Ever felt overwhelmed with the pile of business cards gathered from a business convention or networking event? A stack of cards, no idea where to start or not even able to remember the individual and their needs.
I had these exact thoughts as I returned from the Spark and Hustle conference in LA and unloaded the business cards, flyers and product examples I gathered throughout the three day event. During the event I was able to meet many amazing people and gathered their business cards but then came without a plan and wasted time sorting through cards and contacts.
I realized that for the next Spark and Hustle I attended or any networking event, I had to Get Organized!
A quick trip to staples with an idea in mind: A three ring binder notebook, a pack of 3-ring letter size business card holders, clear binder pocket sleeves, black magic marker, some assorted colored marking tabs and pop-up tape and started assembling. What came out of it was a well-organized system to gather contacts and organize them for an easy and expedited follow-up. And as my husband coined, a mighty fine looking Trapper Keeper.
Whether you utilize a Trapper Keeper or other note taking system, prepare ahead and make notes so that your event will be worth the time and money spent by allowing for the most effective follow-up. Here are some tips you can implement while you get organized.
Immediately Take Notes
As soon as you meet someone and have gathered their business card, file the card away in a business card holder and jot down notes on the plastic insert. (If you don’t have a filing system on hand, jot notes directly on the card.)
Referencing the day you met them, where you met them and brief detail about your conversation. Draw diagrams where they sat at your table to help reference them personally while making your follow-up contacts.
Plan your Follow-Up
As you take notes on each card you should also be planning your follow-up. Write down the business collaborations discussed, what interests they had about in your business or unique products they offer. This will help you with a faster and more effective follow-up.
Categorize your Contacts
As you gather contacts, organize them by your business needs for a more streamlined follow-up. My categories to reference were:
• Business Interest: contacts that were interested in my services
• Collaboration: contacts that for business collaboration
• Communication: contacts that did not meet an immediate specific need
And also note Immediate Follow-up if there is urgency with the contact.
If you receive flyers or information from different speakers, take notes on their speech to reference in your follow-up and label them in the pocket sleeves.
It is imperative that you get organized before any conference or networking event so that you get the best value for your money spent – what was your time worth if you weren’t able to effectively follow-up?
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