A Memorable Way to Promote Your Business From Networking

The other week I had gone to a chamber networking event where we practiced our elevator speech to each other by sitting in groups of two and eventually changing partners. This was similar to a speed dating type of set up. During this time we also exchanged business cards. I have in the past kept a notebook where I try to keep track of business cards that I get. I have found this to be difficult in finding the best way to sort and refer to them for future use.
Now the other day my staff had told me that someone had stopped by the restaurant and left a package for me. When I opened the packaged this is what I found:

There were two notepads and two "while you were out" pads printed with the company name Print Time , four customized notepads with my full name on them, and a business card from Steve Halter.  He was one of the business contacts I made from the chamber networking event.  I thought the gesture of leaving the products that he made was a great idea. Two days later he called to confirm that I had received the items and mentioned that he can assist with any printing needs that I may have in the future.
This was so unique and a memorable way to follow up with networking contacts. I was very impressed and will consider using this company. Now I am also wondering how I could apply this same type of idea in following up with my contacts beyond filing business cards. I now realize being creative and thoughtful is much more memorable.  Do you have any ideas on this?

Comments

[Christina Casey]

There are many things you could do... but something off the top of my head would be to hand out pizza slices instead of business cards. This can be a buy a slice and get a slice promotion which can get everyone you meet through these networking events to come into your restaurant. Don't give this to current customers (you can have separate promotions for them) this way you can easily track the success rate of your small business card slices. Also, take an opportunity to gather the customers email address, phone and zip code so that you can include them on further promotions.

-Christina Casey (Zion & Zion)