than just a list of job titles and educational credentials—you're a proactive professional with tangible achievements
Here's how to get started:
1. Select Your Best Work: Curate samples that showcase your skills–anything from a successful work project, a school presentation, a blog post, design work, code snippets from software you've developed, or testimonials from colleagues and clients.
2. Choose the Right Platform: Websites like Wix, Squarespace, and Behance make it easy to create sleek, professional-looking portfolios without needing to know a line of code. Wix and Squarespace offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, while Behance is a go-to for creatives looking to join an existing community of artists and designers.
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3. Tell Your Story: Your portfolio should tell the story of your professional journey. Include an 'About Me' section that shares your career goals, your passions, and what makes you unique. This narrative can connect the dots between diverse projects and experiences.
4. Keep It Updated: Just like your resume, your digital portfolio should be a living document. Regularly add new pieces and prune older or less relevant work. This keeps it fresh and reflective of your current capabilities.
5. Make It Interactive: Where possible, include interactive elements or multimedia like videos, clickable prototypes, or links to live projects. This isn't just about showing your end results, but also your process and your ability to think innovatively.
6. Optimize for Search Engines: Use relevant keywords in your portfolio's text so that it shows up in search results. This is where platforms like Wix and Squarespace can be helpful, as they often include SEO tools to help you get noticed by the right people.
7. Share It: Once your portfolio is polished and ready, include the link in your email signature, on your resume, and on your LinkedIn profile. Share it when networking and apply for jobs to give others a direct window into your professional soul.
Remember, a digital portfolio is not just a collection of work; it's your professional brand encapsulated in a URL. It's proof positive that you have your act together and are ready to take on the challenges of your chosen field.
Keeping your resume up to date is like maintaining a sharp blade in your career toolkit—it ensures you're always ready for action. In today's fast-paced world, opportunities can pop up like surprise guests, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.
Regularly refreshing your resume is a strategic move, akin to an athlete staying in shape during the off-season. It's not just about adding new jobs or skills, but also about refining descriptions, optimizing keywords, and ensuring the layout is clean and professional.
Think of your resume as a living document, one that grows and evolves as you do. Every new project, skill, or accomplishment is a chance to beef up this critical piece of paper. And in the digital age, don't forget to update your LinkedIn and other professional profiles to match. They're your 24/7 digital billboard, and consistency is key.
So, set a reminder—maybe once every three months—to polish that resume. Tailor it for the job you want next, not just the jobs you've had. This way, when the perfect role appears on the horizon, you're ready to seize it with a resume that's not just current, but compelling.
Networking, in essence, is about building relationships and presenting yourself in the best possible light. Whether it's through the physical exchange of a business card, the digital display of your portfolio, or the succinct storytelling of your resume, each element plays a crucial role in your professional development. They are your tools to carve out a niche in your desired field, making your mark and opening doors to future success.
As you embark on or continue your professional journey, remember the power of these tools. Use them wisely, update them regularly, and watch as they pave the way to a fulfilling and successful career! In the world of networking, these elements are not just steps but leaps towards building a strong, recognizable, and respected professional identity.
- Rob and Ryan
P.S. Test your knowledge with our interactive Networking Game! This game reinforces the nuances of good networking practices in a fun and memorable way.
Rob Humbracht is founder and CEO of Passport Admissions and lead author of The Savvy PreMed. He is also CEO at ReelDx and Co-founder of HEAL Clinical Education Network. FOLLOW HIM ON LINKEDIN.
For over 11 years, Ryan Kelly has guided hundreds of students towards acceptance into top colleges and graduate schools, with an emphasis on standing out while also staying true to themselves. Read more about Ryan here. Or book a free intro meeting with him here
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