Do you still need a paper business card?

There seem to be two types of people in a professional meeting now. There are those who hold out their phone and invite us to scan a QR code that will directly download their contact to our smartphone… and those who keep digging into their handbag to heroically shake some (now slightly glances). yielding) a small piece of cardboard, their business card.

Is the traditional business card still relevant? Or does it fall right into the brontosaur category? The arguments against it are quite understandable: on the one hand, the protection of the planet and the saving of paper, on the other hand, the periodic changes of the position or coordinates – the rapid aging of the card. Young generations have shown it. today it’s so easy to get in touch through social media, or by directly recording someone’s phone number on their smartphone during a meeting. But have new technologies completely replaced the role of the paper map?

The beginning of a relationship

Not if the two experts interviewed below are to be believed. “The business card medium may make it old-fashioned in theory, but it’s no less practical,” says Chloe Schulzinger, the agency’s freelance editorial communications consultant. In words. First, it contains all the necessary information gathered in one place, which allows us to be easily identified and contacted.” What about social networks? “They’re a really good way to connect with someone, like LinkedIn, but you still have to remember the person’s name or email address correctly,” he emphasizes. It would be a shame to lose the chance to stay in touch because we don’t know how to spell the name correctly.”

“Exchanging business cards continues to be a symbolic way to materialize the beginning of a relationship between two people,” says Isabel Stemmer, expert networking coach and founder of the Networking Program. Dash by Isabelle Stemmer . Through this gesture, we open up the possibility of being part of each other’s network.” The card is especially useful when attending a professional event where you are performing. At trade shows, forums, conferences, cocktail parties or presentations, it’s always good to have a few copies in your wallet. No need to print hundreds, a small supply will do. “The goal is not to hand out your card like a flyer. We’d rather give it to a select few people, says Chloe Schulzinger, who we hope will find us, or who we wish we could find them instead. We would prefer to give it to someone who already seems to be interested in our activities, because this gesture must have a purpose.”

A communication tool

“It says a lot about us and our activities, even our education or personality,” adds Isabel Stemmer.. A business card is an advertising tool, it is a good way to stand out from the competition. The choice of form, design, colors has its place here.” The card is also a working tool. it can be used as a memo when you want to write down some information after meeting someone. “Writing down a topic or two of a conversation we had with our interlocutor can be useful,” says the networking expert. When they are handed a business card, some also have a habit of writing down important visual information about the person.” So many mnemonic devices that allow us to re-identify a person or even start a conversation with them if we meet again.

Adapt to developments

If you choose a 2.0 business card, it should still respect current communication codes, experts emphasize. No more URL links that no one is typing into their search bar and that are supposed to refer to the company’s website. We prefer QR code, we recommend two experts. It may also redirect to our personal website or our social networks. it’s a good solution to keep this popular e-card always up-to-date,” explains Isabelle Stemer. It then continues to perform its original functions while adapting to new technologies.”

As for the graphics and color, we again choose them according to our professional environment and our profession. “Like clothes, the card must comply with the codes of our activity,” warns the coach. If you want to stand out without going overboard, you can always choose a good quality paper or write a slogan that is in harmony with what you are presenting. Everything will ultimately depend on the environment and field in which we operate.