Business Cards for Newbies

[Brendan Chetuck]

So as I continue my research into RE I see a relatively common theme. A lot of people say to get a Business card and have some on you at all times to give out.

Since I am a newbie to REI and I have not done any deals (yet), I was wondering if I should spend the money to create a business card? If the answer is yes, would information do I put on it. Obviously I would put my name, phone number, email, what I want to do (buy houses) and maybe a picture of me, but what if I don't own a company or have an LLC? Is it not professional to have a company name on them?

As always, thank you for the inputs!!!

Brendan

[Joe Splitrock]

This is pretty typical of new people. They focus on a business name, business cards and opening an LLC before even having a business. I did the same thing 15 years ago and two things happened:

1. I dissolved the LLC a year after when my CPA told me it was pointless. People think you need an LLC to have a business, which may be true for certain businesses. If your intent is to buy properties, most likely it will need to be in your personal name, so you will not use the LLC. I would just caution that before going to the expense of setting up an LLC, understand how you would use it. Also keep in mind you don't need an LLC to have a business name. You can pick a name and it is called a DBA (Doing Business As).

2. I stopped carrying business cards after a few years. Instead if I meet someone, I just get added to their address book on the spot. The truth is 99% of business cards go in the trash, but getting added to someone's contact list is golden.