The Times Australia
Business and Money

Despite appearances, digital networking hasn’t killed the business card – yet

  • Written by Jane Menzies, Senior Lecturer in International Business, University of the Sunshine Coast

Have you ever met someone, been handed a business card, and found yourself without one to hand back?

Perhaps you offered an alternative, saying “let’s connect on LinkedIn”, or displayed a scannable QR code[1] on your phone that linked to your details, or offered to send a text or email.

Perhaps you thought cards were no longer needed. You might not be right, at least not for all people, in all situations, and, strange as it seems, young people are among those who might find them the most useful of all.

My own informal survey[2] of 61 contacts on LinkedIn found that more than half used both business cards and LinkedIn for introductions, and another 11% said they used cards only, with only a little over a third eschewing cards altogether.

And business cards are continuing in surprising forms. Some use QR codes[3] to link to very detailed information. Others create contextual information[4] and link users via video.

Photo of business cards with QR codes printed on them.
Md Shakib[5] Some are paywave-style cards[6] that can be tapped, transferring information to the recipient’s phone. An Australian firm, Tapt[7], is one of the pioneers. Some send 10-second distributable videos[8]. Old-school cards are most used by older networkers. Six in every ten LinkedIn users are aged 28 to 43[9], meaning they are millennials[10]. While they are less likely to carry cards than older age groups, there are good reasons why they should. To get ahead, it’s important to connect with supervisors and potential employers from other firms. Whether just added to a pile or kept in a wallet, a card is a sign that the person whose name is on it genuinely wants to reach out. The design can say something about the owner’s professional identity, conveying values, aesthetic sense and distinctiveness. Unlike an email address scribbled on a Post-It note, a well-designed business card can convey a personal brand. And the mere act of handing over a card can build a bridge, ensuring that a meeting remains memorable. At times when time is of the essence, such as in an elevator pitch, cards can offer a swift and efficient medium for exchanging quite a lot of information. And they are likely to hang around, reminding the recipient of the meeting, all the more so the rare they become. They are not for everyone, but for quite a while yet they are likely to be for people seriously trying to reach out. Read more: Because you're worth it -- how a personal brand helps your career[11] References^ scannable QR code (www.forbes.com)^ informal survey (www.linkedin.com)^ QR codes (theconversation.com)^ contextual information (www.mdpi.com)^ Md Shakib (www.linkedin.com)^ paywave-style cards (www.mobilocard.com)^ Tapt (tapt.io)^ 10-second distributable videos (www.forbes.com)^ 28 to 43 (www.statista.com)^ millennials (theconversation.com)^ Because you're worth it -- how a personal brand helps your career (theconversation.com)Authors: Jane Menzies, Senior Lecturer in International Business, University of the Sunshine Coast

Read more https://theconversation.com/despite-appearances-digital-networking-hasnt-killed-the-business-card-yet-223858

Business Times

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a...

Barelli Bathrooms announces celebrity interior designer Kellie Ri…

Barelli Bathrooms, a leading name in contemporary bathroom accessories and design, is proud to announce its new national ...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...