Convert Business Cards to E-Mail Contacts
Studies show that most tradeshow leads are never re-contacted. Don’t let your networking go to waste! Type those business cards into your address book, or better yet, use a card-scanner or an app to do the heavy lifting for you. We like the Business Card Reader app for iPhone, which scans a card and instantly adds all of its info to your phone’s address book.
Connect on Facebook
Facebook is a great networking tool since it allows you to post and receive news updates. Make sure you’re taking advantage of Facebook’s Lists feature to keep your business and personal contacts separate.
Hop Onto Twitter
If someone gives you a business card with a Twitter handle attached, you’ve got nothing to lose by following his or her Tweet stream. It’s the perfect low-commitment way to get a better sense of what someone’s business is all about.
Go On High Alert
Googling new contacts and their companies is great, but setting up a free Google News alert keeps you up to date and serves as a gentle reminder to follow up, either on a social network, through e-mail, via phone or even (gasp) in person.
Check Your Virtual Tire Pressure
You aren’t the only person friend-ing, fanning and Googling new conquests. Your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages and your Web site are likely to get some new visits right after a tradeshow, so be sure everything is up to date.