5 Ways to Connect through the Business Cards You Collect
I’m all about collecting.
Over the years, I’ve collected bright vintage Pyrex bowls, fountain pens, anything our grandkids created, books, and even galvanized houses. Since our most recent move, however, my desire to collect has decreased (except for the grandkids creations, of course.) Moving has a way of doing that to a person.
But when I attend conferences, I enjoy collecting business cards.
Not for collecting sake, though. I request cards to remember the people God brought across my path. This year, I prayed for “holy introductions”, as Torry Martin calls them. You know, those unexpected run-ins and sit-bys. Like, Cheryl Crofoot Knapp, who I sat by at dinner, patiently waiting for the faculty member to arrive. And then there was Catherine Finger, whom I sat across at the Clouds Cafe. I thought I was there to catch up on emails but God had something different in mind. He always does, thankfully.
So, what do we do with the business cards we collect?
5 Ways to Connect {and Bless} Those On the Business Cards We Collect
{1}
This is not my idea. Someone at our conference (whose name was not shared) suggested it. But it was too good not to mention: Put them in a bowl when you return home, choose one each day, and pray for that person and their ministry.
{2}
Another way to pray for new connections is something I do each year and I shared it in my post, How to Bless Those You Met at the Writer’s Conference.
{3}
Send requests to be Facebook friends to begin cultivating relationships.
{4}
Lay out the cards and take a picture. This way, you can preserve the information (and the face!) while keeping your office space decluttered.
{5}
Promote their work. I know, I know. It’s impossible to keep up with everyone. But I encourage you to let the Lord lead you in who you could promote from your fresh stack of cards. You didn’t meet the ministries represented on the business cards by coincidence. Being Facebook friends is the first step but if you resonate with their work, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest too. When they have a victory, share it with others through your social media outlets.
One way I’m doing this today is by sharing the names of those I collected cards from this year at The Blue Ridge Mountains Writer’s Conference, along with a link to their site. Some I’ve known for a while. But who could blame a girl for wanting a new card? *smile*
- Holland C. Kirbo, Christian Fiction & YA Fantasy
- Katherine Pasour, Advocate for Wellness
- Judy Royal Glenn, Photographer, and Writer
- Sandra Lovelace, Writer, Speaker, and Mentor
- Molly Jo Realy, Writer, Editor, Social Media, Publicist
- Jordan Alexandra Wells – Facebook @JordanAlexandraWells
- Carol McClain, Writing Redemption
- Carlton W. Hughes, Speaker, Freelance Writer (I enjoyed meeting his sweet wife, Kathy, this year.)
- Becky Cortino, Author, Speaker, Security Researcher
- Robin Gilbert Luftig, Speaker, and Author
- Diane L. Ward, Writer
- Mary Albers Felkins, Author
- PJ Gover, Writer
- Joy E. Miller, Writer (Both she and her mom, Jane, are truly a joy!)
- Kris Meade, President/CEO of Meade Agency
- Tammy Van Gils, Inspiring Fresh Insight & Everblooming Hope
- Mary Wells Coutu, Blessing Your Life Through Story
- Angela Arndt, Finding Joy on the Back Roads
- Emily Wickham, Author/Speaker
- Hope Dougherty, Inspirational Love Stories
- Kim Miller, Writer
- Norma R. Poore, Writer/Speaker
- Beverly Varnado, Author/Speaker
- Paula Sorrells-Beene, Author/Speaker/Proofreader
5 Ways to Bless Others With the Business Cards You Collect Share on X
I wish I’d approached more peeps for a card exchange but it’s hard to keep up with all of these creative people!
One bonus idea: Obviously, we can’t sign up for everyone’s blogs but the truth of the matter is, that’s one of the best ways to support another. Many of us see our writing as a ministry and we welcome the opportunity to love you back!
So, do you have another idea for business cards or would you like to share the name & Web address (no phone numbers or addresses, please) of someone you met at Blue Ridge this year?
