The Business Card Comeback: Building Connection in a Digital Age BUSINESS CARDS ARE BACK BABY!!
Last week at the Canadian Meeting and Events Expo 2024, I experienced something that surprised me: the resurgence of business cards. Despite having an electronic business card and knowing how to connect via LinkedIn QR codes, I found myself gravitating back to the traditional, physical exchange of business cards.
Why, in an age dominated by digital communication, are we returning to this old-school method? Because in a world overwhelmed by emails, LinkedIn messages, and cold calls, a physical business card holds a different kind of weight. It’s more than just a card—it’s a symbol of a real connection.
Here’s what a business card means:
👀 Face-to-face interaction: We met, locked eyes, and had a genuine conversation.
🤝 Mutual respect: I valued our interaction enough to give you my card and ask for yours.
📬 A commitment to follow-up: Even if the details fade, the physical card reminds me of the importance of our conversation.
Exchanging business cards taps into something fundamental: our need for connection. In the midst of a social isolation epidemic, this need has become more pronounced. The past few years have shown us how much we miss real, human interaction. Even as we adapt to new ways of meeting online, the desire for face-to-face connection remains strong.
When I tell people about my work training adults with PlayDoh and expanding facilitator locations, they often light up. “That must really get people talking,” they say, and they’re right—it does. Conversations spark, connections are made, and then… the exchange happens.
Perhaps we’re witnessing a return to balance, a recognition that while digital tools have their place, there’s something irreplaceable about human connection. And maybe, just maybe, the humble business card is becoming a part of that process again.
Why Business Cards Matter for Team Building
In the corporate world, fostering strong teams and genuine connections is more important than ever. The simple act of exchanging business cards can be a catalyst for deeper relationships within and across organizations. Here’s how:
Promotes face-to-face interactions: Encourages team members to engage in meaningful conversations with others.
Builds trust and respect: Demonstrates a commitment to personal connections.
Enhances communication: Creates a tangible reminder to follow up and continue the conversation.
Strengthens team cohesion: Reinforces the value of togetherness in a world that often feels disconnected.
As we continue to navigate a world that increasingly relies on virtual interactions, let’s not forget the power of a simple, physical gesture. Business cards may be small, but they play a big role in building the connections that keep relationships strong.
Are you fully on board with electronic business cards, or do you still see value in the physical exchange? Let’s hear how you’re keeping your connections alive in this digital age. Share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation.
Theresa Bailey is a bestselling author and the exclusive North American provider of Play Doh Power Solutions Corporate Training.
