To 'Rolodex' someone or something means to file their information, typically contact details, in a Rolodex, a rotary card file. Figuratively, it can mean to quickly assess and categorize individuals based on readily available information, much like flipping through cards in a Rolodex. The term implies a quick, often superficial, judgment or assessment of someone's potential value, connections, or relevance. It frequently suggests a business or networking context, implying a practical or transactional approach to relationships and information gathering, similar to building a contact list for business purposes. Rolodexing can extend beyond simply storing data; it reflects the act of establishing initial recognition, the practice of storing the data with an intent to contact or utilize the information, as well as a method of recording this information.
Rolodexed meaning with examples
- The young entrepreneur, eager to expand their network, meticulously rolodexed potential investors and mentors, logging their contact details and areas of expertise. Each card represented a future opportunity. Their initial impression was noted; future communication routes were laid. They hoped to develop a successful business by tracking key figures and assessing their influence.
- After the networking event, the recruiter meticulously rolodexed the attendees, quickly reviewing their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to determine potential candidates for open positions. They created short notes on each person. This helped them track their potential hires. The process was streamlined for efficiency, prioritizing leads with key skills.
- The journalist, needing to understand the story’s complexities, rolodexed the key players: politicians, lobbyists, and industry experts. Each contact's perspective was documented, and their biases were identified. Quick fact-finding made it so she could understand the full story, with all parties in the mix, with all the information available. This aided in her thorough reporting.
- During the election campaign, the political strategist meticulously rolodexed the voting population, categorizing voters based on demographic data and political leanings to target resources and messaging effectively. This was done to ensure the resources were going to the correct people. This allowed for targeted communication to ensure success and efficient communication.