Lots of people visit networking events and try to hand out as many cards as possible, and this is fine, but it does mean that you are giving all of the control of the follow-up to the receiver and you’re left waiting for them to get in touch… Sometimes indefinitely.
So a good plan is to check the list of attendees (if there is one) and then ensure that you get hold of the business cards from the people you want to speak to and if possible exchange so they have yours as well.
Then, after the meeting, when you’re doing you’re all-important follow-ups you can make the first move and get in touch with them, even if it’s just a short note to say that it was great to meet them.
So by all means, hand out as many cards as you can, but don’t under estimate the humble business card and how, by collecting them as well as handing them out, you can make your networking efforts even more effective. Which is after all what it’s all about.
As always I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this so please join in the conversation below…