Organize Your Business Cards with OneNote

Well shortly after the beginning of the New Year I looked around at the mass of business cards I accumulated in 2017.

One of the reasons my collection was unusually large was due to the 100 Day Challenge earlier in the year. As a result of that effort, I met 100 new people in 100 days then went on to meet many more through my regular networking efforts.

For a few years now, I have not had an adequate way to manage the business cards I collect. This is due largely to the fact that I used CardMunch which was purchased by LinkedIn and which they promptly killed shortly thereafter for some mysterious reason, offering no alternative.

My typical routine of late has been to follow up via LinkedIn then throw the business cards in a box or stack them up if I plan to follow-up further in the immediate future.  Not a really good system.

Also, I have not been fully satisfied with any of the apps available because they are either too costly and are often more robust then I need.

I just want to be to find someone who I might have met in the course of networking if I find later that I may require their service or want to refer them to someone.

Often I do not remember their name but I may remember something about what they do and since I am a visual person being able to look at their business card helps me to recall the encounter we had.

Then I encountered OneNote. This is a program that is included as part of Windows 10. If you are a Mac user you can consider EverNote as an option. The first time I encountered these programs I did not really get it. Then I came to realize that using OneNote is not too much different from my box and stack method only a bit more organized.

OneNote is not a database. Think of it as a scrapbook or bulletin board where you can pin or post any kind of media. It can be a picture, a PDF file, a Word file, a video or an MP3 file. You can see them all at a glance and click on any of them to interact more fully. Kind of like a visual interactive directory.

You can open a OneNote workbook and give it a name. Then add pages giving each page a subcategory name. So in the case of my Business Card project, I call my workbook “Business Cards.” In this example, every individual business card becomes a page in the workbook. At first, the page may include nothing more than a picture of the card, but this is where it gets interesting.

Using an app on my smartphone called Office Lens (downloaded for free) I take a picture of the business card. I then easily save the image in my OneNote app whereupon OneNote automatically does a pretty good job of reading the data (using OCR) then automatically creates a page including the original image with the printed data as text above it.

This page becomes the beginning of a dossier on that contact. Meaning that I can add additional notes or related documents, images and files as my relationship with this individual or business continue to grow.

The fact that OneNote OCR’d the card makes the text that was on the card image searchable. So if I only remember that the person I am looking for is named John, I can search OneNote for “John” and OneNote will show me all the pages in the workbook that includes the word JOHN.

Screenshots from OneNote App

I love this system because it is flexible and amorphous. Unlike a database, I do not have to consider in advance what kinds of data I may want to collect. I can make any kind of note and include any supporting material that makes sense for that entity.

This suits me because it is not super organized but just organized enough to help me find what I need and know where it can be found.

If you are using Windows 10 on a desktop, laptop or tablet the data will be automatically synced between your smartphone and your other devices.

In my case, I use a desktop computer and an iPhone. I take my pictures with the iPhone using the Office Lens App. Save the image to OneNote. After a minute or two, it is automatically synced with my desktop version of OneNote. This means I have access to the information on my desk and on the go.

Conversely, I find it is easier to make additional notes and correction using the desktop version which is then synchronized with the information my phone.

The best way to understand this is to play with it a bit. If you have Windows 10 you already have the program. Download and activate the OfficeLens app and the OneNote app (both free). Get a few business cards and give it a try.

I consider this solution ideal for dealing with contacts of whom I am uncertain about our future relationship.  I have taken the time to meet them and do not want to squander that investment of time. I want to be able to find them if I need to but I do not want to necessarily include them in my day-to-day contact list. If our relationship blooms, I will move the information over to my regular contact list.

Let me know what you think and what improvements you may have.

 

Networking with Bernie Day 83

This week has begun with seventy degree weather and by “Networking with Bernie” at the Logan Square Library. Realtor Bernie Small has been hosting this group for about six year. Today’s presenter was language instructor Tony Marsh who demonstrated his method of helping people quickly become conversational in virtually any language.

John Jones, CPA who with Bernie and I are participating in a 100 day challenge to make 100 new business contacts reported that though it is day 83 he has made the goal of 100. Congratulations to John.  I am at 91 toward the achievement of my goal with 17 days left. Bernie announced that he felt the challenge has contributed significantly to what appears to multiple offers on  a condo he has for sale, as well as the identification and acquisition of an important investor for one of his other real estate projects.  So the journey continues.

New business contacts today include the following.

David Henly of Proctor Digital. Small business SEO and digital visibility specialist.

Perry Corneh of Promptly Properties can help you use real estate to build wealth.

Financial advisor and planner, Nick Smith of PHP Agency.

Michael and Jenn Querubin of Inbound Artistry. A social media marketing agency.

Some friends and previous business acquaintances also in attendance included.

Avi Menachem,  Zero-Carbon Travel  providing low cost travel with a carbon offset.

Harriet Luden, Donna’s Garden Flower Shop on Peterson Ave near Central.

Tony Paolella providing sales leads for B2B development.

Joe the Plumber and skin care specialist Andrea Nierhof.

What are you doing to expand your sphere of influence?  Business networking is a great way to meet more people, stay in contact with those you have met and in so doing stay top of mind while building stronger and more meaningful relationships as you get to know each individual better.  Break out of your comfort zone and join us the last Tuesday of every month at our Business Card to Business Networking Group.

100 Day Networking Journey

Well I am headed into day 80 and have met 85 new business related contacts.

This past weekend I enjoyed spending the afternoon with the Windy City Historians. We took a tour of The Forbidden Root Brew Pub on Chicago avenue that had been the long shuttered Hub Movie Theater. The new operators have done a nice job of renovating the property while preserving some interesting aspects of the old movie house.

Though I chatted briefly with a few people I had not previously met I did not make any new contacts that I plan to include in the challenge. Still it is always good to get out and reinforce your connections and just have some fun learning new things and seeing how other people’s projects are progressing.

In the spirit of getting out of my comfort zone I attended a meeting of The Black List Chicago which is a loose confederation of mostly screenwriters and people associated with making movies and feature films.  Sure I make video but most of mine are less than 5 minutes long and produced with very limited budgets. I had a great time and learned quite a bit about the workings of the film industry from the people I met. Enjoyed a Guiness and made a few new friends. I’m looking forward to interacting more with this creative group.

Wow! What A Great Event | Speed Networking Chicago Chamber of Commerce

As part of my challenge to make 100 new business contacts in 100 days, I attended a Chicago multi-chamber, speed networking event organized by several chambers of commerce on the far northside of Chicago. Held at The Breakers Senior Living Apartments on Sheridan Road near Foster, the event is organized much like speed dating. In this case you spend a few minutes at a table with about six or seven other individuals. Each person gets a chance to give his or her his or her “elevator pitch” saying who they are and what they do. My current pitch goes like this, “How would you like to succinctly tell your web visitors who you are what you do and why they should do it with you? My name is Reno Lovison and I produce web video.” Each person takes a turn, and in about 5 minutes the whole table has introduced themselves.  This then proceeds with another two rounds of each person commenting on a topic or giving their answer to a few other questions. When the process is completed each person has learned a little about each other and is then assigned a new table where the process is repeated. Then one more time at another table. So in the space of about 30-40 minutes I was able to introduce myself and get introduced to about 20 new contacts and get reacquainted with a few people I already knew. After which each person settles at a table of their choice and enjoys open networking and a buffet lunch.

The criteria for my challenge of meeting 100 new business contacts in 100 days is that I must have some understanding of what business or service my new contact offers and they must understand the same about me and we must trade contact information and do a follow up via LinkedIn or email. So these 20 new contacts definitely count.

Here are some of the people I met.

The first person I spoke with when I arrived was mortgage broker Demos Revelis.

Dorothy Rosen, Health & Wealth Executive is also involved in promoting women in business.

Patrick Honan is an account executive for one of my favorite radio stations WBEZ 91.5 in Chicago.

Andre Vasquez is a community organizer and political commentator based in the 40th Ward looking to expand political discourse.

I had lunch with Evan Wilson who can help you or your organization optimize processes, and unify your team toward a common goal.

John Victor is a business rep for Ignition Switch Productions who also does video production. Whereas I produce video at an affordable price point for small businesses and organizations, Ignition seems geared more toward larger brands and more robust budgets.

David Schellinger of lower case productions provides graphic communications.

I was happy to meet Nicole Hanna, Director of Sales for Hampton Inn at Loyola in Rogers Park because there are so few good branded hotel options on the far northside to recommend to visitors and business travelers.

Marc Hertz of More Than Noise Marketing provides marketing and content creation assistance to small businesses.

Got a business event, wedding or party to organize? Emmanuelle Escandar can help you get it planned.

Laura Bare of Waddle Reed and Alan Rodriguez of American Trust are both available to help with money matters.

Kelvin Udogu, Pharm.D. recently opened a new independent pharmacy at 6237 N. Clark Street. Stop by!

Tony Paolella will get you connected with the right people if you are looking for B2B leads for your business.

Are you a solopreneur or independent service provider looking for feedback and support? Michael Shapiro can help you get involved with a peer group to help you get the insight you need to overcome business issues and grow your business or practice.

Annette Murray of Bethany Retirement Community is looking to connect with anyone who has senior housing needs or interacts with those who do.

Maike’s Marvels creates and sells beautiful handmade personal adornments and object d’art

Contact Jackie Marchand Heller if you have gently used women’s clothing including maternity wear suitable for re-sale at Revive Consignment 1606 W. Pratt.

There were about 75 people in attendance including my friend Donna Smith-Bellinger, the Revenue Accelerator, accountant John Jones, Real Estate experts Ellen Baren of @properties and my good buddy Bernie Small of 4 Sale Realty. Bernie and John have joined me and about 15 others in the 100 Day Challenge.

If you need to contact any of these folks let me know and I’ll get you connected. I hope this quick overview will inspire you to re-connect with some people you have been neglecting or get out of your comfort zone and expand your personal or business network. Hey, and don’t forget your business cards!


FYI this is by business networking blog. To learn more about my video production services visit RenoWeb.net. – Reno Lovison. 

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Day 68 of 100 Day Challenge

In two days it will be officially DAY 70 of the 100 day challenge however we decided to have our check-in meeting last night in conjunction with our Business Card to Business Networking Group.  We had a good meeting with each person sharing a little about themselves and their business. Bernie reported that he is doing well with the challenge and thankful that it has coxed him out of his comfort zone and has resulted in identifying two new investors who have partnered with him on two Real Estate deals. John reports that he has picked up two new clients as a result of the challenge.

I’ve been out of town for ten days but since I was ahead of the average when I left, I face Day 68 with exactly 68 contacts to my credit. I was in Baltimore representing a client where I made a number of new acquaintances but since I was not there promoting myself and my business I am not counting them as part of my personal network.

At the meetup we met Daylin Salcedo who represents J.Toor, a men’s custom clothing company on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. She was accompanied by her brother Carlos who was interested and inspired to hear everyone’s entrepreneurial stories.

Continue to follow this space to learn more about the 100 Day Challenge as it progresses. There are still 30 good days left which is enough to meet 25 or 50 new people and expand your personal network.

Networking with new mobile app developers in Chicago.

One of the primary objectives of my challenge to meet 100 new people in 100 days is to use the challenge as motivation to get out of my comfort zone and take action. Last night around 5:00 PM I realized I had to pick my wife up from her studio at around 9:00, so I had several hours of productive time to fill. Well there is always computer related stuff, but the “challenge” made me consider if there may be some last minute meeting or event I might attend, so I logged on to Eventbrite.com to see. Choosing the option “events today” I soon spotted a Blogger Meeting being hosted by Scott Winterroth, co-founder of ContentAcademy.com whom I know from Chicago Northside WordPress Meetup group where in  fact he was the presenter at last month’s meeting.

The group’s Eventbrite descriptions says “Bloggers Meet Startups” is a fun and collaborative way for Chicago bloggers, content creators and social media mavens to interact and network with startups founders.”  It began at 6:00 at State Farm’s “Next Door Chicago” community meeting facility on Diversey just west of Clark Street, which was on my way to where I needed to be and perfect for me.

The key presenters were Michelle Smyth Founder & CEO of Pay Your Selfie, Inc., a mobile research company with a patent-pending survey method blending human intelligence with image analysis for consumer lifestyle insights. In short (as I understand it) her app facilitates users’ ability to interact with brands via “selfie” photo surveys, which are both fun and revealing, ultimately providing useful data analysis based on visual data.

Dr. Vanessa Cutler presented info on her new app emotilink that provides an on-demand real time communication solution connecting licensed mental health care providers with users over a mobile platform. In addition to providing users with an anonymous solution to an often stigma-laden service, emotilink allows providers to regain autonomy of care and develop a practice on their own terms. Currently available for iOS search the appstore for emotilink.

I also had the pleasure to connect personally with Thet Soe the owner of a mobile app called DineHero which is predicated on the idea that there is no reason to dine alone. The app allows users to meet with each other at local food establishment for the purpose of networking with individuals who may share common interests or business pursuits. I recently received a virtual introduction to Thet from fellow challenge participant John Jones, so it was nice to meet in-person. Maybe I’ll write a review of the app from a networking point-of-view once I get a chance to use it a few times.

Also on hand was Cenk Yurtbilir of Cognata Technologies and developer of an app called Cooper Consultant that matches users with various kinds of consultants in their area. I just downloaded it to my iPhone and it looks interesting though still in its nascent stage. If you’re inclined to be an early adopter or a consultant looking to be in on the ground floor, check it out now.

This was day 49 of the challenge and these new contacts brought me up to a total of 63 new people who I look forward to learning more about and having as part of my business network. Be sure to check back and see how my adventure is progressing. Don’t forget to bring a few business cards wherever you go. You never know who you might meet.

 

International Women’s Day

My celebration of  International Women’s Day began by wearing my favorite red shirt in solidarity with my wife Julie Lovison who has been the owner of a woman owned business for over 25 years. She is the Director of The Lake Shore Music Studio providing piano lessons for all ages in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.  The celebration continued by attending the Chicago Gay & Gay Friendly Business Referral Network’s “Business Lunch & Learn” coordinated by my friend Cindy Weigel co-owner of Roxy Insurance. Cindy was unfortunately “under the weather” (get well soon) so the meeting was capably hosted by  Shae Lewis co-founder of Mission 2 Organize.

We were asked to say something in support of International Women’s Day. Since this is a Gay & Gay Friendly Group Meetup I must give the quote of the day to one fellow (sorry did not get his name) who said, “I love women – – I just do not LOVE women.”

My wife was surprised when I told her that as part of my comment I proclaimed her to be my “Entrepreneurial Hero.” The reason for this is because she has accomplished what nearly every entrepreneur hopes to do. She has created a successful business that has allows her to make a living doing something she loves to do. Not only that, she has built a lasting relationship with her clients that keeps them as repeat customers, and she is able to fill the majority of her new business requirements through referrals. She has a clear message with a clear value proposition. She does one thing and she does it well. Brava!

The speaker for the lunch an learn was Sue Reddel – Media & Marketing Consulting who shared ideas and tips related to social media marketing. Jim Spangler had his card drawn at the previous meeting which allowed him the opportunity to provide a five minute “shameless self-promotion” of his enterprise which is as an Independent Consultant for Arbonne. Jim did a great job providing an overview of the company and their features as a “green” manufacturer providing safe environmentally friendly personal care products. I also learned in my conversation with Jim that he is an actor who will be appearing soon in the musical “Gypsy.”

My other significant new contact of the day was with Kirsten Ramos, President of Elevate Performance Solutions, Inc. who provides personal communication coaching for leaders looking to be more effective and others who just have issues when it comes to presenting themselves to a group or even in one-on-one situations. Kirsten presented herself very professionally and thematically attired in a bright red sweater. I look forward to learning more about her services.

 

I was happy to see my friend Mark Hurwich who coaches individuals who have become “stuck” and feel as though they are not enjoying the success they should be having, or are just feeling powerless and having trouble getting past a difficult place in their life.  Mark can help you “Reconnect to Your Core Intention” to get unstuck. He has an seminar that you can learn more about at Concentrated Coaching.

Also in attendance was funeral officiant Margurite O’Connor and my buddy, realtor Bernie Small. I thought I would use this opportunity to revive a video clip I took of them a few years ago. Bernie is participating in my challenge to meet 100 new people in 100 days. This meeting is day 48 of the challenge and I’m at about 59 people so still a bit ahead of the average.

 

 

Lincoln Square Business Networking and Happy Hour | Chicago

business card arrayOver the past few years I have enjoy attending the Lincoln Square Business Networking and Happy Hour hosted by Dr. Katie Ray at the New Day Spa on Lincoln Avenue.  Dr. Katie a chiropractic physician, offers NETWORK SPINAL ANALYSIS™ (often called NSA or simply Network Care) which utilizes, as I understand it, a light touch which is far less aggressive than the chiropractic approach many people usually imagine. She always gives a short, five minute or less, demonstration at every meeting and graciously shares the spotlight with another service provider who gives a one or two minute introduction of themselves. It’s a well-run meeting in a light and cheerful atmosphere with a comfortable vibe. The BYOB policy means there are a few bottles of wine available to wind down the day as well as some antipasto or light nibbles to keep your tummy from grumbling.

As I walked in this past Wednesday I was happy to see Raquel Soto who I had just become acquainted with the day before at our very own Business Card to Business Meetup. Raquel provides coaching services to help improve your business or personal life.  Some other new contacts included Jake Ennis, Project Coordinator at Robert Half, Kara Buffardi, CEO & Founder of Craveity Marketing & Branding, and Daniel Lona strength coach offering personal fitness training in the River North area. Jeremy Cohn can improve your range of motion and provide relief of lower back pain utilizing the Alexander Technique. Ty Parris just moved here from California, offering commercial real estate financing and Edward Sablan of First Financial Credit Union can help you with your personal financial needs – – but ask him about his podcast.

Katie does a great job of mixing business with pleasure at this event. It’s a fun way to connect with some familiar faces and make some business contacts while getting to know a few new people and learn more about them, not just about what they do. This meeting was Day 41 of my 100 Day Challenge to meet 100 new people. With the people I met here I am ahead of the one per day average at about 56. The thing to keep in mind tough is the challenge is about quality not quantity. The goal is to make some kind of meaningful connection, that’s what makes it valuable and fun. Welcome to my network.

Conscious Networking

array of conscious company magazinesToday I attended my second meeting of Conscious Capitalism Chicago. The organization’s mission is to advocate for the power of business to create prosperity, fulfillment and beauty in the world. Program Chair and Board Member Lee Capps kindly took a few minutes to explain some of the finer details such as the four pillars that work together to help businesses practice Conscious Capitalism. The pillars are: a higher purpose, not just making money (which by the way is a good thing); looking out for the benefit of all stakeholders, including workers, vendors and community,not only management and investors; a conscious culture that hires based on shared values and nurtures trust; and conscious leadership that demonstrates a top down commitment to conscious capitalism. The meeting was held at the Farmhouse at 228 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago which is a business that practices conscious capitalism including the use of sustainable food products.

I met several interesting people the last time I attended a CC group meeting and this event was equally enlightening. I was happy to see my friend and CC advocate Mark Hurwich, who coaches individuals who have become “stuck” and feel as though they are not enjoying the success they should be having, or are just feeling powerless and having trouble getting past a difficult place in their life.  Mark can help you get unstuck. He has an upcoming 3 hour seminar for people who want to reconnect with their core intention. You can learn more about it at Concentrated Coaching.

Here is a lineup and shout out to some of the folks I had a chance to talk with and learn more about.

Brad McCabe of Bridgeport Metals recycles scrap for industry both ferrous and non-ferrous.

Jane McKay and Meg Barnhart are co-creators at “Zen of Slow Cooking” providing spice assortments and plans that will help you create moderately priced, easy to make, delicious meals in your crockpot or slow cooker. The packages they sell are assembled by adults with disabilities in Des Plaines, Illinois. Look for their product online or at area grocers including Whole Foods.

Davy Kusta is a leadership consultant whose family is in the concrete business and owns Franklin Park Building Materials, Inc. Davey likes to connect with people and is looking for speaking and corporate coaching opportunities.

Ken Simon whose business card designates him as CCO – Chief Cheesecake Officer passed around awesome samples of his Simply Simon’s Cheesecake.

Andy Swindler of Astekweb.com provides web services and is in the midst of a book project I will be anxious to learn more about.

Paul Sippil of CommunityDining.com arranges dining events connecting people through shared meals that stimulate substantive dialogue about pressing community and global issues, and strengthen the social bonds in our neighborhoods. Contact him if you would like to host or attend an event.

I wound up the evening talking shop with Mark Skala who, like me, is also in the video production business, under the clever name Skalawag Productions. Always good to speak with others in the same industry and with the same interests whether that be video production, marketing or writing. There are always opportunities to learn from each other or to create alliances or joint ventures.  It’s all about building trust and contributing what you can toward creating beauty in the world as you go about the business of business.

As of this meting I have met 48 people toward my challenge to meet 100 new people in 100 days, and I am only 33 days into it. Of course the great benefit of the challenge is meeting a lot of great people while expanding my network and sprinkling love dust. Check out where I have been and follow my future posts as I continue on this journey.

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Reno Lovison provides video production and other marketing services for growing businesses. You can learn more at RenoWeb.net

Day 30 of 100 Day Check-in

Thanks to realtor Bernie Small for hosting the third check-in of our 100 Day Challenge to increase your sphere of influence and grow your business. We had five of our 19 members in attendance which seems meager on one level but on another level it gave us some time to really connect and learn more about each other. Each person will get out of the challenge results proportional to the amount of effort they expend. For myself I have managed to add 39 new contacts to my business network in the last 30 days, putting me nearly 10 people ahead of the goal. John Jones reported numbers in excess of mine while the other three participants who checked in declared they were satisfied with the progress they are making and looking forward to continue to build.

My 39th contact is Mike from Patriot Painting who is plastering and painting our entryway and doing a great job. If you need a referral for a good paint and drywall guy give me a call and I’ll pass along his contact info.

Our check-in took place at a condo that Bernie is in the process of selling near Ainslie and Marine Drive.  Part of the strategy is to meet at venues related to the occupations of our challenge members so that we can learn more about what each of us are doing and give those individuals a chance to be the host. If you know anyone looking for a nice one-bedroom condo priced under 150K just south of Foster Avenue and steps from the lake contact Bernie Small.

We all brainstormed ideas to help Cengiz more effectively connect high school graduates with mentors who can help them gain experience and insight regarded to attaining their life and career goals. Susan gave a short presentation related to creating a business plan that could be used for planning virtually any kind of activity. I hope others will step-up and offer to share ideas and expertise that will help to make us all more effective in what we do.

The next event will take place at the Roots Room February 28, 2017 from 6-8 PM followed by our halfway point check-in at the offices of Dr. Edgardo Vargas Friday March 10th from 11:00 to 1:00. A light lunch will be served. So mark your calendars.

If you want to learn more about successful networking consider taking my self directed online course: From Business Card to Business Success.

Online course from business card to business succcess graphic