How to Follow Up on BizCards

Posted on June 1st, 2009 by Keith Ferrazzi

Recorded at Harvard:

Here's my time-honored method for quickly and effectively following up after collecting large numbers of business cards at conferences, conventions and other networking events.

The three basic steps are:

1) Take notes on the card while talking to the person.
2) Immediately decide if you intend to followup -- if yes, put the card in your left pocket. All others go in your right pocket.
3) Immediately after you collect the cards, spend 5-10 minutes sorting the cards according to your priorities and categories.
4) Rank the importance of each card (Potential Hires: is the person an "A" candidate, or a "C" candidate?)
5) Followup with specific emails or phone calls within 48 hours, and delegate if you can (the notes, categorization and ranking makes delegation much easier).


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10 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Despite the multitudes of mobile devices and technology around us, Business Cards remain a staple of networking. Do you imagine this changing?

  2. I think one day this may change, but business cards still serve a purpose. They are a marketing tool - it's like a miniature billboard for your personal brand. I know that when I meet someone, I visually remember what their card looks like in order to remember them. If I just got their information, it would be much harder for me to remember who they were and to associate my notes (see video) for later reference. I also think the tactile quality of a card brings forth the human element, in the sense of touch.

    So, I don't see biz cards going anywhere soon. And honestly, I really don't want them going anywhere. But it would be nice if cards started including RFID chips in them so someone's info could automatically be absorbed into my device. Now that's a great spin on technology. Hm, maybe I should start a business....

  3. Hi Ryan - nice meeting you briefly last night. There's actually a DC based company, DubMeNow, that does something similar to that :)

  4. Alex Katsanos says:
    June 2, 2009 at 10:06 am
    Reply

    That's really great info Keith. Really enjoying your videos!

  5. Just a quick footnote, in some cultures there is a strict protocol around the sharing of business cards and it may be considered rude to write on one when it has been handed to you

  6. Good and helpful idea ... I would note, however, that in some business cultures writing on another person's card, while that person is speaking to you and right in front of you, may be considered a bit disrespectul. Context matters, and it is really a cross-cultural interpretation of caring that should carry the day.

  7. Great tips Keith!

    A Scott said they are still a marketing staple. BTW, on twitter I am doing a poll about how many business cards people hand out in a month. Of course, I would be delighted if your guests took part. Can be found here: http://twtpoll.com/381pe2

    Or please share the approx number here. I am writing an article and the data would be helpful.

    Many thanks,

    Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher
    WE magazine for Women

  8. Thanks for the great tips.
    But I found a great tool to manage business cards really effectively - not another website - but a real application (backed by a server & website) - the data is available offline as well.
    It is available for free download from the Adobe Marketplace - http://tinyurl.com/swap-card

  9. Catherine Ho says:
    June 12, 2009 at 8:55 am
    Reply

    Great comments.

    Do note that writing on a business card in front of someone in places like Japan is highly offensive. I think you'd have to carry this habit with you only in places where it's appropriate!

  10. Keith, love the video tips...this makes it very real, tangible, and memorable...hope you keep doing these. Antonio

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