I’m trying to get my papers and stuff organized for the first time, ever. Most stuff seems to fit nicely into some sort of envelope of folder, but I have no idea what to do with business cards.
Your own, or ones you’ve collected from other people? If the latter, try something like these: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Untabbed-Business-Card-Pages/product_413371
Sorry, I should have specified. Cards that I’ve collected from other people.
Create a file in your Documents called “Business Cards” and scan them to it. Then pitch them.
I only receive a few business cards, so I just type in the data into either Outlook contacts or my phone address book (or both). If you’ve got a lot of business cards to process, one of those dedicated business card scanners might be worthwhile. And there are iPhone apps that let you take a picture of the business card and then automatically populate the address book.
Put them in the recycle bin.
Type into whatever is your contact master list. For example, Outlook. Put in a bunch of keywords so it can be easier to find in 5 years after you’ve forgotten most details except for “superbowl party”. You can search on these much easier than scanned cards.
I enter the details into my Contacts list, and then turf the cards.
I don’t need every single card in my Outlook. Some people I only call once a year! I bought a Business card holder, which is like a book with sleeves.
I’m not an organized person but, numbers get put into my phone. Cards get put into an old fashioned Rolodex. Single staple to the Rolodex card with relevant notes on the backside. Rarely do I ever need to reference them but they are there for all eternity.
I put them in ZIP code order. I can never remember someone’s name, or even the name of their company, but I can usually remember what city they’re in, or roughly where their office is.
I have a simple three-step process:
- Determine if it’s anyone I give a shit about.
- If answer to #1 is “yes,” put it in my phone which is synced to my desktop contacts DB.
- Chuck card.
Oh, and anyone who doesn’t have a QR code on their business card CLEARLY doesn’t need a phone call from me, anyway. 
I have a scanner since I’m in H/R and get a ton of them. The program I use allows me to type key words with each scan so I can search very easily and thoroughly.
Work cards into Rolodex, numbers into the Blackberry. Magnetic ones onto the fridge (plumber, electrician, health line etc). Everything else gets put into my phone and synced with laptop and iPad.
I used to wonder what QR codes were good for - most were used for URLs, which would be better off with URL shorteners, since they don’t require specific software. But I think this application has convinced me.
I don’t like taking the time to do anything with most of them - not knowing which will be of use. So I store them in three lots. A few are in my purse because I know I will need them soon for some current action. If that will become ongoing, the data gets entered into the devices and the card discarded.
Other cards (most of them) are split into two piles held by rubber bands in my desk drawer. One for cards I will keep for the long term anyway. And the other for cards I have been given and may or may not ever be needed again. The last pile is checked every now and then and the rejects rejected.
I’ve been looking for business-card sized storage boxes. Can’t find any! There are lots of 3x5 file card storage boxes, but none sized for bus. cards.
I’m thinking of getting some bulk cardboard and folding my own!
(I like the three-ring-binder inserts with pockets, but, ultimately, those take up more room. I just want to box 'em and shelve 'em.)
Scanning technology is also really, really tempting…
Scan them into my google contacts using a card scanning app on my android phone. Then throw the paper ones out.
Zombie spam reported.