Lifetime Moms

Planning that next conference or tradeshow? Leave your business cards at home and try utilizing all of the great wireless tools to connect. This past weekend I attended BlogHer 2009 and was able to test out some of the latest devices out there to connect with and swap contact information. 

The Poken
This little device was a huge hit at BlogHer.  Not only was it great for swapping contact information, it was a great device to get the conversations flowing. The Poken can instantly connect with new friends across online social networks when and where you meet them.  All you have to do is rub the two little hands together, wait for the green light and your contact information is transferred. 

When you are ready to download the information the Poken hand pulls out of the body, revealing a USB connector. Insert the USB connector into any computer with web access and easily upload your new contacts to the Poken web database.

You can control which social network profiles you would like to share with people. On the Poken website (doyoupoken.com) you can organize your contacts alphabetically, chronologically or in your "social timeline."  You can also send messages, group your contacts with a label and even write notes about each contact.

Just remember before you use your Poken you must set up your profile online. 

The Bump
Nowadays almost everyone has a smart phone and this free networking application is a must for iPhone users. Bump is a free download on iTunes that swaps contact information when you bump two iPhones or an iTouch together.

Once the two phones "bump" their information is immediately added to your phone’s address book. No typing necessary. You can also exchange photos which are automatically saved to your camera roll. Bump is the perfect iPhone application for exchanging virtual business cards and you can decide what information you would like to share.

So what if you don’t have an iPhone? Well most other devices like the BlackBerry have other ways you can transfer your virtual business card, for example you can share you BlackBerry pin with others allowing them to get your contact information.