Apply the Law of Two Business Cards - Ask For Two Cards and Give Two Cards to Be Memorable

You should always offer to give two business cards and ask to receive two business cards from the people that you meet each day. This simple concept changes the way that others see you and how you see the process of networking.

Always ask for two cards when you meet someone new. The request is, "May I have two of your business cards? It seems that whenever I meet someone new I invariably meet someone who needs to know them and I like to have a card available to make the introduction." Often you will be offered many more cards. Just take two for now. Since you have requested her card she will usually request yours as well.

If she doesn't ask for your card do not offer it. You will have her card and you can connect with her if you choose. You will be tempted to think that if you don't give your card she can't contact you, and you'll be correct in this assumption. However if you have to offer your card, chances are she was not interested in you and your product in the first place. That's fine for now since you are going to control the relationship.

When asked for your card, give two cards. You will stand out from the crowd. It is important that you explain your actions or the people you meet will think you're making a mistake. When giving two cards simply say, "I always give two cards, one for you and one for one of your friends." In this way you have set the expectation that you are worthy of being recommended and that you expect that people will want to recommend you.

Successful networking requires that we manage the relationship and the expectations of those we meet each day. Asking for or giving two business cards creates an expectation that you are not the run-of-the-mill acquaintance and people will know are a professional. We all want to do business with professional business people. Apply the law of two business cards and you will win more business.