In the next few days I will be talking and bumping into people In-Real-Life (IRL) at #SXSWthat I have been connecting with on-line. I have a process to make sure I keep track of everyone I meet with the intent of getting to know new people and what they do. If you need help tracking people and their conversations my previous post might be helpful.

Last year I ended up with a deck of Business cards where most of them are probably sitting in a box somewhere. Once I got back I had to catch up on work and had very little time to get back to everyone. I did send an email or two but I did not follow up on any.

Overall I was able to establish some relationships with some great people but on the other hand I could have done a better job at connecting with people during the conference.

I also bumped into many people I did not see again and did not have a way to contact them back.

This year I will make sure I am not shy in asking those I meet and have something in common with me what method is the best way to keep in touch.

I will do the following:

1. Asking for a Biz Card or their twitter account

If I ask for a biz card especially in places where it might not be convenient to store the info or add the person to my contacts.

2. Adding them via an app like Hashable

If it is convenient I will also add people to Hashable, which will help me keep track of those people I met, when, and where. As soon as you get a business card create a To-do.

2. Creating a To-do list to add new contact information.

If I keep a list of all the people I need to get back to with key information it will be easier to then follow up on everyone I meet and continue the conversation:

• Copy the name
• Where I met them
• Twitter account
• Email
• Reason I should get back to them.

4. Send and email and track it

I use Batchbook CRM To keep track of communications. This way if I exchange emails with the person and in the future they contact me back I have an easy way to see previous conversations and the history.

5. Adding them to My Google Plus Circles and Twitter

By creating a Google Plus circle where I can follow those that are around me it might help me connect during the conference and continue the conversation after we all leave the conference.

Do you have a process of keeping track and connecting with people during and after conferences?

This post was possible thanks to the support of the San Juan Marriott who is Gold Sponsor of my SXSW 2012 trip