[Village Kid 2]

While I empathize with all who enter a room full of strangers and feel a bit uncomfortable (I certainly have too), I find that if I put forth some effort, smile and introduce myself, people are usually receptive. And if one can find one person who will talk, that is usually all you need to break the ice. Proactive vs. Reactive?

VK

[jerseygirl008]

VK: Very well stated. Love you dancing avater.

It is always uncomfortable when you are treated like you are basically invisible. The trick is to become "visible". Rather than sit at a table that's empty, crab a chair and add yourself to a table that's got a few openings. Then say, "I'd (we'd) rather not sit alone, we are new here". That would be proactive. Some would say, just pull up the chair and nix the words altogether. I would rather make the statement that I'm new and put the ball in their court, introduce myself and show how friendly I am. They should reciprocate. My 2 cents.

[Boomer]

I had forgotten all about this until yesterday. (You know how that goes.) Anyway, I thought I would post the information in this thread. This is where it seems to fit best.

When we visited TV in the fall, we met people who gave us their cards. I don't mean that they wanted to inspect us for termites or sell us real estate or anything like that. They were villagers who used cards to establish and maintain contact. The cards have phone numbers, emails, hometowns, etc. I guess people put as much or as little information out there as they individually want to.

It seems like I saw something about a class you could take for designing your cards. (But I might be making that up.) But with all the computer stuff that people can now do on their own, I am sure this is easy enough to do yourself.

Anyway, I am wondering how common the exchange of cards is in TV. --nice touch.

TV is so big that you could hit it off with someone that you meet at the square and then never see them again -- but want to. Offering a card is a lovely gesture.

Of course, if we ever get there, Mr. B and I will have to have a discussion about what picture to put on the card. I know he will want an airplane. I don't know what I will want. But I have spent so :edit: much time on this computer this winter that you will recognize me right away. I have now evolved into a creature with only one huge glowing eye that takes up my entire forehead and really nimble fingers. Oh, and five pounds fatter to anyone who knew me before. It has been the longest winter ever. We have to get to TV.

We also are first season residents. Have had the same problem is certain clubs --some are very large and you just get lost. We just kept going back early to find a table that was not being held for other friends. One was the Il. club with many, many Chicago people and we are from downstate~~~Bloomington. Last meeting (third time) we met a really fun couple from Springfield and exchanged cards. We are seasonal residents so its nice to go home and be with our old friends but enjoy meeting all of the new people from all over the world. We are both in the Medical profession so meeting people was and still is a important part of our life. We also play golf and Bocce ball and many times exchange social cards.
I have taken a social card (Business Card) class and also have made cards with American Greetings site (fee). These are great because you can add pictures. We put our picture on it and they can relate the name to the faces. Easy to forget when you meet so many new people. I also did the free Business(social) card site which you can have 500 made and pick our a logo. The site is www.vistaprint.com Our card has clouds! Not a large selection but pretty neat since they were free and they will last a long time with that many!! Think they called just once to see if we wanted to order more. Just say no!
Hope this helps and if you want to go out to Dinner sometime just email us!

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi,

We are newbies also. I think of the many suggestions made on this thread, the one Red suggested might be one of the best.

If you call the number given for the contact person of the club you will get to know someone and ask them to identify themselves so you can recognize them.

From my very limited experience when someone knows a newbie is coming to the club they will then make an effort to introduce themselves and make you feel warm and welcome.

As I said, my experience is very limited as we are not here that long.

You can always contact us and we will be happy to meet with you and go to a club with you.

Hyacinth Bucket

[villages07]

BBB,

We call them "social cards" down here rather than business cards and yes, I do keep a supply in my purse, golf bag, pool bag, tennis bag, etc. It's a very common practice to exchange social cards with new acquaintences.

the bag lady...

[renielarson]

Hmmmm

I'm taken a bit back with "social" cards. I would rather make an impression with whom I am than "advertise".

I hope people find me friendly enough to want to remember me and request a way to stay in touch. Or...I hope I find others friendly enough that I want to remember them and stay in touch. When this is the case, we have always found a way to connect...without so called "social cards".

Don't think this is the way I want to go. Just call me old fashioned, if you want.

[nONIE]

Originally Posted by brightspot01

Hmmmm

I'm taken a bit back with "social" cards. I would rather make an impression with whom I am than "advertise".

I hope people find me friendly enough to want to remember me and request a way to stay in touch. Or...I hope I find others friendly enough that I want to remember them and stay in touch. When this is the case, we have always found a way to connect...without so called "social cards".

Don't think this is the way I want to go. Just call me old fashioned, if you want.

Brightspot,

When we first came to TV and became aware of social cards I would have to agree with you about them. I had never heard of them and wondered where this idea had come from! seemed a bit stuffy to me.
now I realize what a big help they can be especially to someone as scatterbrained as me. I tend to lose phone numbers and names written on bits of paper. I have a special place for the social cards I collect and even have decided to make up some of our own to hand out.

being retired and handing out social cards sounds alot better to me then still working and handing out business cards. ;D

[travelstiles]

being retired and handing out social cards sounds alot better to me then still working and handing out business cards. ;D
[/quote]

Nonie ~ :bigthumbsup:
Couldn't agree more. I would never remember the people I've met without writing little reminder notes on the back of these cards.
BTW, did I give you one of my cards on Sunday
:dontknow:

[t fields]

i will also be new to the villages!! i hope u don't austorize (sp) us as u do all these underserving people, but please be real!! we are where u were when u moved here! i don't expect anyone to do anything special but be nice, as in u are a welcome person here and don't feel neglected. I come from the south where we love newcomers and go out of our way to make you feel comfortable and happy, and whatever u need i'm here to help!!! please , let's pass this feeling forward !!!! ok, thanks, trish

[renielarson]

Friendship isn't a business to me...it comes from the heart...

I don't need a card for that!

[nONIE]

Travel,

yes you did and thankyou so much. ;D

[KathieI]

IMHO, I think these social cards are extremely nice and I love it when someone hands me their's.

I had this happen for the first time last November when I came to TV without my husband and met some people at LSL square and at the manicurist. I thought it was a lovely gesture and very professionally done and I personally can't wait to have mine made up. Of course, mine will have a cute :redface: logo on it.

Just my opinion... Kath :redface:

[pm10]

I've never seen social cards before - but I kinda like the idea. Especially for someone like me..................who's memory is so poor, I could probably hide my own Easter eggs!

[renielarson]

so...are you telling me that I can't make it on my own merits and need to remind all of you who I am?

All I can think about are all the business cards my husband collects and leaves all over the house...never to be looked at again...

Dang...was hoping I was more personally impressive than that!