I recently attended three bloggers conferences in a single month and after the three events (TBEX Athens, TBD-Italy in Rimini and Meet The Blogger in Amsterdam) I was faced with a big problem – what the heck was I going to do with the stacks of business cards I accumulated in this short space of time? Firstly, let me say that I don’t really like clutter too much but I also hate to throw away things that have meaning to me. So below are my top tips for putting those business cards to best use after a conference or networking event:
1. First Digitize Your Business Cards
This company really solved my problem – CircleBack’s ScanBizCards system. The app works on both Android and Apple devices and allows for the easy scanning and digitization of business cards. Plus, you can sync the digitized versions of business cards with your contacts/address book. The free software even allows you to send a follow up email to the person directly from inside the app!
2. Store Business Cards in the Old Packaging
Another good way to store business cards is to use business card holders designed specifically for that purpose. Or you can even get creative and make your own holders. Take a look at these lovely and useful business card holders available from Amazon for some inspiration:
However, even before you think of storing the cards you need to make sure you capture the data. This can of course be done using the abovementioned ScanBizCards system. However, it’s important to add those people you would like to keep in touch with on your social platforms as well. Thus, I take the time to look at each card and I open my different social platforms in different tabs on my computer. Then I try to locate the person on each platform (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc.) before I put the card away for storage. I also tailor a short message to include when adding them on each social platform (if the platform permits initial messaging of course). In the message I usually outline where I met them and include a short greeting urging them to keep in contact).
4. Pin Them Up Scotty!
If you’re a star networker who likes the visual approach to things then pinning up business cards may be for you! Get a cork or felt board – something you can pin business cards onto and start pinning! Pin only the cards of people you really want to do business with or those you can see yourself working with. In this way the business card board acts as a sort of dream board – enabling you to target those contacts, learn from them and potentially work together with them. It’s a great way to make your contacts visual (especially if the cards have photos on them!).
5. Business Card String
Another efficient way to store business cards is to literally put them on a string or a stick. Punch holes in the corners of all your cards and put a string through them. Ensure you have some sort of weight at each end. This will make your cards are easily visible to you and it will allow you to easily flip through them when you need them in the future.
How do you store your business cards after a conference? What tips and tricks can you share with others? Tell us in the comments section below.
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem is the founder and main writer at The Museum Times. She works as a university lecturer by day and is an avid travel blogger and arts and culture enthusiast by night. Elizabeth started The Museum Times out of the need to give smaller, lesser-known museums more exposure.
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That`s really interesting – I`m still fighting with my own TEX follow up 🙂 It was great to meet you at the Zorba dance night. Franzi
Thanks ever so much! It was so nice to meet you 🙂 Do keep in touch.
I like the idea of alphabetizing the business cards you’ve received. However, sometimes I forget the name of the person or business, so another good idea would to separate them based on type of service/product. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your comment Catherine. That’s indeed a great idea. Wishing you a nice week and thanks for interacting once again!
I really like the idea of pinning my business card! Thanks for sharing Elizabeth.
I think business card holders are a great way to keep track of the various cards you’ve gotten. Table holders like you’ve displayed are great for businesses to display the cards. Meanwhile, for your own personal use, a wallet-sized holder may be the best option. Thanks for the article.
The ideas that you have shared above regarding what a person should do with his or her business cards is really nice…
Being new to the business world, people need to learn lot of tactics to leave their bench mark and to stand out alone in this completive world.
Great Post…
Goof Read…
Thanks a lot for this share!!
Cool designs with some great ideas..!! A well-designed business card lends authenticity to your business, and can make you stand out from the herd of competitors.
Thanks for the comment!
Hey!!
It is so easy to make use of business cards to advertise your business. They are so inexpensive if you design and print them yourself and they can be very good little advertisements for your business. Never leave your home without your cards so that you will always be ready to give one to someone you meet who you would like to introduce your business to. This is the way to make people aware of your store in the area. You want people to visit your premises so that they can become your customers. Every time you give someone a card you are telling them about the product or service you provide.
Thank you so much for great sharing.
Thanks for the comment!
I really liked your article .Great
Thanks so much!
I like this. very nice tips for collecting and packaging your business cards. it is a very neat thing to do your business memento.
No problem! Glad you enjoyed the post.
I like the idea of storing business cards with a business card holder to make sure that they’re organized, located in one place, and it’s easy to get a few when you’re going to be engaged in a business meeting. The concept behind those business card holders in the pictures sure look fascinating and I was hoping I can tell my boss to get a few of those in our office for uniformity and good presentation.