Forum:Are Business Cards Redundant In The Science Industry

Question

[lel7lel7]

The science industry is technology-driven and forward thinking and I believe our networking approaches should follow suit. I am an early career researcher and would like some opinions on whether or not to use business cards.

To set the scene - I have a difficult name to remember, LinkedIn URLs are intense and I prefer not to use casual social networking sites for work. In some industries, however, I've heard that business cards don't get another thought after conferences due to the mass of paper received.

How can I avoid the awkward and tedious moment of spelling out my details while someone texts my email address into their phone? How are other people providing their details? Would you be happy to receive a business card?

[Emily]

Possibly should be in Forum? Or Jobs? Or both?

[Devon Ryan]

Agreed and modified accordingly.

[lel7lel7]

Thanks emily, I was not sure how to post to specific forums. Will keep trying ;)

[zx8754]

To avoid "intense LinkedIn URLs", customise the link to match your name or use their cardmunch app.

[lel7lel7]

Had no idea i could do this! Thanks very much

Answer 1

[Emily]

My business cards have a QR code on the back, so people I meet can just scan it in and it'll add my full contact details into their phone. This means that I can give out a paper business card, and someone can type in my email and number later if they wish, or they can just scan it and give it back to me.

[pld]

What did you use to generate this QR code?

[Daniel]

Check out this google doc which has QR code generation using the google chart API. Feel free to create a copy, that's where I got it from.

[Emily]

I didn't actually make them. I'll see if I can find out.

[Emily]

Apparently there are plenty of free internet apps that will do it, just select the business card option.

Answer 2

[Mary]

Not for me. I use them, and I take them from other people still.

If you don't have one but the other party does, take theirs and say you'll follow up with an email with your details. It's a nice way to re-ignite the contact.

Another great tip I once got was to write on the back of the card as soon as you get home some of the details of the contact--what event, what date, anything you can remember. A story they told, stuff like that. It helps when you dig up the card later to approach them, you'll remember the conversation better.

But yeah--it varies in the situation or the person you are talking with.

[lel7lel7]

Great advice Mary, it seems most people are still positive about business cards but giving options for tech-savvy people is also handy.

Answer 3

[Andreas]

I'm not sure if there's one answer to your question. It also depends on the cultural context: in many parts of Asia business cards are a must.

Andreas