Career tip - what makes you special and how will they remember you -

Career tip - what makes you special and how will they remember you - This is part two of my series where I share tips from colleagues I met in October, when I attended the Career Directors International conference in San Diego. Today, a tip from Sherry Mirshahi of Interview Roadmap: I agree that it is a great idea to carry networking cards. Some believe they are out-of-date, because people are using smart phones and apps to exchange information (via bump or another, similar technology). I admit that I am as guilty as the next person of taking a business card and intending to follow up, while the card slips to the black hole that seems to live inside my purse! However, I also often find myself referring to the cards I collected for contact information, a reminder of someones website I wanted to visit or to get connected via LinkedIn or Twitter after an event. I dont always remember all the details that I need to follow up, so business and/or networking cards are great for me. However, be sure your card is professional. Alicia Sanera, founder and CEO of Sanera, The People Development Company, is a distinguished business consultant, coach, corporate facilitator and speaker. She recently wrote a post called, Why Im Shredding Your Business Card. Sounds harsh, but her points are well taken, including: Tiny font (we need to be able to read it) No name (!) No email contact Make sure you hand out cards that represent the image you want to portray. Im a fan of inexpensive services such as VistaPrint, but dont hand out their free card with the ad on the back; it doesnt say anything good about you, especially since the upgrade is only a few dollars. Arent you worth it? Read Susan Kelly-Eastons tip here. photo by medialoog