Q. I don’t have a business card. Do I need one? I’ve been meeting people in social situations who ask for them. Others don’t have them. In the fall, I’ll probably go to networking events and whatnot. Think it’s a good idea to have one?
A. I’m a fan of business cards. Yes, it’s a good idea to have one; although they are becoming more obsolete, it’s still a good idea to have one. If you don’t need to use it and simply follow people you meet on social media, that’s what I’ve seen happen a lot lately. Other people have their own QR codes with contact information.
But it doesn’t hurt to have one. You can make them inexpensively online and just carry a few with you in your wallet. If you meet someone on a flight and they ask for your card, you’ll wish you had one.
As for what happens if you give them your card and it’s not an even exchange if they don’t have one, ask for their email address and/or phone number to text them. This way you’ll also have a way of getting in touch.
The most important piece about giving and receiving business cards and exchanging contact information is using them. Follow up and enjoy building that new professional relationship.
Q. My boss told me confidentially he is leaving in October before he even resigned. He’s going to resign in September. He thinks I should have his job and he is grooming me and will recommend me to his boss; it will be a done deal. I should be excited. And while I am technically happy, I feel weird knowing this information. What should I do?
A. Keep it confidential. Your boss trusts you with this information and sees potential in you to do his role! He sounds great.
It’s OK to feel weird knowing the information; just continue to keep it confidential. I would also focus on developing this professional relationship with your boss — he sounds wonderful and you never know where he ends up working. You may want to work for him again someday.
Enjoy the next few weeks of this covert training and ask nitty-gritty questions. Don’t be afraid since he’s leaving anyway. Ask him about problem clients or situations that have occurred and how he handled them, etc.
Lastly, thank him for this rare opportunity. I would do something special, maybe take him out to lunch or dinner, bottle of champagne wishing him well in his new role or something more specific to his hobbies, etc.
Most bosses don’t confide in their direct reports and also intentionally train them to fill their shoes. He’s setting an excellent example for you to take over his role.
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. Visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi.
Tribune News Service