As business owners or managers, we all understand the importance of professional networks. The name of the game in business networking needs to be remembered and today’s mix of portable electronic devices can keep prospective customers talking about your business (buzz).

Handheld computers, personal data assistants (PDAs, PalmPilots, etc.), and personal media players (Video IPODs, etc.) are some of the best electronic networking tools available. You probably use a PDA every day, but only to manage your calendar and address records. Today’s PDAs are full-featured multimedia platforms that can play CD-quality audio; PowerPoint presentations; display web content and even play full-motion video.

Imagine at a Chamber of Commerce networking event and someone asks my favorite question; “What is your job?”. After a brief description, he introduces his PDA and plays a well-produced commercial video. The next thing you hear is “Wow, that’s amazing!” This is not only “awesome” but unique in that you are almost certainly the only person in the room using your handheld device as your business card. The name of the game in marketing must be remembered, and professionally produced portable media helps you seize every opportunity, no matter where you are. If your company has a promotional video, prepare it for portable devices. If you don’t have a VCR or PDA, consider getting both.