Feeling Dated, Stale and Silly - The Role of the Business Card in a Digital World

I recently attended an extremely cool, women in technology conference.  It was a day full of lightening talks, panels and networking.  The attendees were all tied to technology and had a shared passion to elevate and increase the number of women in tech.  During one of the breaks, I exercised my networking chops and started introducing myself to the women sitting at my table.  I love leading with the question, “what brought you to this conference?” as everyone’s answers are wonderfully personal and sometimes even inspirational. 

Before the lunch break, I handed my business card to a few of the women at the table as we agreed to stay in touch and follow-up on the conversations we had started.  It was during the lunch break, when a set of lovely, young women – all in the first job of their careers sat down to join us.  The talk around the table was spirited and engaging.  Right before the programming re-started, the young women broke out their phones, flipped to LinkedIn and pulled up a QR code for everyone to scan so they could share their information.  One of the young ladies was on my right and a woman whom I had given a business card to earlier was on my left.  The two scanned each other’s phones and said something like, “I’ve never used business cards, they are such a waste” to which everyone at the table agreed.  As they placed their phones in front of me, eagerly waiting for my scan, I sat there and thought, “shit – how do I do that again!”  After 30 seconds or so of stumbling around LinkedIn, I finally found the code and blamed my phone for acting up.  Ugh.

In the past couple of years, conversations around business cards have highlighted both their enduring relevance and the challenges they face in a digital-first world. While traditional business cards were once an essential part of any professional’s toolkit, the rise of digital networking and changing work habits have led many to question their place in today’s business environment. But despite the decline in usage, I believe business cards continue to play a significant role in making meaningful, lasting connections—especially when combined with modern technology.

The Business Card Decline?

The pandemic triggered a major shift in the way we network, and one of its key casualties has been the traditional business card. According to a recent survey, more than half of those who previously used business cards in the UK have stopped handing them out, especially as remote work and digital interactions replace in-person meetings. This trend is particularly strong among younger professionals, with fewer viewing business cards as necessary. Instead, digital platforms like LinkedIn and contact-sharing apps have become the preferred methods for exchanging information quickly and conveniently​

With technology allowing for immediate exchanges of contact information, many see physical cards as less relevant. The convenience of digital interactions seems to have overshadowed the once-essential business card.

They Ain’t Dead Yet!

However, not everyone is ready to abandon the business card just yet. In fact, professionals in creative industries, luxury brands, and entrepreneurship still see significant value in using business cards. Why? Because physical cards offer a tangible reminder of an interaction that digital exchanges often can’t replicate. In face-to-face meetings, the act of handing someone a business card establishes a more personal, memorable connection. This is especially important for people doing business internationally and creatives.  As digital communication overloads our inboxes and social media feeds, a well-designed, tactile business card can stand out in a way that an online profile cannot​

For many, especially those in industries where brand perception matters, business cards are more than just a tool for exchanging contact information. They are a statement about their brand, their creativity, and their professionalism. A memorable design, quality materials, and thoughtful details can leave a lasting impression that digital profiles may struggle to match.

So What Do You Do?

To bridge the gap between the convenience of digital and the personal touch of physical business cards, many professionals are adopting a hybrid approach. By incorporating QR codes into business card designs, professionals can blend the best of both worlds. A QR code can link directly to an online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or company website, providing the recipient with an easy way to connect digitally after receiving the card. Including one’s social media handles has also become a best practice as professionals have profile homes on multiple digital platforms.

I’m not dissing digital solutions.  For people in tech or sustainable industries, a physical card may seem contradictory – I totally get it and appreciate that.  Also, don’t hate on those leveraging a hybrid approach as it retains the tangible, personal interaction of handing out a business card while allowing for the convenience of digital follow-up. Additionally, a QR code on a business card ensures that the exchange doesn’t end with just a piece of paper—it provides an ongoing digital link that can extend the conversation and foster future opportunities.

In a world where personal connections and standout branding are more important than ever, the hybrid business card offers the perfect blend of old-school charm and digital efficiency. So, while the world of networking continues to evolve, business cards remain a vital tool for building and maintaining professional relationships.  Find your hybrid solution and don’t give up on them just yet!

Have other ideas on how technology is impacting the networking world?  Leave a comment below.