Month

I am often asked to present at large business gatherings, the kind that offer ample opportunities for networking.

Recently at a particularly well attended event, I overheard a woman who was just leaving say with great excitement that she had had a great networking day.

She had come with a hundred business cards and was leaving without a single one!

When I heard this, I couldn't help thinking of all the times I've put my hand in my jacket pocket after one of these events and pulled out a handful of business cards without a clue who the people were or why I thought I'd ever want to talk with them again. They were just names to me.

On the other hand, whenever I've had a real conversation with someone and felt a genuine connection, I've always made a point to get their contact information, even if I had to jot it down on the back of a napkin or a receipt.