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/

---

Create a 10 Second Introduction From Your USP

You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether... Read More

Networking to a New Life

Research shows that talking to strangers -- not people in... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More

Did You Market Yourself Today?

"If you build a better mouse trap - the world... Read More

Five Best Ways To Build A Network

I have been working from home on the internet for... Read More

A Vital Habit For Selling Big Ticket Items

I hope the title of this article aroused your curiosity!... Read More

Community Involvement Networking

It is important for you to join at least one... Read More

How to Announce a New Product

How can the introduction of new products affect the way... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and... Read More

Write It Down!

Why would you want to write information on paper when... Read More

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking... Read More

Networking

Put join a networking group on your to do list... Read More

Giving Referrals to Get Referrals

One of the best ways to get a referral is... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Plan for the Event or Flounder

Rather than being there to eat the food and drink... Read More

Business Networking - Common Myths and Realities

Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't... Read More

Volunteering for a Networking Group

When is it appropriate to volunteer to take a position... Read More

Building Bridges - The Importance of Being Connected Where You Live

As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming city of... Read More

Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More

Jump Start Your Network

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity... Read More

The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More

Networking Know How

Networking, even to a seasoned professional, can seem intimidating or... Read More

Have We Met Before? What to Do When You Cant Remember Who Yourre Talking To

You see him from across the room. You know him,... Read More

Defining a Quality Networking Group

When it comes to quality, how do you choose the... Read More

Increasing the ROI on Your Networking

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here... Read More

People Know People

I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0.13... Read More

Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them

The ability to connect with people is essential to success... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have... Read More

The Quest for Passive Income

Passive Income, residuals, royalties three ways to get paid multiple... Read More

How to Gain Maximum Value from Your Networking Time

One of the best ways to get business is through... Read More

How to Avoid Falling Asleep Behind the Conversational Wheel

Think about the last time you feel asleep behind the... Read More

How to Create an Interest Story for the Press

What makes a good interest story?An interest story is just... Read More