Sherriff without a gun (Agent without a card)

Everyone remembers the Andy Griffith show, in NC it is a show that everyone must watch to be allowed to stay in the state. The show was about a small town sheriff that handles all the problems of the day with just listening. He does not carry a gun, does not chase the bad guys, and does not raise his voice. In fact his deputy always does the opposite, Andy always comes out on top and Barney usually ends up shooting the floor with his gun in his holster.

I bring this up because for the past 6 months I have been out of business cards. Those little rectangle information slips that are normal for those trying to do business with someone else. The first "visiting cards" appeared in the 17 th century France and have been around ever since. I went to a Century 21 Convention in the fall and thought I would need them, but the only people that wanted my card also wanted to worry me with emails about their products. I go to Realtor open house's and the Realtors want my card so they can "draw" my name for a chance to win $25, hardly ever win anyway!

The times I meet new clients I have told a little white lie and said "I forgot a business card"! Most are probably thinking GOOD because I was going to throw it away anyway, leave in my car, or find it in the washing machine! BUT I have always turned it around and said "can I get your email and cell number"? I then email them my information and web site.

I know that Andy had a gun back at the office and used it when he had a big problem, so I am sure I will order some new business cards..someday! But to be honest, like Andy I do not use it as crutch, see Andy did not pull out his gun he just listened and reacted. If I just handed my business card to everyone because that was what the norm has been for the last 400 years I would not listen to the needs of the client, would not ask for their email and cell, and would wait by the phone for them to call me!

On the flip side of this I believe in putting my name on things that would stay in the clients view (IE pens, key chains)! So do I order more business cards? What do you think of business cards? Do you have a better idea that you could share? Can I get your email and cell number? :)