Are business cards dead in the new normal?
When starting out in business, having business cards printed is often at the top of the checklist. How else would you share with someone at a networking event about your business?
COVID obviously changed how we network with others, but really, wasn't the business card already dead?
If you meet someone at a typical party, you will usually give them your phone number or have them connect with you on Facebook or Instagram. You aren't likely handing them a card with your contact info printed on it, so why would you do this in your business?
Surprising to me, going to my first Chamber of Commerce mixer, I was met with a couple hundred people all carrying stacks of business cards. Their goal was to hand out their own stack in exchange for others' business cards. I did arrive with my own stack of business cards as well, but the thought of this whole exchange seemed antiquated. I took my new stack of acquaintance business cards home, entered them into my email database, then chucked the stack. It did seem like a giant waste of cash and trees.
Now that we're in the new normal, shaking hands and passing business cards are no longer the norm. What is the new business card?
Just as you probably guessed, yes, it's you and your online presence. People like to connect in different ways depending on their personality. Some like to call or text while others prefer following you on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, while still others prefer subscribing to your email list or joining your Facebook group.
It's up to you to keep your social media updated, since this is the new business card. Each platform should link to your website and include the best method of contacting you. Regular updates to your social media channels and email list will keep potential clients informed.
How are you currently connecting with potential clients? Will you have business cards printed?
Best Wishes & Much Success to You, Virginia Stockwell
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10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
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Personal Chef Mentor
Virginia Stockwell
Virginia Stockwell is a personal chef business mentor from California, now living in Austin, TX. She's had careers as a chiropractor and Realtor, then finally found her calling as a personal chef. Starting in catering in 2005, she began her personal chef business in 2012, quickly growing to a waiting list of clients thanks to her local marketing expertise. She now empowers home cooks and professional chefs to start their own meal prep and dinner party businesses, creating a life of hours and income they control. She lives the life of a minimalist both personally and professionally, reads cookbooks like novels, and is locally famous for her taco and margarita parties (check out "A Taco Walks into a Bar" on Amazon).
How to Price Your Personal Chef Services
Personal Chefs do not charge by the hour. They also do not calculate food costs like restaurant chefs.
This is a self-paced course you can begin immediately.
$94 >>
Business Plan for Personal Chef Services
Design a custom plan with the help of prompts so that you know where you’re going and what you need to do next...
Because a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Lead Generating Website
How-To
How-To
Anyone can create a website, but it takes know-how to design a lead generating website. You'll learn how to capture leads while you sleep, what to include on each web page, and common mistakes personal chefs make on their websites. Give potential clients a five-star first impression of your company by showing off your culinary skills in a benefit-driven style.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Bookkeeping
for Personal Chefs
for Personal Chefs
Lesson 1 - Bookkeeping 101
Lesson 2 - The IRS & You
Lesson 3 - What's Tax Deductible
Lesson 4 - Record Keeping
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
Chef-Client Contract
Customized to Your Business
Customized to Your Business
Without this important document, there are too many "what ifs" that could lead to lost money. You'll walk away with customized contracts for both meal prep and events to fit your personal chef business model.
This course is included when purchasing the all-inclusive personal chef business program above.
101 Marketing Tactics to Attract New Clients
You know all there is about cooking and pricing your services. The only struggle you have now is bringing new leads into your business. You'll receive 101 action oriented marketing tactics that you can begin implementing today. Find what's working best for you and do more of it. Marketing tactics for both introverts and outgoing personalities are included. Start implementing the tactics today.
All-Inclusive Program
PERSONAL CHEF
BUSINESS PROGRAM
All-Inclusive Program
BUSINESS PROGRAM
Go from "I don't know where to begin" to running a profitable personal chef business so you have control over your own hours and income.
Modules Included:
1 - Define Your Competitive Advantage
2 - Determine Pricing
3 - Meal Prep 101
4 - Dinner Party 101
5 - Become Legal & Insured
6 - Create a Lead Generating Website
7 - Craft a Marketing Plan
8 - Test Various Marketing Strategies
9 - Bookkeeping
10 - Social Media
10 Things to Do Before Starting Your Personal Chef Business
Ten-Step Actionable Checklist of things to do before investing in this new business so you're prepared when your first paying client comes along.
for Free