Ordinarily I am rediculously diligent about having business cards with me. With stashes in my coat pockets, glove compartment, laptop bag, etc. It's nearly impossible for me to be without cards.

Of course this Sunday I was caught in a perfect storm of not having cards. I went for an early morning cycling trip on Loop 360 here in Austin. Met with a small group that had invited me in the past and got a chance to get to know a couple of really great guys during the ride. When we got back to the parking lot where we'd all started it was time for the card exchange. There I was.... No Cards! I'd brought my bike in my wife's van where I didn't have a stash.

The situation was easily rectified. I did get cards from the other guys and followed-up with my own contact information. However the experience taught me (again), that you never know where you're going to be when you need a couple of cards.

The solution is pretty straight forward. Stash those puppies everywhere you can think of: At home, at your office, in your coats (purses for the ladies), in your cars, everywhere! I'm never a fan of the mangled card in the wallet, but a mangled card with your phone number and e-mail address sure beats the heck out of no card at all when you really need it.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
www.NetworkInAustin.com