The Covid-19 pandemic has brought upon many digitised changes to the way people interact and socialise, especially in the corporate world – with meetings and networking events brought online. It has also pushed for the increased use of contactless technologies and interactions.
However, there is no doubt that physical interactions offer that human touch that the online world cannot replicate, especially when you want to leave a lasting impression at a corporate networking setting.
Moreover, name cards don’t really offer much information besides your basic contact details. New employees have the extra hassle of waiting for their cards to be printed out which leaves them looking unprofessional at such events. There’s also the issue of reprinting the cards whenever there’s an update made.
We sourced and found some digital business card alternatives you can consider for your next networking event.
Read Also: 5 Ways LinkedIn Can Help Businesses Attract Talent, Build Branding & Increase Sales
#1 LinkedIn Find Nearby Feature
As of 2023, there are more than 3.7 million LinkedIn users in Singapore and this includes some of the world’s largest corporations such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and more. It is a professional social network and career development platform that provides users with endless networking opportunities through its platform.
Having a LinkedIn account is helpful for businesses when seeking out talents, raising brand awareness and boosting traffic to websites of social media channels. Besides these, LinkedIn also offers helpful features such as its Find Nearby feature to make networking more accessible and convenient.
With LinkedIn’s Find Nearby feature – accessible through the LinkedIn app – you can easily find nearby LinkedIn users’ profiles within the same proximity via Bluetooth with the option to connect or message. This removes the need for long introductions during large networking events when you can keep a short and engaging introduction and instantly connect on LinkedIn. This feature can be found on the ‘My Network’ tab on the LinkedIn app.
LinkedIn’s app also has a unique QR code for each user’s profile. This can be found on the search bar at the top of LinkedIn’s homepage. During wide speed networking events, you can share your personal or company’s profile QR code to others and all they need to do is to scan the QR code via the app. This provides a quick and effective way in connecting with each other while at the same time provide you with some control over who you would like to connect with.
One worry about LinkedIn is that your profile may be open to someone you may not want to interact with, whether it is a competitor or a higher authority. Even if your approval is needed to accept an incoming connection, you’re both left feeling awkward if you did not accept the connection.
#2 Digital Name Cards
Digital name cards are usually created within applications. They are an up-and-coming trend with companies in Singapore such as real estate firm PropNex, Tiger Brokers, OCBC and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH). Government agencies are also issuing such name cards to their workers, such as the Ministry of Education and Housing Development Board and National Environmental Agency.
There are multiple applications that you can use to create your own digital name cards on both iOS and android devices. One such application is Dream Fox Design, a Singapore-based digital name card application.
These digitised versions of physical business cards allow flexibility and customisation beyond your basic contact details. Companies can add features such as pictures, media materials, call to action links to various social media platforms and websites without the space limitations of a rectangular piece of card. It is also all within your personal mobile devices so you won’t risk fumbling about trying to find your card at a networking event.
It is also seamless to share with others at events – through a QR code, link, email and more making it convenient to have during speed networking events or work summits.
Unlike LinkedIn’s Find nearby feature, you won’t have to hide your identity to avoid connecting with your competitors. You have the control of choosing who you would like to share your digital name cards with.
A digitised name card also allows for information to be updated easily without the need for reprinting. This not only saves up on costs but reduces the environmental impact as well.
#3 NFC (Near-Field Communication) Technology Name Card
A common way NFC is used is through contactless payments through your phones. Compared to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, NFC is limited to a shorter range meaning you would have to physically tap your devices to another’s to receive the information.
What’s different about using NFC as your name “cards” is that is available in accessories such as a pop socket, wristband, or if you wish as a card as well. Alternatively, for convenience’s sake, you may also use your phones.
Embedded with microchips, you can transmit your website, social media links or media materials to your NFC device through an NFC reader application found on the App Store or Google Play Store.
This technology can also work hand in hand with digital name cards, where instead of sharing individual links and QR codes, you can simple link your digital name card to your NFC device and from there your new client can access all your shared links.
#4 USB Name Cards
USB name cards are more of an added function and accessory for business conferences or work summits.
These multifunctional name cards can work in two ways. Firstly, for conferences where it’s necessary to present information, these USB storages can come in handy to store presentation materials and fact sheets. Thereafter, it can be distributed to others, and not only will the other party receive the relevant media materials, but they will also have physical memento to remember you and your company by.
Another use of USB name cards would be more of a promotional strategy where they are distributed widely with empty USB drives for the other party to use as they wish personally.
However, while functional, this is a more expensive option considering the cost of purchasing multiple of these cards and imprinting your personal branding and logos onto it. There is also the extra effort to add the materials into each USB drive individually.
Is This The End Of An Era For Physical Name Cards?
While these digital solutions offer more value and convenience than physical name cards, the use of physical cards is still relevant.
Physical name cards are still widely regarded as a networking tool that showcases your business’ credibility and professionalism. The tradition of exchanging business cards has not died down and people at networking events are still expecting business cards.
So, while there’s the added benefits of digitised solutions, one does not have to choose one over the other. In fact, you can still have these digital solutions on top of having physical name cards.
Read Also: Guide To The Trade Associations & Chambers (TACs) That Businesses Can Join In Singapore
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