pilutguy

Hey all, I had a question and was looking for some advice. I'm currently furloughed from the airlines and have been looking work in the industry ever since I was let go last october. I recently have gotten a job at an FBO working on the line fueling and servicing aircraft. I figured I could use this as a way to network with fellow pilots and get my name out there. I wanted to make up some business cards to hand out to people/pilots but am kind of drawing a blank on what I should put on them. Obviously I would put my name, phone, and email address on them but what else should I add. Would I want to add my total time, turbine time, multi time, etc.... Any ideas on what you would look for if you needed someone or wanted to pass it along?? Would love for it to stand out and for them to remember me if they should need someone along the way. Any input or advice you all would have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

F172Driver

I dunno if putting time on your card would work out, maybe a table of times on the back. On the front I would suggest name, phone number, email, and certificates held. You said you were furloughed so if you got a type rating at that job put that on as well. Just our of curiosity what airport are you working at?

Spoilers

I had some simple but slick looking business cards made up. I basically have my name and under it for the Title I just put Professional Pilot - ATP, CFI/CFII/MEI. Bottom left corner I have my cell number and email address. Bottom right corner I have "Professional Pilot Services", "Personalized Flight Instruction". I didn't put mailing address on it, as Ive been moving around a lot.

vagabond

As you all know, I am a lawyer, but now also the owner of an espresso/coffee shop. Both occupations require business cards, but they are necessarily going to be different. For example, the coffee shop ones will have something on the front and back. In this small business owner class I'm in, the first thing they pounded into our heads was to use both sides of the card, otherwise you're only doing half the job of selling yourself and your business. My lawyer card is only one-sided because it's all I need to let people know who I am and what I do.

Since your cards will be used to sell yourself in the same way my coffee shop cards is selling my coffee shop, it would be wise to combine the two suggestions above from F172 and Spoilers.

A logo of an airplane or something would be nice too. It will give people the idea, immediately, of what you are doing. If you have a website, include that as well (but I wouldn't post your Facebook or Myspace kind of stuff).

Check out the business cards templates available online. You might find something suitable. If not, go with a designer who will make several versions and let you choose. PM me if you'd like the ones I've talked with recently about my coffee punch cards.

For fun, take at look at this website. Very creative, eh?
Cool business card designs | creativebits

seven6

Vagabond,

Not to long ago I came across an interesting business card from a lawyer. The front side was the way you described it to be; the backside, however, had a paragraph on it as well. It said something similar to this:

"Dear Officer, I mean no disrespect but I wish to use such and such right and not speak to you." It went on describing on what legal basis a driver has this right and concluded with a phrase similar to this: "If you wish to check my driver’s license, insurance, and/or registration, I will provide it for you. Otherwise, I would like to be on my way."

I can't remember exactly what it said but it was something similar to that. It was pretty clever and interesting. Just throwing that idea out there for you.

RAHPilot5

what a fantastic fabulous wonderful idea

Short Bus Drive

IF it's possible, what about a mini version of your resume on the back?

topgun

Business cards are a great idea to get you name out.
Several suggestions:

1) Do not mention or print the word "furlough" anywhere. It gives the impression your are just looking for a temporary job until you are called back. Explain your status once you get to the interview.

2) When you hand out your card, ask for one back. Follow up and they will know you are serious about your careeer.

3)While working the line provide superior service. It will get noticed and it will open up opportunities.


Good luck and stay with it!

pilutguy

Thanks for the info, I got a job at Ronson Aviation at Trenton Mercer County, KTTN.

pilutguy

Thank you all for the info, it has helped out a lot. I'll be heading out to Staples to get them printed up and hopefuly have them in hand in a day or two. Who knows, if you ever fly through Trenton, you might end up with one. Thanks a bunch.