Tips for Parents: Marketing Musts for Your Young Adult
by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC
Whether your college grad or young adult is just starting the journey down their career path, or is itching to make a change in their current job, here is a marketing ‘must’ to help them during their time of transition.
Your adult son or daughter should consider themselves a commodity of sorts. And to sell themselves, they have to consider marketing. First and foremost, encourage your adult son or daughter to invest in business cards for themselves – and then to learn how to address the business cards of others.
The business card is a small enough investment, yet can pack a powerful punch when presented properly and effectively. Conversely, receiving other business cards correctly can also have a powerful impact. Encourage your son or daughter to consider some simple business card etiquette rules. A little respect and attention can go a long way toward your son or daughter’s future success.
- Have your young adult get the ‘passing of the business card’ out of the way. Encourage them to swap cards first, so the conversation can ensue. Have your son or daughter take mental notes of the name and business of the person with whom they are speaking.
- Tell your young adult not to brush the business card aside. Rather, have them seriously read it and consider it before pocketing it. The contact will be more impressed if your son or daughter takes a moment to observe, reflect and comment on the contact’s business card.
- Encourage your son or daughter to take the initiative. Have them thank the contact for their time and tell them they will use their contact information from the business card to follow up with them. This puts the ball in your college grad’s court and eliminates any confusion for your child about whether the contact would make the next step. If there isn’t any immediate need for your child to follow up by phone, have them say they will contact them by email just to keep that connection.
- By all means, encourage your child to brush up on their international business card etiquette if they will be meeting with foreign contacts or attending a networking event in another country. One tip: if meeting with Japanese contacts, your child should accept the business card with both hands.
Copyright 2008 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Help your college grad get on the right track!
Certified Career Coach Hallie Crawford specializes in helping recent college grads and boomerangs identify their ideal career path and make it happen. To schedule a and find out more about Hallie visit http://www.halliecrawford.com or contact her at 877-298-6444.
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