They say that paper is becoming obsolete, be it in letters or as books. But the latest trend these days seems to be digital business card. Before we give a verdict on whether paper is becoming obsolete and take up a digital card, it is important to weigh the advantages and the disadvantages before taking a leap.
Pros
Let us consider some of the reasons why a digital card might be a good pick for you.
>See also: Will tech experts make digital transformation their calling card?
Unique
There is a fair chance that in a group of business people, you might be the only one in the room using a digital business which piques the interest of a potential client,
business partner, investor etc.
Cost effective
Since they are free, it saves you quite a bit of money that you would have to spend on printing cards. Your card cannot be ever lost, so you have to give a recipient your
card only once.
Smart changes
Any time, your phone number or email address or any other detail on the card changes, you do not have to waste a lot of money printing new business cards. Instead you can change them for free, and that too, in a matter of seconds.
Easy send and forward
It is easy to send a digital card to any number of recipients with the click of a button. Even your recipients can also forward your card with their contacts who can view it simply by going to the link.
>See also: What does it really mean to be a ‘digital business’?
No apps necessary
What makes it viable is that your recipients do not have to download or install any app to view your card.
Eco friendly
As we all know, throughout the world forests are dying at an alarming rate which makes it an alarming concern. Picking a digital card is good for the environment as it saves a tree and prevents deforestation.
Cons
Before you take the decision of going for a digital card, here are some of the disadvantages you need to keep in mind.
Less memorable
There is somewhere a charm in print business cards and handing them out, which initiates a contact which makes it easier for a client to remember you. Digital cards are far less personal.
>See also: How to drive digital engagement for your business
Paper cards on the other hand have a personality, hues of colours, a personalised feel and stands as an unbeatable tool of human networking.
Tedious
To create your digital card, you have download and install an app where you need to create your account and your cards. It is a slightly tedious process while you can
simply hand over a card to your clients in no time.
Internet access
Your clients as well as you need access to the internet to crate, send or view the card. If one of you is in a situation with internet malfunction, it is basically impossible
to access the card.
Lack of design options
You are stuck with their designs and do not have the option to customise your own stylish designs which makes it look like every other digital business card around.
>See also: Big data is helping reinvent companies through digital transformation
Images
Often clients block images in their email, to save data or as an automatic spam blockage measure which might end up blocking your card as well.
Unopened emails
As any email user knows, usually most people check only the emails which are necessary to view, letting most of the useless ones remain unread. There is a high chance of a digital card being discarded into the pile of useless unread emails.
Digital business cards are cool with great features, but there is a chance that the world of business is not yet ready to let go of the good old paper business card yet.
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