The Bumf Table

Hi All,

I'm a newbie, so granted, this probably won't be the case at all 4N meetings.  But on the ones I've been to, hardly anyone uses the BUMF table to display their cards.  I've been going to meetings expecting to take away 20-30 business cards away so I can pass potential business to fellow 4Ners.  Why don't people use this facility?

All views welcome please

Many Thanks

Matthew

It's sort of etiquette that if you want a card, ask for one.

The BUMF table os for brochures and stuff like that.

Hi Matthew - Interesting isn't it.  I have been a regular 4Ner for 18 months now and agree that few people make use of the BUMF table either to display their own cards/literature or to find other items of interest.  It does seem to be a culture thing - but perhaps we need to think about changing our behaviour.  Perhaps the BUMF table could be in a more prominent position and maybe we should be including offers and advertising these in our 40 seconds.

What does everyone else think?

I think the bumf table is pretty obsolete in a 4N meeting - as mentioned you can get attendees details after the meeting, so why do you need another biz card?  I rarely look at the table to be honest.  I stick a small box of cards on there 'just in case'.  If I want to speak to someone outside the meeting I make a point of making contact during the meeting and we can then plan after.  I'd rather they email me a pdf with their offer than take home another tree!

I think it depends on what meeting you go to. I went to the East Leeds Meeting which was a massive success by the way, and the BUMF table was packed.  We could have done with a longer table I think. 

You want to pop over to Donny 4N as we have a very busy "Sandler" table, as it has been nick named, due to the big display on the table by a certain member.

I usually have a quick look at the Bumf table on my passporting travels and always leave some leaflets for people to take away. 

I don't think it's obsolete at all.   I do suppose it does depend upon where it is situated though.

If just one attendee picks up some literature or a card and uses it surely its worth it. Good point by BB though how many people measure their bumf items to see how many are taken or is it  a  case as i suspect of throw a wad down pick a wad up and not have a clue if they were taken or not.

When i was going to the brekkies i always knew how many cards i put on the table and always counted how many left.  I also found it useful to put something different on there for people to take.  I had some keyrings made up and some mugs.  One regular told me he always used one of my mugs at work. 

How to stand out on the Bumf Table I thought, all the cards are laid flat. Breakfast meeting... toast rack.... some people just didn't get it but it got people talking.
I always look at the bumf table to check out the latest marketing but maybe thats because I'm more interested in design.

I have been counting how many I put out and those remaining and need to reorder now. Maybe people are using them for ulterior motives though, like opening doors or sticking chewing gum to. Only time will tell.

I like the toast rack idea - very novel