I don’t know about you, but I feel there’s a real dark side to databases, the point where it gets unmanageable, and inputting more data is just going to take forever!
Some of you know that I co-run a business networking group in Birmingham called Business Biscotti. I meet so many people through networking generally that business cards from various people can build up. I do try and keep on top of it as best I can, but as with all things, they can build up into a nice little pile ready for uploading onto my database.
So this, on the right, is the current pile.
I usually use the app from LinkedIn, CardMunch, which is very accurate and works pretty well. And the team at Evernote have just launched their new app, ‘Evernote Hello’ – which ties into LinkedIn details as well, and is a nice quick way of doing things on an individual level.
I do need to get this into a spreadsheet so I can upload it onto my networking contacts database. It has got to a stage this time round where I think I need to ‘get someone in’ to input all the details to a spreadsheet for me as me doing it manually will take too long. So if you do this kind of thing feel free to give me a price! There’s about 60 of them.
It’s probably a good opportunity to have a cleanse of my main work contacts database, as there’s probably a fair few people who can be cleared out and a few to add. It’s the kind of thing I should look at once a month, but you always tend to get sidetracked.
What is your protocol for this kind of thing? Maintain it regularly or does it build up a bit on occasion like me?!
Points of reference:
Richard, when II first started networking 6 years ago I used to religiously key these into my CRM. Now I don’t bother. Most business cards I receive go in the recycle bin. I only key in those who fall into these categories:
1. Contacts where a follow up has been agreed by either party.
2. Prospects
3. Potential suppliers for myself or others I know.
My rationale is if I haven’t entered someone’s details and need to contact them at a later date, these days it’s very easy to find them, be it on social media, web search or networking websites’ member directories.
Ah you’re quite right J, and for my VO contacts/clients, I do exactly that; they’re either already a client or have agreed to go onto my list for whatever reason.
All these cards are essentially networking contacts, who have expressed an interest in coming along to further meetings and are open to various groups I’m connected to. That’s the only reason why they’re still being kept!
When it comes to my personal work contacts, yes, they are processed in the exact way you describe.
Good system J!