• Tweet
• Email

• Tweet
• Email

Are small rectangular pieces of cardstock with your name, phone number and company logo going the way of the land line, compact disc, and yellow pages? Is Google the new business card? Just Google Me?

It can be quit labor-intensive to ensure high ranking in search results. With your own domain and a lot of SEO work it can be done. For people with a more common name — or a name similar to someone with a stronger Internet presence it is even more difficult.

In today’s economic climate it is more important than ever to not only be thinking about the business you currently work for, but yourself as well. Meaning don’t just network for the company, network for you because today you may need it more. This is why it is important to have both a networking card and a business card.

Everyone should have a networking card in their professional arsenal. It does not matter if you are gainfully employed, happily employed, unhappily employed, or unemployed. Everyone needs a way to network themselves outside of an employment affiliation, and a networking card allows for that. It only makes sense in a day and age where there is no job security; where you could be on the street without work as soon as tomorrow.

So what should a networking card have on it? Well, much like a normal business card it needs to have your name and contact information. Outside of that is where the two kinds of cards differ. Where you would normally put a position or title, you need to replace it with something creative about yourself.

An example of a networking card with “Personal Branding Landing Page”:

You do not just have to be between jobs to have a networking card either. It is a smart idea to have a networking card at all times. That way if you meet someone you like and think you might want to network with outside of work, then pass him or her you networking card. Likewise, when passing out a business card you should always pass out your networking card along with it, because you never know.

For more inspiration make sure that you read:

• How to maximize the lifespan of your contact information?

Related posts:

1. Digital business card website
2. Is social networking the most important business development
3. How to maximize the lifespan of your contact information
4. Business-to-business companies using Facebook fan pages
5. The crucial ingredient in successful business turnaround