Share Your Contact the Easy Way
Eighteen easy tips to share your contact the easy way, so staying in touch feels natural and not pushy.
Make it easy to say yes. Small asks, big results.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Quiet (Susan Cain), The Introvert’s Edge (Matthew Pollard), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why share contacts
A good conversation fades if you cannot find each other later. A simple exchange keeps the door open.
Do it.
Wait for a good moment
Ask when the chat feels warm. A natural end is the best time.
Wait for warmth.
Offer yours first
Say, here is my contact if you ever want to chat. Giving first makes it easy to say yes.
Offer first.
Use the method that fits
LinkedIn for work, phone for friends, email for formal needs. Pick what feels natural.
Pick one.
Use your phone to connect
Open LinkedIn or the contacts app and share a link. It is faster than business cards.
Share a link.
Carry a few cards
A simple card still helps at some events. Keep it clean with your name, role and contact.
Carry a few.
Write a note about them
Right after, jot down their name and a detail. Notes help your follow-up feel personal.
Note it.
Confirm the next step
Say, I will message you this week. Saying it aloud makes it likely.
Say it aloud.
Script: asking
I enjoyed our chat, may I connect with you on LinkedIn? Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: offering
Here is my number if you would like to meet for coffee some time. Say it lightly.
Use it.
Script: promising
I will message you tomorrow with that link. Say it clearly.
Use it.
Mistake: handing cards to everyone
Mass cards feel cold, so give them to people you truly talked with.
Be selective.
Mistake: asking too early
If you ask in the first minute it feels pushy, so wait for warmth.
Wait.
Mistake: never following up
A contact without a message is wasted, so follow within two days.
Follow up.
Troubleshoot: when they prefer not to share
Smile and say, no problem, it was lovely to meet you. Be gracious.
Be gracious.
Troubleshoot: when you forget your cards
Share your contact on your phone or offer to find them online. Easy fix.
Use your phone.
Drill: set up your phone for sharing
Test that your LinkedIn QR code or contact card works, then save it on your home screen.
Set it up.
Drill: ask one person at your next event
Ask one person for a connection and send a short note the next day.
Try it.
Bring a few clean cards
Simple, readable cards make you look prepared. Keep them in a pocket.
Check your cards.
Use your phone to share contacts
Many phones can share a contact in seconds. Practise before the event.
Test sharing.
Write a note on their card
After a chat, jot a detail on the back. It helps later.
Write a note.
Ask for a card kindly
May I have your contact? is polite and clear. Smile as you ask.
Ask it.
Example: the swap
Mia gave her card and wrote the book title on his. He messaged her the next day.
Do a swap.
Example: the QR code
Ben showed his profile QR code. They connected in five seconds.
Use a QR code.
Mistake: giving cards like flyers
Handing out many cards looks careless. Give to people you truly spoke with.
Be selective.
Troubleshoot: when you lose a card
Send a short message through the event page or host. People are helpful.
Ask the host.
Drill: set up your sharing tools tonight
Check your cards, QR code and profile link. Test them with a friend.
Test tonight.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“May I connect with you?”
“Here is my contact.”
“I will message you tomorrow.”
“No pressure, only if you like.”
“Thanks for the chat.”
“Talk soon.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Choose a method
Ask kindly
Offer yours first
Confirm it
Write a note
Message soon
Say thanks
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- Quiet (Susan Cain)
- The Introvert’s Edge (Matthew Pollard)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Working a Room”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Introduce People to Each OtherNext: Exit a Chat Kindly →
- Pick the Right Events
- Set One Small Goal
- Plan Your Arrival and Outfit
- Enter Calmly and Find a Friendly Face
- Join a Group Without Interrupting
- Start Chats With Easy Questions
- Listen More Than You Talk
- Introduce People to Each Other
- Share Your Contact the Easy Way
- Exit a Chat Kindly
- Networking for Quiet People
- Write Notes the Same Night
