Good job - you've got yourself over the initial challenge of getting yourself out there and networking. You're starting to attend regular events, you're willing to meet new people and you've begun to build a solid personal brand. There's always someone interesting to talk to and now you find yourself starting to enjoy the process.

Except for that pile of business cards that is slowly growing on the corner of your desk. All those people you've met with whom you sincerely intended to follow-up. And as time goes by, you feel more and more uncertain and guilty about them sitting there. You are not alone. I think that follow-up and staying connected to people is one of the most difficult parts of networking. We get busy, we're not sure what to say and mostly, we don't have the habit. Here are a few ideas to help you get better with your networking follow-up.

First, you need a system. It does not have to be complicated or elaborate, in fact simpler is better. Here's one easy process you can try. Get a full-sized paper inbox. Put a stack of blank sheets and a stapler next to it. As soon as you get back to the office, empty out your business cards from your card-holder or pocket. Take each one and staple it to a sheet of paper. Make notes on the paper to the best of your recall including any hobbies they mentioned, family, special skills, what is a good referral for them and anything that you promised to do for them. Now it's not a pile of business cards. It is a clear to-do list that you can incorporate into your regular activities.

Second, remind yourself of the value of following up. Post a sign in your office that says "The fortune is in the follow-up." Find quotes from great thinkers about the value of the activity such as this one:

Concentrate on the activities of prospecting, presenting and following-up; the sales will take care of themselves. -- Brian Tracy

You could even set up a free pop up reminder service to flash these quotes to you throughout the day.

Finally, put yourself in their place. How would you feel if you met someone who seemed to think that you could help each other in business and you never heard from them again? What if you thought you'd found a new friend who shared your unusual hobby and they never mentioned it? What if they were ready to buy, but you never called to give them the opportunity to solve their problem with your service? It would feel bad. You would feel forgotten and rejected. That feeling alone should help move you to action.