Every day thousands of business cards are exchanged. Professionals from all industries rely on cards to make important contacts. The phrase “Let me give you my card,” is an opening into a potentially valuable business relationship.

Networking is an important part of expanding your name and business. To keep the door open to contacts you’ve met, make sure to file their contact information in an organized fashion. If you’re just dropping business cards onto piles on your desk, you could misplace or lose worthwhile connections.

Fortunately, there are many ways to organize and store business cards. Scanning contact information into the computer and storing it electronically is the most up-to-date method. A business card scanner allows you to consolidate all contacts using drag-and-drop from email, web sites and other electronic databases. Plus, you can recycle the cards after you’ve saved their information on the computer.

On the other hand, if you’d rather file the actual business cards, I suggest a rolodex binder or a business card book. These products can be stored in a desk drawer or carried with you in a brief case.

Another option is the flip-through, open tray rolodex. I think my mom still uses one of these at home. They’re easy, and sit right on your desk or countertop.