BUSINESS MIGHT COME CALLING

Traveling on an overnight train from Edinburgh to London, I struck up a conversation with the couple in the 1st class berth next to mine.

It was their first time traveling by rail and were unsure about some of the little things, like how to use the wash basin in their room, how to open the window, and, most of all, where the lounge car is (which is pretty important to know on an overnight trip).

Once I helped them get comfortable, I asked questions about where they are from and what they do. I never talked about myself unless they asked, which they did.

Turns out, one of them works with a firm having some challenges in the sales department and asked if helping companies develop sales teams or sales strategies was something I did, and would I be willing to travel to Florida. I responded “yes” and “yes”, and then she asked for my business card.

Here I am, several thousand miles from home, traveling in Europe, strictly for pleasure, and somebody asked me for a business card.

What do you think happened next?

I opened up my briefcase and gave her 3, told her to put them in difference places so she wouldn’t lose me, and asked her to at least send an email to say hello when they get back home so I will know they made it okay.

It is essential to have business cards and keep them with you wherever you go, even when you are on vacation. You never know when or where business might come calling.