Maybe you have been in my shoes...my first networking event

[Yadira Gutierrez]

Hello REI Community,

I am educating myself obsessively!

I am close to a make decision on the best strategy for my first venture. However, I am missing the networking part. 

Just so you can have a laugh on me here it goes:

After some hesitation I finally attended a REIA meeting...I was eager to attend and learn from the PROS, so there I go looking very professional with all my questions and NO FEAR. I started to ask questions and then BOOM, they starting asking for my business card and what kind of investments I do? I almost collapsed, I did not think about that! You should have seen me, I deflated like a balloon. I laugh out loud now of course!

I was so into asking good questions, absorb information like a sponge, and give a good impression that I missed that important part...who's going to take me seriously if I can provide a possible contact with something as basic as a business card? I will NOT go again without one!

Hence the reason of this long  story and post.

How should I present myself? What should I say that is not a lie but that would not discourage experienced REI people to add me to their network? How do I show them how serious I am about REI despite my lack of experience?

What kind of information should I put on a business card? Should I put my current 9-5 position and something else related to REI?

Thank you in  advanced for your thoughts and input...

Yadira

Would be great to have your 2 cents on this one  @Brandon Turner