Business Cards

You're a writer.

Even if no one you know knows it.

And if you're attending conferences held by organizations such as the RWA, odds are you have ambition.

Which is why you need business cards.

They needn't be anything grand -- they could even have been spat out by one of those machines you find at the supermarket -- but they should at the very least contain the following information:

Your name
Nom(s) de plume (if applicable)
Email address
Blog or website address
Phone number (pick one with voice mail)
Mailing address

Other information you might include:

Your preferred sub-genre(s) (i.e. Regency historical, paranormal, etc.)

Anyone who's been to any kind of conference will tell you that the real action occurs in the hallways between -- and even during -- sessions and at the bar at the end of the day. This is when people really get the chance to connect.

So next time you're at a conference and find yourself chatting with a fellow author (published or otherwise) or editor, offer them your card.

It'll save you the bother of scrounging a bit of paper that's easily crumpled and lost and increase the likelihood of your contact information being saved and used. It'll also demonstrate professionalism, the seriousness with which you take your craft.

You never know. Perhaps one day you'll be "discovered" thanks to a paltry $2 investment at the local Piggly Wiggly!

Your thoughts, as always, are welcome!