Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] If you think handing out more business cards will make your networking more successful, you're not alone. But that belief, well, it might be the very reason your business isn't growing. You're listening to why your business isn't growing and how to fix it, the Business Growth podcast for small business owners and SME leaders who want to scale lift team performance and Sharpen leadership without 60 hour weeks.
[00:00:25] G'. Day. I'm Brendan Rogers and thanks for joining me today. I want to flip a belief that's still doing the rounds in SME circles.
[00:00:33] The more business cards you hand out, the more successful your networking will be. It's outdated, it's transactional, and it's keeping too many smart business owners stuck in low return low relationship networking habits. Let me paint the picture and this is a true story.
[00:00:51] Several years ago, I attended a local lunchtime networking event. There were at least 100 people in the room. Towards the end of the event, I noticed a business owner, someone I knew, get out of their seat and stand at the top of the stairs that went down to the exit. I had no idea what he was doing. I stayed and chatted with several people and I noticed him handing out his business cards to anybody who would take one from him as they went to go down the stairs.
[00:01:17] I actually felt uncomfortable for him, but also intrigued at what results he may have got from it. I made a task in my calendar to call him exactly two weeks after the event. I wanted to know the numbers, how many cards did he hand out, and whether anybody from the event as a result of getting his card reached out to him. I contacted him two weeks later and asked the question. By his own count, he thinks he handed out approximately 60 business cards and guess how many people made contact with him? I'll give you one guess.
[00:01:47] Zero.
[00:01:48] None. Nada. Absolutely nobody. Actually, it's not quite 100% true. It wasn't zero. There was one and it was me. I reached out to him, but it was to check out the results of his action, not to do business.
[00:02:02] I guess you could say. At least he put himself out there.
[00:02:06] Now think about it. Have you done anything like this before?
[00:02:09] It may not have been to the same extent, but I've seen many more lighter variations on the same story. You show up to a networking event, you've got your stack of business cards in your pocket. You meet 15 people, shake hands, smile, and hand out your card to nearly every one of them. You leave thinking, great, I've put myself out there. But then nothing happens.
[00:02:31] No meaningful follow up, no leads, no real connection.
[00:02:37] And you start to wonder, why isn't this working? Well, here's the truth. You're not building trust, you're just being remembered. Maybe. And if you are being remembered, it's probably not for the right reasons.
[00:02:52] Handing out business cards is like tossing seeds into the wind and hoping one takes root. But smart business owners don't spray and pray.
[00:03:01] They plant. They nurture. They build relationships. Some of the most successful business leaders I know, they don't even carry cards. They walk around carrying curiosity, they ask great questions, they follow up with context, and they don't rely on a slip of cardboard to do the heavy lifting for them. If you want to make your networking work, ditch the handout heaps of cards game. Focus on quality conversations.
[00:03:28] Ask something memorable, offer real value, then follow up with intent. And this is how to fix the networking black hole that so many business owners fall into.
[00:03:39] So let me ask you this. Do you want to keep handing out business cards and hoping for results?
[00:03:44] Or are you ready to grow your business through better conversations, clearer positioning and leadership led networking? If that's you, let's chat, book a free zoom call and let's see if the High Impact Leader Club is the right fit to help you grow yourself and grow your business through smarter, more strategic networking. You can find the link in the show notes to book your club fit. Call now. Thanks for tuning in. I'm Brendan Rogers from Leader by Design and this is why your business isn't growing and how to fix it. If today's episode helped, follow the show and share it with one SME owner or leader who you think will benefit.
[00:04:20] If you're ready to dive in and become a high impact Leader, go to LeaderByDesign Au Hil and I'll see you in the club. Until next time, go lead with impact SME business owners and Senior leaders tired of 60 hour weeks while cash flow crawls? Break free with my free 60 minute training the 5 habit method to boost cash flow without 60 hour weeks, learn leadership habits that lift revenue, energize your team and let you clock off by five. You'll also see how the High Impact Leader membership delivers ongoing coaching, accountability and plug and play systems to elevate your career and company. Grab your seat at LeaderByDesign AU Impact.
