You may be thinking, “Business Cards!” that’s old-school. Business cards may seem old-school in today’s digital world, but when used the right way, they’re still one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal—especially when it comes to in-person interactions.
Business cards can be styled and branded in a way that sets you apart and provides value to your unique business. In this article, we will discuss how to use a business card effectively to generate leads, particularly in personal networking events and interactions. Business cards can also be used in clever ways; however, for this article, we will focus mainly on in-person networking events.
Think of a business card not just as contact info on a piece of paper but as a door opener, a first impression, and a lead generator.
Let’s talk tactics. It’s one thing to have a business card. It’s another to use it strategically.
Imagine you’re at a local Chamber event, farmers market, business mixer, or anywhere with potential customers. You don’t want to hand out cards like Halloween candy. Instead, here is a simple step-by-step process you can use that gets the ball rolling and ends with the card handoff:
The Simple Business Card Talking Script
Don’t start with your pitch. Start like a human! Make it natural!
“Hey, how’s your day going?”
“You local to the area?”
“This place is always busy, huh?“ (in line, coffee shop, etc.)
“Have you been to events like this before?“ (if at a mixer or expo)
💡 Goal: Get them talking. People open up when they feel relaxed.
Once it feels natural(once you are comfortable and the other people is comfortable), transition with:
“So what do you do for work?”
“Are you involved in a local business?”
“What kind of work are you in?”
💡 Goal: You’re showing interest. This builds trust and gives you context.
After they answer, give a short, clear response:
“Nice—that’s cool. I actually run a small business here in [town]. We [one-sentence value prop].”
“Oh, that’s awesome. I work with small businesses too. I help with [quick benefit statement].”
💡 Tip: Say it with confidence. Short, simple, no hard sell.
This is where most people awkwardly reach for a card. Instead, make it feel helpful:
“If you ever need something like that—or even just want to bounce ideas—I’d be happy to help. Here’s my card.”
“Let me give you one of my cards. A lot of what I do is word-of-mouth, and I love working with local businesses.”
(Hand them your card with a smile. Optional: flip it over and jot something like “10% off“ or “Let’s chat soon!“ to personalize it.)
If they’re interested:
“If you’re ever working on a project and need [service], don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Would it be okay if I followed up with you next week? Maybe there’s a way we can help each other out.”
If it’s not the right time:
“Either way, great chatting with you. I love connecting with other business folks in town.”
“No pressure at all—just happy to meet other people doing cool stuff locally.”
Landscaper:
“I help homeowners keep their yard looking clean and stress-free—weekly lawn care, cleanup, stuff like that.”
Bakery Owner:
“We’re a local bakery in Emmett—we make everything from scratch, and we love doing custom orders.”
Marketing Consultant:
“I help small businesses get more leads online—mostly through SEO and local marketing.”
Mechanic:
“I run a small auto shop—we focus on honest work, quick turnarounds, and keeping things affordable.”
Not all lead generation requires conversation. Think about this:
Anywhere people are hanging out and might need what you offer = a good opportunity.
A lot of small business owners feel awkward handing out their card. But think of it this way: you’re not selling—you’re inviting someone to work with you, and solve a problem they might not even realize they have.
Your business card isn’t a billboard. It’s a conversation starter. And with the right words, the right timing, and a little confidence—it can be the beginning of your next great customer relationship.
At Your Name On This, we help Emmett businesses create custom, high-quality business cards that feel good to hand out—because you’re proud of what they represent.
👉 Need help designing a card that reflects your brand? Contact us today or stop by our shop at 1007 S. Washington Ave, Emmett, ID. We’ll help you make every first impression count.