How to Sort Through Business Cards

(Oh, Hello Friend)

I kinda feel like my desk looks like this...times 50.  I've got lots of business cards to get through and follow-up on.  So I took my own advice:  take 10 minutes each day to tackle a task.

I separated them into 3 categories: record contact info, email a follow-up or email a referral.  The contact info was quick and easy to enter.  Then the follow-ups weren't too bad.  Each was a simple message of "nice to meet you, let's get together soon".  After I knocked out those piles, I moved on to referrals.  They took a little more time because it was usually an e-introduction or needed more info.  But over the week, with an average of 10 minutes each day, I got it all done.

Piles of paper clutter can be very daunting.  Yet if you break it down into 10-minute tasks, it'll be much more manageable.  And once you score down your cluster of business cards, try collecting the keepers in one of these cute card organizers.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what's cluttering your desk today?

PS- Look at this before/after of a Tribeca office or this before/after of a home office.  They were lot's of work but had great results!

Business Card Organizers

Last month was a busy blur of introductions, handshakes and business card swapping.  I've amassed a pile of cards, stuffed in a ziploc bag inside my desk drawer.  A couple times a week, I make a point to process the contact info to my computer.  Then I got to thinking, what about business card organizers?

If you're a visual person (like me), then you might appreciate keeping all your contacts at hand, flipping through them one by one or scrolling down page by page of attractively imaged cards.  Here are a few flashy organizers that keep your contacts in one place:

(Girl of All Work)

(SeeJaneWork)

(Galison)

(PriaVanda)

I like the idea of a mini-binder; sleek, slender and you can tuck it away on the bookshelf.  Yet those rolodex options are might fine-looking for a desktop.  Or maybe you're not a paper person and you'd prefer to keep your contacts online.  If so, then check out this cool app that enters info for you with a snap of your camera phone.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you organize your business cards?

PS- Look at this nifty card stand to put on your desk.

These creative card ideas are really out there. 

And when it comes to handing out your own business cards, my friend, Michael, says, 'a card is like a kiss'.  What??

'C. Wonder' Wonders

Last week, I had lunch with my fabulously creative friend, Abby.  (Check out her light-infused photography blog.) She was intown for NYC Fashion Week and had done some window shopping.   I'm embarrassed to say that she knew more about the city retail scene than I did.  In fact, she introduced me to my new favorite store...

C. Wonder.  It's a bright, preppy lifestyle store in Soho.  Their style rides the enviable line of color clusters without being cluttered.  Prices are reasonable and the products are functional and trendy.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This tray reminds me of 'A Little Princess'; it's subtly exotic and the soft pink is sweet compliment to most interiors.  Set it by your front door to hold your keys and other pocket items.

A more sophisticated (and shinier) version of the old, plastic piggy bank to hold all your loose change.

Having stationary on-hand is a must.  (Remember this post about keeping it organized?)  And I like the simple title on these cards: 'It's Been Too Long'.  Hasn't it, though?

Oh, my goodness!  What a gorgeous bike!  I love the C. Wonder green and the throwback style, suitable for a guy or gal.  Using a bike to get errands done can be an effective way to Appleshine your To Do List.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what's your favorite pick from C. Wonder?

Sorting your Stationary

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you're sharing lots of love and hugs today.  And if your loved ones are too far away to hug, say 'hi' with an old-fashioned, handwritten card.  (E-cards don't count!)

If you make a habit out of stationary (and you should), here are a few card organizers to keep your holidays, birthdays and other occasions sorted:

A plain, recycled materials notebook lets you keep your important cards and dates tucked neatly away.

This clear tub is a little roomier, allowing for those crazy, oversized cards that are so much fun to send!

I like the sophisticated colors of this handled holder.  It comes with a lid, too, to protect all the cards.

A basic, white box with enough room for cards and dividers could blend into any backdrop...even a bachelor pad.

Here's a great card to start your collection.  And another one that made me laugh.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what cards would you put in your organizer?