There are two schools of thought about gathering business cards. One is get as many as you can and put them in your database. The other is (which I personally prefer)to make real connections with a few so that they are memorable and they are the ones you want to follow up with. It is much easier to follow up with people that you really resonate with than those whose cards you gather and wonder why later.

Evelyn, good point about follow up! No point in getting cards if you don't do anything with them. I am recently out of work, would you suggest I have personal cards printed up? I could get cards and e-mail those people after the event. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

Dear Evelyn, I'm thanking you for many of us "new" in NAFE for taking your time and sharing your experience with us. Specialy two pocket technique is fantastic. I attended a few networking event and I did write on the back of the Business card date and what was about. And the Follow up by phone, I usually e-mailed and there was very little responds. Thank you a lot!!! P.S. my tip - if etiquette does not allow to writte excuse your self to powder room and writte it there! God Bless! Dagmar

Hi Evelyn, Just wanted to leave some feedback for you and other members. Writing directly on a business card, in certain situations, is bad etiquette. For example, after conducting research on the the *** culture, we [former business students at Babson College] found that in this culture, writing on a business card is very impolite and inappropriate. Your business contact will more than likely look down upon you for it, which could have bad results, ie. not wanting to do business with you. The practice of writing on business cards is definitely encouraged in America, but I would be weary to do this in/with other cultures. It may be more challenging when you meet someone on the spot. However, if you know what culture/background your new contact is from, I'd recommend doing some research before possibly making a mistake that could cause you to "land the deal." Thanks for reading my comment! Chanelle Carver Management Consultant