Okay, I attend many networking events and exchange business cards. My question is, now that I have these business card what do I do with them.

Can I send them an email without being considered SPAM? Should I mail them a packet of information?

What would you recommend?

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

If they gave you the business card then they are giving you permission to contact them and you are giving them the same permission. I like to follow up networking meetings with a handwritten, personalized note. If you have a newsletter add them to that mailing list.

You can mail them a packet of information but personally I wouldn't. I would start the relationship building and go from there. Mailing a bunch of information can get costly and chances are they won't read it or keep it because you're a name in a stack of business cards. But, if you start relationship building with them then your name will become familiar to them.

However, if during your meeting and talking with them they showed interest then of course mail them more information and follow up with them.

One hint I learned when "business card collecting" is to put hot prospects in one pocket and cold prospects in another. Also, be sure to put notes about each individual on the back of the card the first chance you get so you remember specific information about each person.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

Thanks Lanel, I had the same thought about the mailing in terms of cost so thanks for validating that.

Now I feel better about putting them into my contact list. Thanks

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

It's also nice to hear I won't be accused of spamming when I send them my newsletter, because it wasn't going to stop me, but it's good to have the confirmation.

Here is a thread about the collection of business cards you might want to take a look at.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Lanel, you make some good points, thank you! I like the 'hot' and 'cold' pockets!

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I agree that it's perfectly acceptable, even recommended, to follow up by email with someone who has given you their business card. It's even okay to send them a sample issue of your newsletter, along with an invitation to sign up for it. However, giving you their business card does not constitute permission to add them to a mailing list! I've had quite a few people add me to theirs after meeting briefly at a networking event, and I really don't appreciate it.

I am sending out a communication to all who have given me their card within the last few months. It's a new year message and along with my new years special. There is an opt in feature as well as an opt out feature. If I give someone my card and they put me on their mailing list it's ok with me. If I no longer want to receive communication, I opt out.

Hi

There is some really great advice here - thanks Lanel for the hot and cold pockets idea - I really like that. Also, I've never even thought of writing on the cards a little information I've collected through conversation. Great ideas.

Thank you.
Tania

Some of the people who have added me to their mailing list do not have an unsubscribe feature, leaving me the choice of just deleting it when it comes in, or emailing them to personally explain that I prefer not to receive it.

I recently read a great idea for staying in touch with people you meet at networking events, which I'm going to try. Instead of just sending them a regular email when I get back to the office, I'm going to look them up on LinkedIn, and send a connection request if they're on there. Social networking sites are the best way to stay in touch with people, in my experience.

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Janet Barclay, MVA, Organized Assistant
Founder & Director, Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group

My coach recently shared with me about the two pocket rule, and jotting down notes on the card. Sometimes a little hard on the shiny type cards though. I was also given a tip as to how to presnt your cards at an event. My coach says to place them in a different design, usually on a table or something, eeryone has their cards stacked in a little neat stack. She suggests fanning them, or something to make them stand out, I thought this was a good idea as well.

I really like the idea of hot and cold pockets.

I really like the idea of hot and cold pockets. And I especially like the idea of taking notes on each person, especially the hot ones! If glossy business cards are difficult to scribble on I would also bring a few small post-its, that way you can attach it to the card and write a note without it getting smeared.

Thanks for the pointers, I'll have to remember this when I attend my first networking meeting!

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

Good information. Thanks for sharing the business card tips.

Amy

These are some valuable tips on what to do when collecting business cards. I appreciate the great advice and will be also using them.

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Born Free Concierge
Robert & Kathy Neubauer