Has The Pandemic Killed Business Cards? If So, Now What?
Our experience after decades of teaching business networking is that the world really has a problem with business cards.
Perhaps it’s not business cards per se but the act of giving out business cards. People tell us they feel like they’re foisting their card on the other person. It seems kind of pushy, kind of sales-y, and then awkward if that person doesn’t immediately offer one in return.
We guess that for these non-lovers of business cards it’s good news the pandemic has put a stop to business card exchanges. People are not going to business networking events where they would normally give them out. And of course, in the early days of the pandemic we even thought the COVID virus stayed alive on hard surfaces like groceries and Amazon packages, and that business cards were “infected”.
However, things are beginning to change, in-person events are restarting and COVID travelling on boxes of cereal and online shopping packages is no longer an issue. So, will you be exchanging business cards again, or did the pandemic kill business cards? We asked our tip readers what they thought, and also about the new “digital networking” ways we can exchange contact information in this hybrid networking™ world. (The results are at the bottom of this post.)
A New Way to Connect? Could it be QR codes?
QR (quick response) codes were a mystery to many people prior to the pandemic and they weren’t as ubiquitous as they became as everyone started hovering their phone’s camera over a QR code for a menu. The thing we like about QR codes, used either on business cards or virtually, is that the QR code can link to whatever you like. Perhaps it’s your web page, or a specific product you are promoting, or simply your contact information (your virtual business card). If you are looking for a job, the QR code can connect to your LinkedIn page
Our suggestion for you
Our suggestion in this new hybrid world is keep your business cards (you will need them) and to add a QR code to your card. And start thinking about displaying a QR code link on the screen in a virtual meeting. When someone hovers their smartphone over your QR code a web-link opens with your contact information and an option to save that info.
“In addition to being able to add the code to your video call, it also works in person via your smart phone – the person you meet just has to scan the code on your screen for your details to appear on their handset.”
You can learn more in this BBC article on how QR codes are a great addition to traditional business cards.
And check out Sansan Global, one of the companies featured in the article, that offers this QR-code based system.
What people told us in our survey
Here’s what some of our weekly Positive Networking® tip readers are saying about business cards and QR codes for business networking purposes:
Do you think business cards are dead?
- YES: 20%
- NO: 60%
- NOT SURE: 20%
Comment:
Once we’re out of Covid and handing something to someone is less awkward, I like the notion of “giving something” to another person. Also, being able to write a note on the back of a business card can be very valuable.
Are you using QR Codes on your business cards?
- NO: 40%
- Not, yet, but I am planning to: 60%
Comments:
Having the QR code as a little icon on the screen background could be a good idea in case you have a bigger audience. Not sure if this would be visible but I will try it out.
I don’t know how to use QR codes (and am not using them) so I hope they’re not the new thing.
I might use a QR code in the future, if doing so is straightforward and inexpensive.
How to stay connected with us
We would love to hear your comments on business cards and QR codes. Just send us an email.
And, every week we release a FREE weekly tip to help you become a better networker and connector in today’s online and offline world. You can complete the form below or sign up here.
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