Play Your Cards Right

I'm looking for a new job.  But you knew that, right?

My last few positions came because I was in the right place at the right time, but I don't know that I want to  rely just on luck this time.  I'm also identifying companies to research and people to meet with.  When I talk with someone, I want to be able to give them something with my contact information, so today I ordered networking business cards.

Vista Print

I got them from Vista Print, a company I've used before.  You can pay for premium cards, but I chose to get their free ones. They're free because the back of the card has a barely noticeable logo and company ad. The card stock they use isn't the heaviest, but the quality suits my purposes, and the price is right.

There were almost four dozen free designs to choose from. Since I don't have a job title or company name to use, some of them lent themselves to my purposes better than others.  I scrolled through the pages of designs till I found just the right one, then input my personal information--name, home and email addresses, and phone numbers.  After a few seconds lag time, each bit showed up on the screen so I could see what the finished product would look like.  I proofed my typing several times, then hit the "order" button.  The cards are free, but I had to pay the shipping costs. There were several options, depending on how soon I wanted the finished product.  I also had to run through an online gauntlet of upsells and other offers before my order was complete.

Soon a small package will show up in my mailbox, and I'll be able to put a supply of cards in my wallet, my car, and anywhere else I think I might run into someone.  Even after I don't need the cards for job networking, I'll be able to use them as  an easy way of sharing my personal contact information.  Much better than scribbling it on a scrap of paper!