Why I Stopped Ordering Business Cards (and You Should Too)

Last updated on October 3, 2025

As I packed for a recent conference, I reached for that familiar stack of business cards I’d carefully slotted into my portfolio—then stopped. When was the last time I’d given one out? I think I may have used half a dozen in the past year. Better yet, the conference badges were direct print, so no plastic pockets to slip cards into. And when was the last time I’d followed up with someone whose card was buried in my wallet or laptop bag?

That moment of realization led me to a decision that’s transformed how I network at conferences: I stopped ordering business cards entirely. And after 2 years of digital-first networking, I can confidently say it’s one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. 

The Business Card Reality Check

Let’s be honest about what happens to most business cards we collect at conferences. They live in our badge holders for 3 days, migrate to our bags on the flight home, and eventually find their way into a drawer where they gather dust until we finally throw them away during our next office cleanup. Sound familiar?

As medical writers and editors, we pride ourselves on clear communication. Yet we cling to a networking method that’s inherently inefficient and—let’s face it—easily forgotten.

The Digital Alternative That Actually Works

Here’s what I do instead, and why it’s revolutionized my professional connections:

1. QR Codes for the Tech-Savvy
   I prefer to use the LinkedIn QR code option, which has proven itself handy for most circumstances. At one point about 8 years ago or so, I printed a QR code on the back of my business card. This was not very effective, as QR codes weren’t used that much, but they are widely used now and don’t need explanation, as my business card did. QR codes can link directly to your LinkedIn profile or digital business cards. While not everyone is comfortable with this approach yet, it’s gaining traction across the field. (Be sure to stay cybersecure with your QR code use.)
2. LinkedIn on the Spot
   Soon after I meet someone interesting and I find a quick moment, I will send them a LinkedIn connection request. We hear the advice to always send a personalized note with an invitation to connect, but if you just spoke to the person I don’t see the point, because if I am strapped for time—as most of us are at conferences—I will put off sending the invitation, which loses the momentum of the interaction. Of course, if you send an invitation at some later point, send a personalized note: “Great meeting you at the regulatory writing session—looking forward to continuing our discussion about CTD formatting.” This creates an immediate, memorable connection while the conversation is still fresh in both our minds.
3. The Phone Contact Exchange
   For those deeper conversations where you know you’ll want to follow up quickly, exchanging phone numbers for a text thread works beautifully. A quick text that evening: “This is Kelly from the poster session—here’s that resource I mentioned about FDA guidance documents” keeps the momentum going and ensures your new contact has your information immediately.
4. Conference App Connections
   Most major conferences now have networking apps that let you connect with other attendees digitally. These platforms often include messaging features and the ability to schedule follow-up meetings—functionality that goes way beyond what a paper business card could ever provide. In my experience, these apps vary in usability, so some are used more than others, so you need to be the judge of how much energy you invest in each app.

Why Digital Networking Works Better for Medical Writers and Editors

Our profession is built on precision and efficient information management. Digital networking aligns perfectly with these values:

• Immediate Organization: Digital connections are automatically organized in your existing systems (LinkedIn, phone contacts, conference apps) rather than creating another pile of paper to manage.
• Searchable History: Need to remember someone’s specialty or the conference where you met? Digital connections preserve this context in ways that business cards never could.
• Ongoing Engagement: LinkedIn and other platforms make it easy to maintain professional relationships through content sharing, congratulations on job changes, and industry updates—all things that strengthen professional networks over time.
• Environmental Responsibility: Getting rid of business cards is a small but meaningful step toward more sustainable professional practices.

Overcoming the Awkwardness

I’ll admit it: the first few times I suggested connecting on LinkedIn instead of exchanging cards felt awkward. But I’ve found that most people seem relieved. And if they didn’t know how to connect via a quick QR code, they usually think it is neat and happy you showed them a new tool. No embarrassment at all! And many have told me they prefer digital connections because they’re more likely to follow up.

The Follow-up Advantage

Here’s where digital networking truly shines: the follow-up. With traditional business cards, following up requires transcribing information, remembering context, and crafting cold emails to people who might not even remember you.

With digital connections made in real-time, I can follow up within 24 hours with specific references to our conversation. Likewise, connections can follow-up with me within that window of time after a meeting or conference when my thoughts are still focused on the meeting and capturing next steps.

Practical Tips for Going Digital

If you’re ready to ditch the business cards, here are some strategies that have worked well for me:

• Update your LinkedIn profile before conferences to ensure it accurately reflects your current work and specialties.
• Have a go-to phrase ready like “I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn—would that work?” or “Let me send you a connection request right now so we don’t lose touch.”
• Follow up within 48 hours while the conference experience is still fresh.
• Share relevant resources as part of your follow-up to add immediate value to new connections.

The Bottom Line

Business cards made sense when digital connectivity was limited and expensive. Today, they’re a relic that often hurts rather than helps professional networking. As medical writers and editors, we’re already comfortable with digital tools for collaboration, research, and communication. It’s time to extend that comfort to networking.

The next time you’re preparing for a conference, consider leaving the business cards at home. Your networking efforts will be more efficient and ultimately more successful. Plus, you’ll have one fewer thing to pack—and that’s something every conference traveler can appreciate.

Have you made the switch to digital networking? What strategies have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.