Do you hand out your business cards everywhere you go? You should. In fact, you should try to make a point to hand out 10 every day, even if you're handing them to people who can't possibly become your customers. Even if you handed one to the same person last week and the week before.

Why? Because assuming that you're a pleasant person and people like you, they may turn into sources of referrals. And - because people lose things.

How many business cards have you stuck in a pocket or purse and later tossed? Probably plenty. And some of them you probably wished you had kept.

But handing out your cards is the second part. First you need to make sure that your cards are going to do the job. Used well, business cards are one of the least expensive ways to market yourself and your business.

First, that card needs to include your name. Seems obvious, but I've seen several cards around our community that say things like "Superior Plumbing" or "A-1 Drywall," and they don't include the person's name.

And it's important. Quite often we know who we do and don't want to do business with, but we don't necessarily know what they've named their business. I can think of a couple of independent contractors that I wouldn't hire on a bet. So, if all I see is the business name, I'm not going to take the chance of dialing that number.

Next, the card needs to have your picture. You don't have to go to a studio and get a professional shot. Just get someone who knows how to take a picture and have them take a dozen or so for you to choose from. Pick one that looks like you and conveys an image of professionalism. Stay away from those "glamour shots" they sell at the mall! (Unless you're selling glamour, of course.)

You may personally be a whiz at remembering the names of everyone you meet. I'm not, and a lot of other people are not. But almost everyone remembers a face or a feeling.

I've run into people and gotten a negative feeling without knowing why - and only hours later remembered who they are and why I felt that way. I've also run into people and felt friendly to them - and couldn't immediately remember where I'd met them before.

The people you hand your cards to may not remember your name. In fact, until you hand over that card they might not even know your name. Do you introduce yourself by name to every waitress you meet, or every store clerk? Not likely, but if you've treated them well, when they see your face they'll remember the good vibrations.

A week or even a month after you met, when someone they know starts talking about needing the goods or service you provide, that waitress or store clerk is apt to remember you and reach for your card to hand to their friend.

But, if it happens to be in the bottom of a purse or a desk drawer with several other cards, the only way they'll know it's you is if you're the only one there who provides that product or service. That is, unless you're smiling at them from the card.

Your photo becomes even more important if you attend networking events. Everyone you meet there is gathering cards - and unless they have memories a lot better than mine, they won't remember which person went with which card - unless they see a picture.

Since you'll also be gathering cards, try to sneak a second to write your own notes on the ones without cards - especially if you met someone you instantly liked.

On a trip to Florida for a copywriter's conference I gathered a whole stack of business cards. And none of them had a photo. By the time I got home, I couldn't match any of them up with the people I had talked with. On a few I had scribbled a quick note - but I'll have to admit, I didn't do a good job. Who was the "funny short guy?"

What I should have done was create a code to at least remind myself which people made a good impression.

One way to avoid this problem is to promise to send something. Then no one will think it strange if you write a note on the back of the card to remind yourself what you promised. While you're doing that, you can make a note for yourself.

What to do with the cards you gather?

Within a day or so of gathering the card - either at the event or in a one-to-one situation, write them a note. If you can remember something you talked about, mention it to help them remember who you are. And of course, include your card again.

Don't get pushy - just say you enjoyed meeting them and if you can ever be of assistance, please get in touch. If you have an ezine or send a newsletter, you should have already offered to put their names on your list. But if you didn't, tell them about it now and offer to send it to them. If it's a print newsletter and you have an extra copy of the last issue, send it along with your note.

There's really no point in networking unless you follow up.