In today’s world where everything is computerized, networking has also changed. The use of paper business cards and their exchange at physical networking events has become a forgotten thing since virtual events and hybrid events are becoming more popular. The more networking events are taken online, the more the need for efficient, sustainable, and effective methods for exchanging contacts arises. All of these point toward digital business cards being relevant for this agenda: Direct, easy, green, and professional.
As such, this article will discuss how best to apply digital business cards at virtual networking events, then explain the meaning of digital business cards and the best way to utilize them in a virtual event.
2. What Are Digital Business Cards?
Definition
Digital business cards, better known as e-cards, are the most recent manifestations of an age-old phenomenon: they are the electronic version of the traditional paper business card. Rather than being stuffed into wallets like the paper ones, digital business cards live on electronic devices and are transmitted electronically. They may hold all the same information associated with a paper card—like your name, job title, company, phone number, email, and social media handles—but in a digital form for emailing, texting, or sharing via social media.
Key Features of Digital Business Cards
Contact Profile: Name, job title, company, phone number, email, website, etc., Social Media Links: Direct access to professional profiles (LinkedIn Twitter, etc.), Design Customization: Ability to customize colors, fonts and layout.
Networking with Special Reference to Virtual Events
Virtual Networking as different from Physical Networking
Just like any activity in real-time, these types of activities pose their own challenges as well as opportunities. Personal encounters usually have a flyer-by-the-coffee break where casual walks before or after sessions can allow members to exchange business cards face-to-face. However, virtual networking will require a more planned and structured effort. Some of the direct contact people usually risk establishing long-term connections. That part was weighed down with digital business cards, which would help you share important information and build that first professional impression, easily and quickly.
Advantages of Networking Virtually
- It has a Gobal Reach: Virtual events have dismantled international boundaries and have allowed you to network with professionals worldwide.
- Time Efficient: Virtual events go beyond these physical barriers and allow you to save on travel time and costs because they can be attended from anywhere in the world.
- Access to More Participants: Because of better attendance at virtual conferences, the very idea of networking is enhanced by making it possible for more people to come into contact with each other.
- Accessibility: Virtual events can host visitors with various needs, widening the door to a more extensive and inclusive networking experience.
4. Why Should Virtual Networkers Turn to Digital Business Cards?
Accessibility and Convenience
Digital business cards are among the most accessible of all cards. Having them on one?s cell phone, tablet or computer makes it so easy to share contact details anytime. It eliminates the need to be concerned about running out and misplacing physical cards. During a virtual event, just share it by clicking a few buttons and the contact information flows.
Low Carbon Footprint
Paperless digital cards are one of the most eco-friendly of all the styles of card. Digitizing helps in considerable reduction of the carbon footprint from the traditional cards. It becomes pivotal to save the earth in a world which is now leaning toward sustainability. No more inefficient printing; resources that would have gone into producing paper cards now remain.
Customization and Branding Opportunities
Fully customizable and fully branded digital business cards provide another extra benefit. This may ensure that your card will look like the way you want it-coupled with the type of design, colors, and layout you wish for-contained to your personal or company branding. For example, in an overcrowded virtual event, this can make you memorable.
5. Creating an Online Virtual Business Card for Virtual Networking Events
Tools and Platforms for Creating a Digital Business Card
Here are some of the leading platforms and applications to create professional digital business cards without too much fuss:
- HiHello: This is a customizable product offering digital cards with video, logos, and multiple contact information.
- CamCard: This app converts traditional business cards to digital versions, thus helping to digitize contacts.
- Blinq: Has a range of templates from which you can easily design and share your digital business card.
- LinkedIn: You cannot strictly call it a virtual business card network, yet you can use your rich profile as a dynamic business card using a link to it.
Vital Information to Consider
When designing your personal business card, the following should be some key considerations:
- Full Name: Ensure that your name is clear and easily visible.
- Position and Organization: Clearly state what you do and the organization you represent.
- Contact Information: Include a phone number, an email address, and other ways to reach you out (perhaps website, LinkedIn).
- Social Media Links: All relevant social networking accounts or portfolios, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or personal sites.
- Call to Action: If you want more action from others, such as scheduling a meeting with them or visiting your website, add a call to action.
Best Practices in Design and Content
- Simplicity: Avoid cluttering your card with too much information: Keep it brief with a few key such details that help others remember you.
- Professional Design: Relate the design you will create to your identity or business. Use professional colors, fonts, and images.
- Mobile Optimization: Most likely, your card might end up onto multiple phones during server activities.
6. Easiest Ways to Utilize Digital Business Cards in Virtual Networking Events
Sharing Digital Business Cards During Video Calls
One of the more straightforward acts of using your digital business card at a virtual network event is sending it digitally during a video call. Almost all video conferencing platforms, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allow uploaded links to be put in a chat for everyone in that call, so you could just drop your card here. You could also come up with an idea of sharing your card when the call is complete to share contacts with them.
Through Networking Platforms and Event Apps
Many events and conferences have their dedicated networking platforms or applications where the attendees can make their own profiles and interact with one another. Like Brella, Whova, and Swapcard allow their users to share digital business cards strictly within the platform. Just have that digital card with you in these applications, and you can connect with people easily, knowing that your details will always be on hand.
Networking via Social Media with Digital Cards
Social media is especially praiseworthy while using digital business cards: LinkedIn and Twitter seem to be the best arenas to hook the words about making your personal link known. The best time to do this is when they are active online sharing posts, updates, or even just having momentary conversation in the DM on your digitized card, thereby increasing your reach beyond the event.
2. Effective Ways to Apply Digital Business Cards in Virtual Networking Events.
Sharing Digital Business Cards During Video Calls
By far the most practical example of using your digital business card at a virtual network event is to send it during a video call. Most video conferencing platforms, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allow anyone to put up links in a chat for everyone in that call. You can just drop your card at the end of the call when you’ve exchanged contact info.
Via Networking Platforms and Event Apps
Many of these virtual events and conferences host their very own networking platform or application through which attendees can have individual profiles and interact with one another. Brella, Whova,and Swapcard, for example, provide functionality for sharing digital business cards on their application as well. Thus, by keeping that digital card for you in these apps, getting connected to people can become much easier with always-on access to your details.
Networking on Social media with Digital Card
Social media platforms, mainly LinkedIn and Twitter, are well worth spending some time sharing your digital business card. Instead of sharing contact details, profile or posts might contain a link to your card. At virtual events, share that with attendees either through direct messages or posts and reach beyond just this event.
7. Strategies to get the Most Out of Your Virtual Event Digital Business Cards
Timing and Context: Whose Digital Card is When
Now, it’s the ideal moment to send the digital business card out. Present it during the beginning of a discussion so that the person has it as an early reference. Don’t just bombard people with your card at the beginning of an event; wait until the end of the discussion or consideration until the individual says something like, “Gee, that sounds really interesting,” or “What are you working on?”
Use the Digital Card to Personalize Your Introduction
Now that you have the reader mentally transposed to the digital world with talk of cards, here is an easy way forward: When introducing yourself to a person, make sure to add that you’ll be sharing a digital business card. This will create an ideal raining for a seamless transfer. A personalized touch, such as stating some information about your background or your relation to the event, may also go a long way in making your introduction memorable.
8. Mistakes that Everyone Should Avoid while Creating Digital Business Cards for Virtual Networking
Though digital business cards can be such a great help for virtual networking, there are some common errors that you have to ensure that you do not fall short with.
Information Oversaturation
Having everything about yourself and your business on your digital card is indeed tempting but gives too much information to overwhelm the recipient and detracts the key message from getting delivered: Short and sweet is what should be the digital business card. One can focus on name, title, company, phone number, email, and perhaps relevant links, but do not pack it up with an abundance of graphics or text.
Bad Design Choices
The digital business card is also a part of one’s professional identity, and its poor design choices can be bad. Too bright, too many colors, too many types of fonts, images which are not related to himself or himself, and the company can not be used. Such kinds of cards being mangled may appear unreadable, particularly in the smaller screens of mobile phones. The card should be simple and professional but attractive as well. A test should be carried out on how the card looks on different devices before its mass circulation.
Neglecting the Follow-Up
Distributing your virtual business card at a virtual networking venue is just the first step in making a meaningful connection. Follow up with the person after the event. A polite email or message thanking that person for talking, along with your digital card, can seal the deal if you have made a generally favorable impression. Without it, the interaction stands a good chance of vanishing into the ether. Be proactive about sustaining the connections you make during such virtual events.
9. Conclusion
Thus digital business cards should replace the traditional exchange of contact information while virtual networking events have progressed to become major establishments in professional development and business expansion. They affirm accessibility, sustainability, and so are fantastic avenues into branding.
Digital business cards let you ensure that your personal contacts are always a couple of clicks away from sharing and at the same time let you maximize what virtual events have to offer in terms of networking. Whether you are on a video call; using event apps; or even sharing your card in social media, you can create significant connections through a well-designed digital business card, and thus you go forward in your career or business.
Although there are multiple platforms where you can create your business card, it is easier to ensure that the card would be adequately designed, precise, and resonate with your identity as a professional. But make sure to remember the best practices of timing, personalization, and follow up to make the most out of your networking. And, of course, avoid typical mistakes like too much information overwhelms your recipients or neglects follow-up.
