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'Business card aerobics' boost networking potential

Business cards can be used to foster productive networking

An innovative networking exercise carried out during a recent keynote speech at the Business & Consumer Expo Breakfast has seen local entrepreneurs exchange business cards at a rapid rate.

Tim Green, a certified instructor at the Referral Institute of Michigan had conference participants participate in a self-described 'business card aerobics', in which attendants were encouraged to exchange as many cards as possible within one minute.

The winner, city councilman Donald Fracassi, was able to exchange 17 cards in 60 seconds. And while this activity is not necessarily a realistic portrayal of how making good contacts works in real-life, Mr Green said it offers valuable insight into networking strategy.

He commented to the Observer & Eccentric that business cards should not be handed out to "anyone". Instead, you should be selective and only pass them out to individuals who operate in a complementary business, who may be able to act as referral partners to help nurture future working relationships.

Before attending any business or networking event, you may wish to assess the type of marketing materials your firm uses.

Recycled business cards may help your business make a memorable statement to prospective contacts, as they can suggest an image of accountability and integrity.