This issue's tips were contributed by NAFE member Evelyn Gray, a Productivity Expert & Certified Action Coach in southern California. Use these five business card and networking techniques to help your business flourish:

1. Never leave home (or office) without a stack of business cards in your wallet, purse, briefcase, and in your car. Running out happens to the best of us, so remember to restock your supply after each networking event, meeting, or business trip.
2. Create a system for receiving and giving out business cards. The simple two-pocket method is fail-safe: put others' business contacts in your left pocket, handing out your own cards from your right pocket.
3. Write down the date on the front of a card as soon as you receive it. When it's time to purge your card collection, the date on the front will help you decide whether to keep or discard the contact information.
4. Write down where you met the individual on the back of the card. When handling a lot of cards, only Einstein could remember everyone from their names. Add any other information that will help you remember the individual, as well as items to follow up on - like a product or event she mentioned. 
5. Following up is crucial.  Once you've got your contact, follow up as soon as possible (less than one week). 

Meeting someone and getting her business card is not enough. It's your responsibility to put those names in your database, set up a date to call them, and then make that call!