Ah, the value of the lowly 3x5 card.

1. For writing down a good idea that springs to mind.

Not written down, such ideas usually disappear.

"Words are birds" and quickly fly away unless captured.

I use this old-fashioned method a lot. I've got cards on

my bed-stand, in my pocket, and in my car. When I geta good idea while driving, I write down a few key wordswhen stopped at a red light.

2. When at meetings and social gatherings, you'll often

meet someone who doesn't have business cards handy.You can use a 3x5 card to get their contact information.

An upscale alternative I use is a blank business card

I created that says "My Other Card" and then has

3 lines for Name, Email, and Telephone. (You can get

these for a pittance at VistaPrint.com.) When my new

friend says "I've run out of cards," I say, "No matter.

Here is your Other Card." This always gets a chuckle,

and many folks ask me for an extra card they can copy.

3. Not a card, but a method. 3 times each day at the

office, M-F, contact an acquaintance with a short phone

call, a handwritten note, an email message, or perhaps

mail a clipping you know will interest them. Your

"likeability quotient" will increase accordingly.

3x5. Simple. Easy. Low-cost. Communication magic!

Loren Ekroth �2012, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication anda national expert on conversation for business and social life.

Contact atLoren@conversationmatters.com