Chapter 44
Exchanging Contact Information
Once you've created a mini-bond and decided you would like to connect with this person again, simply ask for a business card. (See Chapter 47: Business Cards.)
When you don't have an opportunity to get the card, simply remember who introduced you and ask that person to send you the contact details. You can also search the Internet for contact information. People who don't carry business cards may suggest you visit their website to touch base with them. If they ask you to contact them, be sure you do.
Don't rush to this step of the Mingling Formula. If a mini-bond was not created or there doesn't seem to be a reason to connect in the immediate future, it is not necessary to exchange contact coordinates. This would lead to mere business-card collecting.
You don't want to underestimate your ability to build rapport or you will never get people's contact information. You won't build your network if you don't take a chance by building relationships outside functions. Creating a mini-bond does not mean that you've become best friends. It's just that you've connected enough so the contact will remember you when you follow up or see him the next time.
If you don't exchange contact details, just take note of anything you discussed. The next time you run into each other mention a tidbit from your last conversation. Your memory of your first encounter will be an instant mini-bond generator.
Sometimes it takes months, or even years, before you actually ...
