Business cards?

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What does it mean when somebody gives you their business card?

I just had an interview with a branch manager and we were discussing my position there because I was not applying for anything directly, but asked to volunteer. And she said "It's tricky to volunteer at a bank because of the privacy issues. But I'll make a few calls and talk to some people and see if we can try to find something for you." But then she gave me her business card and said if I had any questions or anything I could give her a call or send her an email. So I sent her an email when I got home thanking her for meeting with me, but is there anything else I need to do?

In that context getting a business card, is giving you an networking opportunity as that person is pointing out to you its ok to contact them.

If I were you take that opportunity that you had with that branch manager, to ask questions about how to get into the banking sector.
Also ask them how they started off in the sector, as them might then start to give you advice & might possibility mentor you in your career choice.

Don't push them into helping you out, they might of said that to get you off there back. For all you know they might know someone (as in a network contact of theres or of another contact) that might give you what you what and need.

Also it might be a great idea to looking how to effective use networking in your own career development.

Well she said she would let me know by next week and it was just on Friday. And she even asked if that was ok. I said yes.

I don't know why she would want to get me off her back though, I wasn't pushing anybody for anything. They asked me to come in.

Also, some people just hand out their cards at work just to hand them out. I just stick it in my wallet and if it's somebody I'll ever need to call again I put it in my phone book when I get home.

I think sending the email was a good idea. Now, you just wait and see if you hear anything. If you haven't heard anything in two weeks, assume it's a negative answer but follow up with a call or email anyway in case you just got lost in the shuffle.

Also, some people hand out business cards so that you will have their number if you ever need their services. My husband does side work in addition to his regular job. He has some business cards that we printed off here at home and he hands them out to people who express an interest in having some work done. It's just an easy way to keep track of a number. Bailbondsmen have stacks of business cards out all over town here. There are only two or three in town and they leave them in convenience stores, restaurants, banks, etc for people to pick one up and put in their wallet. Lots of people like contractors and construction workers and maids also have cards like that in convenience stores etc. It's just a way of advertising your services, even if you aren't in the phone book.

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I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
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The link to the forum is http://www.rightplanet.proboards.com

Giving out business cards is just networking. If you meet people who have cards you will more then likely walk away with one in your hand the first time you meet them regardless of how or why you met. In general its a good form of advertising as now you have in your hand a reminder of who they are, what they do and maybe in the future you might need them or know someone who could use their services. Keep in contact with them about the matter you were discussing and it might lead to other contacts or useful information on the best way to proceed in on any job opportunities (paid or otherwise).

I have made cards as a substitute teacher that I leave on the desks of the teachers I sub for with the note on how the day went and what was done. This way, if the teacher liked my performance, they can specifically request me. I am trying to do this with secondary science teachers because I am getting my certification in that area and I am looking for a job in that area. I hope that if I really impressed the teacher and the administrators they will talk to other teachers and schools so that I will have a good reputation for interviews.