Printed business cards 'should be followed up within two days'

People should continue conversations initiated with printed business cards on social media sites, it has been suggested.

Printed business cards ought to be followed up promptly and through an online medium, according to one individual.

Kristen Ruby, founder and chief executive officer of the Ruby Media Group, wrote on Aol Small Business it is important individuals engage with their network rather than simply collecting other people's cards.

Entrepreneurs should establish their brand identity before starting their company and keep the image of the firm consistent, she continued.

"Then, when you get a business cards at a networking event, add it to your LinkedIn network and continue the conversation," Ms Ruby explained.

She said cards should be followed up within 48 hours of being exchanged through LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

Individuals ought to use their online profiles as a means of supplementing their CV, Ms Ruby added.

Marketing consultant Steve Billingham recently noted on Ifaonline.co.uk that exchanging printed business cards at networking events is an excellent means of finding new clients and suppliers.