I have a confession to make. The other day I was stocking up on necessities at my local supermarket when I came face to face with Duggie, who I haven't seen for years. We went through all the - "How are you, what have you been up to, what're you doing now" kind of stuff.

Duggie then says - "Alan, can I have one or two of your business cards in case I need to get in touch and to pass to other people."

Now, I'm always nagging other people about never leaving home without business cards. Don't even take out the garbage without a business card in your pocket. And guess what - I had no business cards to give to Duggie.

He then tells me that he was at a Dinner the previous evening and he met several new contacts - however, he'd also forgotten his business cards. Duggie has his own business and he's always looking for new clients.

So let me say it again (and I'm also talking to myself) - never, never, never leave home without business cards. Don't even dig the garden, wash the car or visit the supermarket without business cards.

There's always a chance that you'll meet someone who says - "And what do you do?" or "It's ages since I've seen you, what sort of business are you in now?"

Be aware - new customers and clients are the lifeblood of any business so make sure you never miss an opportunity to make a new contact.