Networking Information

How to Collect Business Cards


Why the business card grab is not why you are there? So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence?

One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time. It is probably better to pick a few good leads rather than collect everything (sometimes that is difficult to do if people trade cards with you). Choose one pocket for the timely leads and carry post it notes to add information.

It is quite easy to cull the cads as you gather them. First, I only collect cards from people that I can either do business with, form an alliance with, or simply become a referral for them. Sounds easy, but the trick is to be able to ferret out who these people are. I also take notes on the back of the card or on a pad of sticky notes and attach it to the card so that I do not forget who they are and what services they provide. I even try to put faces to the cards by describing them on the sticky notes. These people will be amazed that you can remember them the next time you meet and they will then want to talk to you.

Some people look at their stack of cards the next day, or two days later is even worse, and they are bewildered: they can't remember who was who. Cards with simply black and white designs can look very alike; it is very important that you try to differentiate the cards you collect. Do this by writing on the back with a Y or N or M for Yes, No, Maybe significance. I then keep my cards in a zip lock bag for each type of card. It makes it easier to follow up. I also make note of the event we attended so as to keep a record of what we were there for. It also helps me to keep track of where the best events for attracting business are. If you are starting out cold, then keeping records will be very important - just remember not to collect every card on the floor.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://BlueprintBooks.com/

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Networking Calendar
Bizjournals.com, NC - 13 hours ago
To submit networking meeting or event information, e-mail phoenixcalendars@bizjournals.com or contact Lisa Poulin at 602-308-6522. Phoenix CEO-CFO Group, ...


E-mail in zero G: NASA develops network for space
The Associated Press - Nov 19, 2008
NASA scientists have developed software they hope will lead to an Internet-like network in deep space. It's not that astronauts will be watching "Alien" on ...
Talk about cyberspace: NASA's space-spanning Internet clears its ... Scientific American
NASA Testing New Interplanetary Communications Network DailyTech
NASA Develops Interstellar Network Tom's Guide
BBC News - InformationWeek
all 278 news articles


Social networking keys into Altoona
Herald Index, IA - 7 hours ago
Anyone can log in to the Altoona social networking site, http://altoonaia.ning.com. “I’d been thinking of ways social networking software could be used less ...


Social networking sites on radar of public and private companies
Myrtle Beach Sun News, SC - 9 hours ago
Social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, are peppered with examples of young adults being, well, young adults. The activities may be legal ...
Once the province of youngsters, the older crowd is now signing on ... Memphis Commercial Appeal
all 2 news articles


Social Networking Rule No. 1: Don't Be Stupid
TechNewsWorld, CA - Nov 22, 2008
By Lorenzo Perez It's been said before, but recent incidents suggest it bears repeating: The profiles that online social network users maintain can -- and ...


Small/Midmarket Business Networking
NetworkWorld.com, MA - 1 hour ago
If you ever needed confirmation that phones are now auditory computer devices, take a look at a modern "office-in-a-box" or "all-in-one" system for small ...


William Blair & Company Issues Research Report on Data Networking ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
CHICAGO, Nov 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- William Blair & Company issued an Industry Report on data networking and initiated research coverage of five ...
William Blair Initiates Coverage on Data Networking Stocks StreetInsider.com (subscription)
all 9 news articles


LinkedIn CEO touts growth of network
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 10 hours ago
When Dan Nye joined LinkedIn last year, he knew the company had a viable product - it was his own posting on the professional-networking site that helped ...
Interview with Reid Hoffman: Part 1 Livemint
all 5 news articles


Speed networking brings big returns
Reporter-Times, IN - 22 hours ago
Called speed networking, business people get 30 to 60 seconds to introduce themselves, trade cards and give a brief pitch. Then, they move on to the next ...


BBC News

Study: Internet Social Networking Good For Young People
DailyTech, IL - Nov 21, 2008
Research funded by the MacArthur Foundation indicates teenagers in the United States who spend time on social networking web sites are developing social ...
Internet Social Networking Is Good For Your Children eFluxMedia
Study: Internet Social Networking Has Positive Impact On The Youth AHN
Study Finds Teens Learn While Social Networking CBS 3
San Francisco Chronicle - Shacknews
all 165 news articles

networking - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.