How Do I Reach New Connections?

As appeared in the Baltimore Business Journal - July 2008
by Leslie Shreve

Question: What do I do with all the business cards I collect?

Answer: Decide how you will reach your new connections in the future to benefit your business. Are you promoting your business using mail, e-mail or both? Are you gathering phone numbers, e-mail addresses or physical addresses? If you do not already have an existing system, like Act, Constant Contact, Outlook or other similar system, consider which will suit your goals the best. Also consider delegating contact data entry to an intern or assistant or using a product like CardScan or Neat Business Cards for automated entry. Always make decisions right away about which contacts to keep and which to let go. Some connections may already be hot prospects. These should be added to your existing contact system and to your to do list for immediate action.