Kevin's Peraonal Tri-fold Brochure

Kevin's Tri-fold Brochure:

When job hunting/networking, I usually don't hand out business cards. Instead, I use the brochure below. It has all my contact information and acts as a sort of "mini-resume," quickly giving people a sense of who I am what what I have to offer. To learn more, click here.

Kevin's Tri-fold (MS PowerPoint) (.pdf)

I honestly can't take credit for this job hunting and networking tool. I saw someone else do this over 15 years ago and I have refined it over the years.  That said, here are a few guidelines that I have found to be helpful:

• Never send it to someone unsolicited.  Don't sent it blindly in the mail. It will get tossed quickly.  It's a waste of time. It's designed to be placed in someone's hand, someone you have met in person.

• Stop handing out business cards.  People politely take them and lose them, or they end up with a pile at home and they don't remember who gave them the card (unless they made notes on the back, which very few do).  Hand them the tri-fold instead.

• At networking meetings, when you set your notepad, folder, (whatever) down, set your brochures on top so people can see them.  People will come up to you and ask you questions about them out of curiosity.

• Hand people your brochures with confidence.  No one likes to be handed a resume, but people are used to being handed brochures.  Funny thing, I've still had people ask if they can write on it. "Of course" I tell them.  The good thing is, they are much less likely to lose the brochure than they are a business card.

• If possible, always have something to offer people.  Tell them about a new web site, industry article, etc.  Offer to write the URL on the brochure for them and hand it to them.  Or if they are asking you for something, always hand them the brochure and say, "I'd love to help you.  All my contact information is on this."

Here's the kicker... You say you want to do it.  OK, fine, go for it! I've had many people tell me they wanted to do it, but never did.  It's such a rare thing to see that it makes quite an impact.  It shows people you are organized, creative, innovative and willing to do what others won't do.  It says you are an extra mile kind of guy (or gal).  Yes, keep a regular resume handy. You still need to submit them when ask.  But, every time you meet someone, if not during, at least at the end of the conversation, hand them the brochure.

Well? What are you waiting for? Go for it. Download my template or create your own. And when you have a completed product (or even an initial draft), send a copy to me at Feedback@KevinPanet.com. I'd love to see what you come up with.