For decades, the business card wasn’t just a way to trade contact info; it was a status symbol. The fancier the card, the more likely you were to hang onto it and actually reach out to the person who gave it to you.

Anyone who’s been to a convention or networking event for even a day has probably come home with a stack of cards… and contacted maybe a quarter of those people, if that.

Now, in our digital age, we connect in all sorts of ways. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook let us build networks that feel more organic. They show us how we’re connected and help uncover mutual contacts we didn’t know existed. At recent events I’ve attended, people have asked to connect by sharing their Instagram handle or flashing a LinkedIn QR code. I’ve followed and accepted, sure, but it begs the question: how meaningful are these connections? Are we building relationships, or just padding our “friend list”?

Another trend is the event app. Many conferences now come with their own app, and once you register, you get access. These apps often include messaging and contact-sharing features, which are great for connecting during and shortly after the event. But they feel a bit gimmicky. If the event is recurring, the app gets updated with the latest attendees, and those who skip future events lose access. Plus, staying in touch requires both parties to keep checking the app, which rarely happens. The real value of these apps is in facilitating that first exchange, so you can move the conversation to a more permanent platform like your phone or social media.

Then there’s the rise of digital business cards. Think “One card to rule them all” (yes, Lord of the Rings reference, but swap the ring for a card). These use NFC, QR codes, or both to send your info directly to someone’s phone. I’ll admit, I love these. I’ve got a few myself. There’s something undeniably cool about whipping out one sleek card and instantly sharing your contact details—no more lost cards or getting buried in someone’s pile.

But here’s the catch: that “save contact” button isn’t always what it seems. When someone scans your card, they’re taken to a screen with multiple connection options. They click “save contact,” expecting it to be done, but then they have to hit “done,” “save,” or “import” again, actually to store it. It’s not broken, just misleading. And to make things more confusing, some card providers throw in pop-ups urging users to create their own account, making it seem like they won’t get the contact info unless they do. So yeah, there’s a bit of a walkthrough involved.

So what’s the best approach? Do I carry a stack of fancy cards and reprint when I run out? Stick to LinkedIn? Use the event app? Or go all-in on the single digital card?

Honestly, there’s room for all of them. Some people still love the tactile feel of a physical card. Others thrive on social media and build genuine connections there. Event apps are great for in-the-moment conversations, but you’ll need to follow up elsewhere to keep the dialogue going. And those sleek digital cards? They’re flashy and fun, but make sure your info actually gets saved.

Networking isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about meeting people where they are and making sure you’re easy to find once the handshake’s over.