Lately it seems that a new digital application or devices is introduced to the world on a weekly, if not daily, basis. While I enjoy the developments on technology and sorting out how it might help me reach my goals, it causes me to do some thinking. Do these new developments make the traditional methods obsolete or are they simply an additional avenue for communicating business information?
My most recent ponderings on this topic have revolved around business cards. Anyone who has been to a networking event can vouch for the importance of having a business card on hand to participate in the traditional exchange. The act of asking for a card has become so ingrained in the networking process that it is almost second nature to the veterans of the business schmooze. What has caught my attention recently are all of the nifty technological ways to share contact information usually contained on paper business cards. Most cellular phones/devices now have a SMS Text feature that allows you to send another phone/device a digital business card. More structured networking events such as tradeshows have even branched into the use of digital devices attached to name badges allowing attendees to simply synch their badges for information transfer. The practical part of me thinks this is a fantastic option that saves time and paper (literally and monetarily). Not to mention that sending your information to someone's phone/device negates the potential of a lost card that translates into lost contact. Of course, switching to this new digital method means adjusting your "system", as well. Most people regularly receiving business cards for networking purposes have developed a system for logging the information. Some add notes to the card to remember where they met the person and even what they may have discussed. Other people I know make a habit of entering collected information into their email contact list allowing them to easily access the contact for email and telephone contact later. If these systems sound familiar to your habits, I would strongly suggest investigating the finer points of digital business cards and the storing of information before making the leap to the paperless world. Making the leap without verification of how you can continue to add your networking notes may backfire causing you have a phone full of names with no reference of where you met them and/or what you discussed.
For additional information on digital business card options, check out these articles:
Whatever your decision is be sure that it works for you and your business. If your company is highly digital and functioning in an arena where new technology is king, then utilizing digital card exchanges could be a great option for you. However, if your company operates in a more "old-school" realm with vendors and customers who are not technologically savvy, trying to go totally digital could send the wrong message and send them looking for other partners who operate in their comfort level. As with most things in business, your choice needs to work for you, your company and your customers in order to be most effective.
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