For Small Business Owners: A Quick Tip for Your Next Networking Event

for small business owners - networking tips

At a recent conference I attended, someone asked for my business card (which I of course gave him.) Then he asked if I would hold it up to my face and he snapped a pic. I thought it was such a great idea for pairing names and faces long after the conference is over that I asked him to send me the photo he took. So here’s me with my business card and hopefully a new idea for you to consider if you find yourself often with a stack of business cards and wondering who they are from again. . .

Let me know below what your best tip is for remembering people after the fact.

 

Jo Ilfeld, PhD

An executive leadership coach, Jo helps C-suite leaders, executives, and high-potential managers develop the flexibility, skill, and frame of mind to meet the challenges of the next five, ten, twenty years…. and beyond. She works with individuals, teams and organizations on four core areas of leadership development. Check out Jo's bio page for more information.

4 Comments

  1. Hubert Pereira on April 12, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Indeed a great idea, even though not everyone will subscribe to this point of view and pose for you. Sometime in the past there were business cards with the photograph of the person, who were immediately branded as being egoistic ! Most of the corporations did not think this was a good idea either. Most of the time, and especially after you have visited too many supplier stands in an exhibition, landing a huge score of cards, one has to spend lots of time in the coffee stall making notes behind each card of the details which will brush your memory once you get back to the office, or when you visit the Rolodex after a few months.

    • Jo Ilfeld on April 14, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      I agree Hubert. It’s better when you actually have the time to talk with the person as opposed to collecting a large amount of cards. I’ve also recently seen photos (or even a drawing) on a business card which is very helpful for remembering someone but more common in the real estate industry I believe where someone’s face is often a big part of their branding. Your solution about jotting notes down quickly is also great though!

  2. Hubert Pereira on April 15, 2013 at 4:54 am

    Having an electronic Rolodex or equivalent PIM ( Personal information Manager?) where one can scan the cards into the PC and add requisite notes is which can come in handy. Once this is integrated into your email system, you can call the email address on demand into the mail client, making it even more efficient.

    • Jo Ilfeld on April 15, 2013 at 6:59 am

      Dear Hubert,

      Thanks for sharing your great advice. I’m sure a lot of the entrepreneurs who read this blog will appreciate all your tips. I don’t have so many business cards that I need the systems you are describing but I know a lot of entrepreneurs who do so thank you for adding your wisdom to this blog!

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