debcook

I use a flat bed scanner nearly everyday. However, I do not own a business card scanner. As much as I love new gadgets I have not be able to make the case that I need one. Next time that I go to a convention I will probably change my mind.

Business cards can quickly become a problem. They are a great way to network as well as a way to keep important information at your fingertips but how do you store them?

· In a business card organizer book?
· In a business card stand?
· In a business card box?
· In a rubber band?

Any of these four options are doable but each one will create just a little more clutter. Do alphabetize business cards according to the business name or the contact name? Do you keep them separated into categories are do you bundle them all together?

TIP: As you accept business cards always note on the card where you met this person and why you are keeping the card. If the contact is transferred to your computer take the time to make the same note there. This practice makes purging easier later.

Business card scanners do not have to be expensive. A “Neat Business Card Scanner” is typically priced at just less than $100. “Card Scan” is a well-known business card scanner and is typically priced around $150. Some models have upgraded features and will usually be priced at over $200. For those that share information over a network there is a $450 model from Card Scan that sends the scanned information to others on the network.

Once the business card is scanned what do you do with the file?

· Contact software such as Outlook, Gold Mine and ACT integrates with the business card scanners
· Letters and email can be addressed with a touch of a key on your computer keyboard
· Contact information can be synced to your PDA, Blackberry or SmartPhone
· Contact information is searchable

Anyone that receives a large number of business cards would be smart to invest in a business card scanner. Some scan in color and all automatically fill in contact information in a new contact format. Most are compact enough to carry with you on a business trip and connect to a computer via a USB port (no external power supply needed). The advantages could easily out-weigh the cost.

Do you have a business card scanner? Which scanner do you own? Do you use it like you thought you would?