Farehakhan:

Networking is essential if you want to connect with influential people in your industry who can help you advance in your career or business. To make this process go more smoothly, you probably use a printed business card that facilitates the exchange of professional information. But if you've heard the term "digital business card," you might be wondering what makes it any different from conventional printed ones.

People in the twenty-first century are always looking for more efficient ways to build a strong network and you are no different. A digital business card is a contemporary tool that enables you to instantly share your professional information. With a great service like QRCodeChimp, you can create a virtual business card at your convenience without having to leave your house. This service allows you to personalize not only the card itself, but also the QR code that people can scan to access your professional information.
To help you understand the differences between a digital business card and a conventional business card, here is a detailed look at both
What Is a Digital Business Card?
A digital business card is a link to information about you or your company that can be accessed by clicking on the link or scanning a QR code that you share. When someone clicks on the link or scans the QR code, they are redirected to a landing page that displays your professional information.
Even though the technology behind digital business cards can be sophisticated, all you need to do to share one is use a fantastic service that creates QR code business cards. Making, personalizing, and updating your virtual business card is simple, quick, and affordable.
The Pros of a Digital Business Card
The advantages of a digital business card are as follows:
Gives You A Special Edge
If you have a QR code business card and tell people to scan it in person or send it to their inbox, you'll come across as a tech-savvy, forward-thinking individual. In other words, a digital business card allows you to stand out.
Makes It Simple To Share Your Professional Information
Instead of relying on others to manually feed your contact information, they can save it with a click through your digital business card.
Facilitates Connections With Others.
Because digital business cards can be shared easily via a link, and your details can be saved with a single tap, connecting with other professionals becomes easier.
Doesn't Hurt Your Wallet
A digital business card is way more affordable than any other alternative as you don't have to think about designing costs, printing costs or even reordering costs. Also, you don't even have to wait for the cards to come through, you can begin using your virtual business card instantly.
It Doesn't Harm the Environment
Because the virtual business card does not rely on paper, there is no need to be concerned about deforestation. It might be better to stick with it if you want to be environmentally friendly. Because adults in Generation Z are particularly concerned about climate change, it may be a good idea to adopt this technology.
Doesn't Transfer Germs
There is a greater desire to prevent the further spread of infectious diseases after the pandemic. You don't have to physically hand an electronic business card over to someone else, which limits the spread of germs.
Allows You to Share Important Media Like a Portfolio
Your virtual business card has the ability to accomodate media, so it can allow you to share your portfolio or social media links. This means that if you work as a photographer or designer, a virtual business card can help you gain the trust of potential clients much more quickly than a paper one ever could.
Allows You to Update or Customize The Card Easily
You can easily make changes to the digital business card if you need to without having to wait or pay for printing if you need to. In other words, you can customize it and update it whenever you want and this is super helpful.
The Cons a Digital Business Card
The disadvantages of a digital business card are as follows:
Requires Internet Access
If you are at an event with poor internet access, you might not be able to share your professional details as easily as you want.
Others Might Not Understand It
The concept of a QR code business card may not be understood by some people, in which case you will have to spend more time explaining it than focusing on your own venture or area of expertise.
Can Seem a Little Impersonal
QR code business cards do not have the same tactile, physical presence as paper business cards. A physical business card provides a certain level of comfort that a digital one does not.
Might Have Bugs If You Pick the Wrong Service
If you choose the wrong digital business card service, you might deal with a business card that doesn't work properly because of frequent bugs.
What Is a Conventional Business Card?
A conventional business card is a piece of paper that has your contact information on it. In other words, it is the type of business card that you are most familiar with. One of the advantages of using conventional business cards is that you can easily hand them out when you meet someone new. Whether they store your contact information on their devices is an entirely separate matter.
The Pros of a Conventional Business Card.
The advantages of a conventional business card are as follows:
They Are The Norm
Everybody understands what to do with a standard business card. Now you can focus on pitching your business or sharing your expertise without having to waste time explaining what the card does.
Easy to Hand Out
If they don't have their phone with them or it's dead, you can still give them your traditional business card. Distributing it is simple, and you can do it anywhere, at any time, so long as you have some on hand and someone to give it to.
Helps Create a Personal Connection
If you're handing out a traditional business card, chances are you've already had some sort of interaction with the recipient. The printed card can serve as a physical reminder of the encounter, something that the digital version cannot do.
Establishes Professionalism Instantly
A printed business card is a standard tool for all professionals; use yours to put your best foot forward.
Leaves a Strong First Impression
First impressions matter; using a printed business card enables you to leave a favorable impression when you meet a new prospect.
The Cons of a Conventional Business Card
The disadvantages of a conventional business card are as follows:
Others May Lose It Or Forget About It
We've all been in a situation where we received a traditional business card, only to forget all about it or misplace it altogether. And for all we know, its still floating around in our pockets, briefcase, or glove compartment. There is no guarantee others aren't losing it or forgetting about it too.
Can Be Heavy on the Wallet
The costs of designing, printing, and reordering traditional printed cards are not pocket-friendly. In fact, they are extremely pricey which can be annoying.
Takes Up Too Much Space
When you order 1000 cards to distribute, you will have to keep them somewhere safe. They take up a lot of space and are also pretty heavy.
You Can Forget To Carry It
We've all been to an event where we forgot to carry our printed cards to distribute. With a QR code business card, that won't happen.
Harms the Environment
Business cards made of paper contribute to deforestation and climate change. If you want to be environmentally conscious, you shouldn't use them.
Can Transfer Germs
Physical business cards can spread germs, which is a cause for concern. Perhaps you might not want to contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.
The Bottom Line: Digital Business Cards Or Conventional Business Cards?
One thing is certain: as we progress into the digital age and become more environmentally conscious, digital business cards will become more popular. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to continue to use traditional cards for the time being. Whether you have printed business cards or not, having a digital business card is not a bad idea. Nobody is stopping you from having both. All in all, the main purpose of a business card is to provide information about you and your business to someone else.
Ultimately, your personal preferences should dictate what sort of business card you carry.