From our Are You There Aquent? part of the blog (you're welcome to ask your own questions!)
Hi guys,
I found this blog very useful and it inspired me. I do have one question related to the topic of networking: As a Designer I should be aware of all of the swag that is required to market one's self (after all, it is my business to produce swag), but I haven't been in the business of networking for quite some time and was wondering if you had any insight into the materials we should have on hand at these networking events (business cards, promo items, etc.).
Are there any trends to be aware of? I know back in the day a simple business card that offered your contact info and URL would suffice.
Will a business card alone still make you competitive in today's job market?
Kerry
(Reply from Monica, former Designer and present Print Design Account Manager at Aquent)
Hi Kerry,
Heck yes, a business card with your URL and contact info is just fine! You could be creative and make an extending, accordion-folding business card that has samples of your work on it... but that's a little crazy. (Unless you are a student fresh outta school. Then that might be kinda cool and inventive. You have permission to steal the idea.)
Here's the thing, if you make a good impression and have rapport with someone at a networking event, your card will be great. It's just a vehicle to convey your information so that they can check out your work when they get home!
However, if you don't really know a person and you are just randomly putting your business card in peoples' pockets and purses (which I do not recommend), then maybe bust out the accordion-folded thing with glitter and jewels. I'm kidding. But really, it's a networking event, which means you are there to meet and greet. Your personality should shine and showing off your swag might detract from the fabulous you.
Thanks for writing!
Monica
Hi guys,
I found this blog very useful and it inspired me. I do have one question related to the topic of networking: As a Designer I should be aware of all of the swag that is required to market one's self (after all, it is my business to produce swag), but I haven't been in the business of networking for quite some time and was wondering if you had any insight into the materials we should have on hand at these networking events (business cards, promo items, etc.).
Are there any trends to be aware of? I know back in the day a simple business card that offered your contact info and URL would suffice.
Will a business card alone still make you competitive in today's job market?
Kerry
(Reply from Monica, former Designer and present Print Design Account Manager at Aquent)
Hi Kerry,
Heck yes, a business card with your URL and contact info is just fine! You could be creative and make an extending, accordion-folding business card that has samples of your work on it... but that's a little crazy. (Unless you are a student fresh outta school. Then that might be kinda cool and inventive. You have permission to steal the idea.)
Here's the thing, if you make a good impression and have rapport with someone at a networking event, your card will be great. It's just a vehicle to convey your information so that they can check out your work when they get home!
However, if you don't really know a person and you are just randomly putting your business card in peoples' pockets and purses (which I do not recommend), then maybe bust out the accordion-folded thing with glitter and jewels. I'm kidding. But really, it's a networking event, which means you are there to meet and greet. Your personality should shine and showing off your swag might detract from the fabulous you.
Thanks for writing!
Monica
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