The Role of Contact Cards in Effective Networking Strategies for 2026

The Role of Contact Cards in Effective Networking Strategies for 2026

By Lars Guo

Published: January 22, 2026

Opening Message:

Hi folks! I hope you are all doing well. This blog post explores contact cards and business cards and whether they are still a good idea or even relevant in 2026. We live in a time dominated by digital content, where many traditional items seem less important than they once were. This article reflects my personal opinion, and I hope that by sharing my perspective, you might find something useful to apply to your own life. I hope you enjoy the blog.

This was created in a different website that I truthfully do not remember where. The logo is my own work. This is not a real business card. It is just an example of Fuecoco's (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's fire starter Pokemon) business card.

Background:

I decided to create contact cards because I wanted an easy way for people to remember me and quickly find my content. Sometimes it only takes one person to make a difference between landing a job or missing an opportunity. Having information written down saves me from constantly explaining where people can find my work, even if everything is not perfect. Customizing contact cards is also enjoyable because they reflect personal style and help make a lasting impression.

Business Cards:

Business cards typically include professional information such as a person’s name, phone number, email address, job title, and sometimes a company website or logo. They are usually small and easy to carry, which makes them convenient without taking up much space.

Contact Cards:

Contact cards are similar in size to business cards but focus on personal professional information rather than company branding. They usually include a first and last name, email address, phone number, and often a LinkedIn profile link. Some may also list the school a person graduated from. Unlike business cards, contact cards usually do not include a company logo because they represent the individual rather than a specific workplace.

My Personal Contact Card:

My contact card includes my first and last name, the school I graduated from, my LinkedIn profile, my email address, and a phone number I use strictly for professional purposes. I also include QR codes for my LinkedIn profile, writing portfolio, and blog. This allows people to access my work quickly without searching through LinkedIn to find specific content. While I use QR codes for convenience, I do not rely on them entirely because they are not always reliable. The front of my card is a muted gold with black lettering, while the back has a black background with white lettering to ensure the text is easy to read.

What I Like About Business Cards and Contact Cards:

I like having my information physically written down so people can type it in later or use QR codes to access my content. It allows me to share my information without relying on my phone. The cards are portable and easy to hand out, and they showcase personal style and creativity. They also help people remember you and reach out later when they need to make contact. Another benefit is that you do not need a pen, pencil, or paper to exchange information, which is helpful when none of those are available.

The Downsides of Business Cards and Contact Cards:

While business cards and contact cards are useful, they can easily be thrown away or forgotten in a pocket. If someone does not use your card, it can feel like a waste of money. They are also not always welcomed, especially in certain shops, restaurants, or professional spaces. You must remember to carry them and be mindful of when it is appropriate to hand them out. Design choices matter as well, since anything inappropriate can work against you. They also cost money to produce and use physical resources, which raises environmental concerns.

Are They Worth Having?:

If you are promoting yourself in any professional or creative capacity, contact cards and business cards can be extremely useful. They save time and reduce the need to repeatedly write down or verbally explain your information. They have helped me when I wanted people to connect with me on different platforms or when I needed someone to send me photos and did not have my phone available. During my travels, I found them especially helpful for quickly sharing professional details. If you are not trying to promote yourself in any way, however, they may not be worth the financial investment.

Where to Get Business Cards or Contact Cards:

This is not a sponsored recommendation, but I personally suggest Canva. The cards look professional, are easy to customize, and are reasonably priced. Delivery is timely, and the overall experience is straightforward. Many companies charge far too much for printed cards, and Canva offers a more accessible option.

Closing Message:

What are your thoughts on business cards and contact cards? Do you think they are still relevant and worth the investment in 2026? I hope you enjoyed this article, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the next blog. Have a wonderful day.

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