[Silverity]

Right, so I'm a grad student, I'm going to conferences and I figure bringing a stack of business cards would help with the networking. My question is-- what the heck do I PUT on this thing? I did a cursory Google search and I'm getting a lot of conflicting information.

For example, some sites say list your degree, others don't. I think it would be useful to list my degree because Public Health is so, so, so broad and I have a specialization in health promotion. That means I am no good to an epidemiologist but I can design a program off the top of my head. So, useful information, I think, but what do you guys think?

Others say if you only have a cellphone don't put your number down. Why? That makes no sense to me.

Some say put down a professional title, be bold about it, others say don't claim status you don't have.

I'd like to put down that I'm a research assistant and briefly touch on those skills (transcription, coding, for example). My reasoning is that some research projects want an external transcriptionist or need someone from the outside to handle their data to avoid bias, I'm not ready to start a career but I wouldn't mind some small jobs or projects while I finish my degree. That said, that seems pretty pathetic, doesn't it? I'm a pansy little RA.
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I'll definitely be putting my research interests on there, I know that much. The rest of it though? A mystery.

[DieKuchen]

sounds like you should bring along your CV...

the point of a business card is to be short and informative enough to get your point across--minimally.

[CrudeHypothesis]

First, congrats on being in grad school. You've probably been in for some time, but I'm only learning of it now, and this seems life the appropriate reaction. I would have never guessed from what you look like. Well, I could have... I'm digressing.

O'kay, design your business card based on what purpose you want it to serve. First off, they cost money, so you're not going to hand it out unless it's important, because people WILL just put them in their pockets and throw them away later. You're going to be using it primarily for networking, so people need to know what skills you have, and have a name to associate it to, plus a means of contact. I don't know what your name is, but it would go something like:

Silverity [insert post nominals]
Degree title
contact detail

In all likelyhood, your business card will end up pinned to a chalk board in some office, and someone may go "Oh, I know someone who can to that, let me go find that card".

Now here's the trick, I'm INTJ, so everything I said was intuition, and I have no knowledge on the subject, ergo do the opposite of everything I said
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[Silverity]

	Originally Posted by CrudeHypothesis To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	First, congrats on being in grad school. You've probably been in for some time, but I'm only learning of it now, and this seems life the appropriate reaction. I would have never guessed from what you look like. Well, I could have... I'm digressing.

^-- I'd love to know what that means.

	O'kay, design your business card based on what purpose you want it to serve. First off, they cost money, so you're not going to hand it out unless it's important, because people WILL just put them in their pockets and throw them away later.

Yeah, I read that for the most part I'm shooting these out simply to get one back, I want their card, not so much the other way around.

You're going to be using it primarily for networking, so people need to know what skills you have, and have a name to associate it to, plus a means of contact. I don't know what your name is, but it would go something like: Silverity [insert post nominals] Degree title contact detail In all likelyhood, your business card will end up pinned to a chalk board in some office, and someone may go "Oh, I know someone who can to that, let me go find that card".

Here's hoping.

	Now here's the trick, I'm INTJ, so everything I said was intuition, and I have no knowledge on the subject, ergo do the opposite of everything I said To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Eh. Much of what you said parallels what I've read.

I will have a few copies of my CV along just in case but I don't expect to be asked for one, I might be asked to send someone a copy but I just can't see anyone wandering around holding my CV in their hand.

[Warrior]

Given what it sounds like you want to do, I think this:

	Originally Posted by CrudeHypothesis To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Silverity [insert post nominals] Degree title contact detail

is appropriate. Don't put anything false on there and realize that someone might actually try to contact you, so make sure your contact information is reliable and it is how you really want to be contacted. Generally a phone number and an email are good to have. Keep it fairly simple, but a tasteful splash of color or catchy logo of some sort might help make your card more memorable.

[deconspire]

Aforementioned suggestions
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.

B.C. on purpose.
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[Booko]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Others say if you only have a cellphone don't put your number down. Why? That makes no sense to me.

Do you always answer your cellphone in a professional manner? Or at least do you always check the number and if you don't know who it is, answer professionally?

Many people, maybe most, are not that disciplined.

I do use my cellphone as my business number, but non-business people who call me are fairly few in number and I have contacts and ringtones set up to help avoid making a mistake and answering "Joe's Pool Hall" when it's a client calling me.

[Silverity]

Originally Posted by Warrior To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Given what it sounds like you want to do, I think this: is appropriate. Don't put anything false on there and realize that someone might actually try to contact you, so make sure your contact information is reliable and it is how you really want to be contacted. Generally a phone number and an email are good to have. Keep it fairly simple, but a tasteful splash of color or catchy logo of some sort might help make your card more memorable.

Awesome advice, thanks! I'm actually organizing them right now so that I use a different logo/colour for different interests. This is a broad conference aimed at a lot of different people so just as I'd tailor a resume, I'm tailoring my cards. They'll have the same basic information, but with slightly different focuses (i.e: mental health promotion, play and creativity, urban development, etc.)

	Originally Posted by deconspire To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Aforementioned suggestions To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. . B.C. on purpose. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Nice find!! :D

Originally Posted by Booko To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Do you always answer your cellphone in a professional manner? Or at least do you always check the number and if you don't know who it is, answer professionally? Many people, maybe most, are not that disciplined. I do use my cellphone as my business number, but non-business people who call me are fairly few in number and I have contacts and ringtones set up to help avoid making a mistake and answering "Joe's Pool Hall" when it's a client calling me.

Haha, yeah I do. "Hello, Silverity Last-Name speaking!", I answer the same way for everyone, my Mother trained me at a young age =P

[Booko]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Haha, yeah I do. "Hello, Silverity Last-Name speaking!", I answer the same way for everyone, my Mother trained me at a young age =P

Then I don't see a problem with using your cell number. It's part of normal contact information.

LOL did we have the same mother or is yours just an ESTJ too?

Ah yes, I learned my secretarial skills under her watchful eyes -- and rolling pin...

[PovertyPenalty]

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Make sure you get it in "bone."

All kidding aside, my favorite types of business cards are either wacky (I had a vacuum salesman give me a card that was shaped like a vacuum), or very simple with a touch of flair.

[Merle]

Do you have a personal website, or even use linkedin or academia.edu?

If you do, then you can have all the extra information on there that you might want people to know and then put the address for that on the business cards, along with a phone number and name etc.

[Silverity]

	Originally Posted by Merle To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Do you have a personal website, or even use linkedin or academia.edu? If you do, then you can have all the extra information on there that you might want people to know and then put the address for that on the business cards, along with a phone number and name etc.

I have a linkedin but I've barely touched it and think it'd be more of a turn off than turn on. I'm hoping I meet enough people at this conference that I can properly flesh it out and use it for the NEXT conference. I mean, all my job stuff is there but I think I have a grand total of 3 contacts =P

[Merle]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I have a linkedin but I've barely touched it and think it'd be more of a turn off than turn on. I'm hoping I meet enough people at this conference that I can properly flesh it out and use it for the NEXT conference. I mean, all my job stuff is there but I think I have a grand total of 3 contacts =P

Hmmmn, kind of a catch 22.


I wonder if your university gives grad students web space for their own pages?... I know mine does, I just haven't claimed it yet. That could be a possibility: just do a simple web page with C.V. and skills etc.

[Silverity]

	Originally Posted by Merle To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Hmmmn, kind of a catch 22. I wonder if your university gives grad students web space for their own pages?... I know mine does, I just haven't claimed it yet. That could be a possibility: just do a simple web page with C.V. and skills etc.

Yeah? I was thinking of that. I'm not sure if my university does, but Google has given me a space and they have some quick templates. Might be worth just plugging something in. Good idea!!

[Eye on Earth]

I have a set of business cards that reflect what I do--each is unique and memorable.

My only real advice is to not, I repeat not, overstate or falsely state your credentials. Just be honest and provide good contact information.

Also, if you're going to be hanging out in a group, just take it casually. Most people if they are interested in what you have to say will ask for a business card or contact information. More often than not, it is a good practice to avoid forcing someone to take your card. If they don't ask for it, no biggie. The greater sin in this case is to not have a business card or contact information. That would make you look unprepared.

I also second Merle's idea about a website with your curriculum vitae and other relevant information.

Finally, good luck. It all sounds really exciting.

[MichaelEmouse]

1) Who are you?
2) What do you have to offer?
3) How do I reach you?


If you can honestly claim a title pertinent to what you have to offer, do so.
I wouldn't say "I can design a program for you. And also do external transcription. And also handle data without bias." Come ot think of it, you miht just call yourself a health consultant.

I'm not sure I'd put research interests there. As others suggest, a business card isn't a résumé.



"I read that for the most part I'm shooting these out simply to get one back, I want their card, not so much the other way around."
You don't need an excuse to get someone's card. Just ask them. It's preferable that you ask them for their card before giving yours since it gives the impression that you're more interested in them than you are in self-promotion.

I wouldn't bring CVs with me. You're right that I can't see anyone wandering around holding your CV in their hand. I can't really see someone holding a bunch of their own CVs in their hand either. Inquire about opening, ask for card, give heads up that you'll send your CV by email, send CV by email.

[Silverity]

I'm a research assistant, a health consultant is something very different and implies far more experience than I have to offer
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The reason I would put my research interests is to help get attached to other projects. People who know I can handle topics in mental health have sought me out before to be their RA, and it's just one line at the very bottom so I don't think it's much of an issue. As I mentioned, public health is broad, I don't want a toxicologist getting interested in having me as an RA because that isn't part of my specialization. I specifically want to be appealing to those in mental health, creativity and play, and urban development.

When I think of someone flipping through a binder of cards, looking for a potential employee either for themselves or for a contact, I want them to see my card and know what my special skills are because I've taken care to hone myself in areas that most people in health promo won't touch. It's not a regurgitation of my resume, just a title that shows I'm an RA (presumably for hire) and a strip at the bottom that shows the health issues I'm involved in.

[spect]

i know it might seem superficial, but some have a small headshot on their cards... like the one with your hair in colored streaks but only a slight grin.. with glasses its professionally warm yet serious enough for the intended impression with academia.

hey you got it, might as well work it a bit.

[Silverity]

^-- If I weren't a chick I'd do that. Being a young female basically means I'm considered naive and stupid with nothing of real use to say. Not something I want to draw more attention to.

I've whipped up a little website so I'll add that, excellent suggestion prior posters.

[spect]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Being a young female basically means I'm considered naive and stupid with nothing of real use to say.

is this common in academia?

[Silverity]

Depends on your discipline, I imagine.

[Savagelight]

Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Right, so I'm a grad student, I'm going to conferences and I figure bringing a stack of business cards would help with the networking. My question is-- what the heck do I PUT on this thing? I did a cursory Google search and I'm getting a lot of conflicting information. For example, some sites say list your degree, others don't. I think it would be useful to list my degree because Public Health is so, so, so broad and I have a specialization in health promotion. That means I am no good to an epidemiologist but I can design a program off the top of my head. So, useful information, I think, but what do you guys think? Others say if you only have a cellphone don't put your number down. Why? That makes no sense to me. Some say put down a professional title, be bold about it, others say don't claim status you don't have. I'd like to put down that I'm a research assistant and briefly touch on those skills (transcription, coding, for example). My reasoning is that some research projects want an external transcriptionist or need someone from the outside to handle their data to avoid bias, I'm not ready to start a career but I wouldn't mind some small jobs or projects while I finish my degree. That said, that seems pretty pathetic, doesn't it? I'm a pansy little RA. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I'll definitely be putting my research interests on there, I know that much. The rest of it though? A mystery.

Your accomplishments and your contact information.

[spect]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Depends on your discipline, I imagine.

i honestly dont know, most seem to have an impression academia is somewhat more socially progressive. but the pic is common in certain exec levels of corporate, especially sales. yet i understand if there is an aversion to being subject to sexism or kinda violates someone's principals over it.

personally,
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[Plaprad]

A buddy of mine made cards that were real plain on the front and listed,
Name
A&P Mechanic
Phone and E-mail

On the back he made a QR code that linked to his Linkedin page that he updated. That way they can just use their smart phone to scan it and look at your background whenever. Plus they don't have to type in an address.

[CrudeHypothesis]

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	^-- I'd love to know what that means.

Oh, I recall seeing you in the members picture thread. You don't fit the image of all the post-grad students I've seen, who wear thongs and baggy jeans, and can't remember the last time they had a shower, or saw daylight for that matter, and live off instant ramen.

	Originally Posted by Silverity To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Eh. Much of what you said parallels what I've read.

I'm spot on then
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