There’s a particular moment at networking events that makes me groan.
You’re chatting with someone you’ve just met. The conversation turns to staying in touch, and instead of handing you a business card, they pull out their phone.
“Here, scan this QR code and save me in your contacts.”
My phone is for my family, friends and people I actually deal with. I’m not especially keen to add some random person I met three minutes ago.
Put your hand in your pocket and buy a small box of business cards, you cheapskate.
A bit harsh? Possibly. But you’ve lost me before you’ve even had me.
Don’t Make Your Introduction My Homework
When someone hands me a business card, the exchange takes a second. I can put it in my pocket, carry on talking and decide later what to do with it.
The QR code routine asks me to stop the conversation, get my phone out, open the camera, scan a code and deal with whatever appears.
All so you can give me your details.
It might be convenient for you, but it adds steps for me. And at a busy event, I’d rather spend that time having a useful conversation.
Exchanging details should be the easiest part of meeting someone.
Give People the Choice to Stay in Touch
There’s something I like about the simplicity of a business card: it leaves the next step with the person receiving it.
They can keep it, pass it to a colleague, look up your website or add you to their contacts when there’s a reason to do so.
Nobody needs to pull out a device. Nobody needs to navigate an unfamiliar page while you stand there watching.
That suits the stage of the relationship. We’ve just met. Let’s see whether there’s a reason to take the conversation further.
A card gives me that option without asking for space in my phone straight away.
Your Card Is a Small Part of Your Reputation
If you’re attending a business event to meet potential clients, being prepared matters.
You’ve made the time to be there. Perhaps you’ve paid for flights, accommodation, registration and a booth. Having a decent business card ready to hand over feels like a fairly modest commitment.
For businesses attending industry conferences, investment events and corporate meetings, it’s a practical part of showing up professionally.
The card itself also says something about your organisation. Clear design, readable details and good print quality show that you’ve considered how you present yourself.
It doesn’t need gold foil, six finishes and its own presentation ceremony. It needs to look like it belongs to a business someone would feel confident contacting.
Make It Easy to Remember the Conversation
After an event, I want to be able to look through the cards I’ve collected and remember who I spoke to.
A name, company, role and clear visual identity help make that connection. A short description of what the business does can be useful too, especially when the name doesn’t explain it.
Sometimes a quick note on the card is enough to bring the conversation back: “Send signage examples” or “Discuss uniforms in November.”
That’s far more useful to me than discovering another unfamiliar name in my contacts a fortnight later.
A good business card connects the person, the business and the reason to follow up.
QR Codes Can Still Have a Place
Put one on the card if it serves a useful purpose.
It might link to your portfolio, company profile or contact details. I can scan it later, when I have the time and interest to explore.
Keep your essential details printed as well. Your name, phone number, email and website should be easy to find without needing to scan anything.
Digital options are useful when they give people a choice. My objection is being expected to use one as part of every introduction.
The Relationship Still Needs Some Work
A business card won’t turn a forgettable conversation into a promising opportunity.
You still need to listen, show interest and work out whether there’s a genuine reason to stay in touch. If you promise to send something, send it. If you follow up, refer to what you actually discussed.
The card makes exchanging information straightforward. The conversation and follow-through give that information value.
So yes, business cards are still relevant.
Keep a small box handy. Take a few to your next meeting. And when someone asks for your details, make it easy for them.
Need a card you’ll be proud to hand over? Brand Hero can help with professional business card design and printing.