Do you have a business card? And if you answer no, why not? We as authors have to treat our writing as a business. What better way to have your name, contact information and website all in one small spot? I went with Vistaprint. If you wait long enough they come out with incredible sales. I got a box for 4.99 which had 250 cards in it. I did pay the extra price to remove the word Vistaprint on the back and just have a blank white space. For me that was worth it. But with the low price I snagged two boxes.
These are perfect way to introduce yourself to others. I was at a coffee shop with three other writers. A lady behind me interrupted us and said we were quite inspiring to listen to. She had turned off her iPod so she could hear us edit our writings. We told her about our writing group, she is a poet, and invited her over. We talked a bit and then she said she would let us continue. But not before one of the writers passed her business card to her. Knowing I had some as well I did the same. This was perfect timing.
I was elated I really was. A few weeks later I had to clean my purse out. My card holder was getting bulky so I took out my cards which left my license, credit cards, insurance cards and my AAA card. I would put them back in after that particular errand. I never did and I regret that.
A few days later while in PT I started talking to a couple who had been engaging me in conversations for a few weeks now. We seemed to be scheduled for PT at the same time. One thing led to another and we started talking about our pets. I shared my pictures they did the same. The man asked me when my book was coming out and what was the title. I told him. He then said do you have a website or are you on FB? I thought this is a perfect time to hand out a card. That is if I had replaced my card holder with cards.
As I fumbled through my purse it hit me what had happened. Crap. I wrote my information on a sheet of paper for him. But a card would have been easier and more professional. So while I tell people if you are an author do get cards it only helps if you keep them on you.
Lesson learned.
Sharon C. Williams-Author 