Digital business cards will be the top networking tool in 2022. There’s been a massive push to make all things digital over the past couple of years. Everything from networking conferences to baby showers now has a virtual option, and in the United States, over 4.7 million people work remotely at least half the time. Because of increasing reliance on technology, routines that generally took place offline are now making their way to our phones and computers, including a practice that’s been around for centuries: exchanging business cards.
Digital business cards bridge the gap when two people in a business interaction can’t be face to face. They are replacing the paper business card with an electronic one. They allow quick sending, receiving, and exchanging of contact information in place of the paper business card. These online and app-based cards have been redefined amid remote and hybrid workstyles. Ebusiness cards has now become a personal and professional way to connect beyond verbal introductions and text messages.
Like typical business cards, electronic business cards can be customized, designed, and shared with anyone. There are no space constraints with digital cards—you can add as much or as little information to your card as you’d like. In addition to your standard contact information (like your name, company, email, and phone number), you can enrich your card with a photo or video, a logo, social media profiles, badges, PDFs, and more.
There are several reasons why virtual business cards are the way to go. They’re convenient, eco-friendly, affordable, contactless, and lead to better follow-ups. Digital business cards are convenient. As long as you have access to your phone, computer, or Apple Watch, you’ll never be without your business card. Because everything is online, you’ll never need to worry if your card supply is low and if you need to order more. Digital cards are also highly flexible. Did you switch jobs, get a new phone number, or simply make a typo? That can be a costly mistake with paper cards. Digital business cards allow you to edit your cards at any time, so they are always up-to-date with your latest contact information.
And about all these QR codes...
You’re probably noticing that most of these revolve around placing your QR code in an accessible place. It may not be immediately obvious what the QR code is, though, so add a line explaining it, or verbally explain it if given the chance.
So hopefully this has given you some insight on digital or ebusiness cards. What they are and how you can use them. But mainly why should you have one in this day and time.
Where can you use a digital business card?
Anywhere, really. That’s what makes them different from a paper card. You don’t have to be in the same space as your counterpart. And even if you are in eyeshot, you can still use them instead of paper, and save a tree, or at least a branch.
Some of the best places we’ve found are:
Online meetings – Whether with distant colleagues, leads/customers, job interviewees, you name it.
Virtual networking events – Don’t just swap LinkedIn accounts or emails and get lost in the shuffle; instead, make a personal connection.
Trade fairs – Whether online or in person, simply make your QR code accessible so anyone can scan it and get your details.
As chat backgrounds/wallpaper – You can post your whole card or your QR code behind you so that anyone in an event can scan you and receive your card or exchange cards.
On social networking sites – Make your card downloadable or your QR code scannable.
In your email signature – Add your QR code so people can scan you in.
create business cards
