Retro Etiquette In Style for Paperless Business Cards

Do you have a virtual business card? I’m seeing the use of paperless business cards more often as social media networking increases.

I first became aware of the virtual business card after listening to attendees share their experience at the South by Southwest media technologies conference. Contxts was the predominant service used to exchange business contact information via a simple text message.

This week Mashable profiled several other services that also offer paperless business cards. One service that is gaining traction is MyNameIsE. Instead of a text message, MyNameIsE exchanges contact information over the Internet browser enabled on your mobile phone.

Another interesting service that recently came across my radar is twtBizCard by TwtApps. Now you can send your business card through a Twitter reply message. As more connections form on Twitter, this service may take off.

What I find so fascinating about social media is that business etiquette remains ‘in style’ even virtually.

When creating your virtual business card, below are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind.

1. Check for the correct spelling of your name. It is so easy for a thumb to slip and press the wrong key.
2. Carefully review to make sure telephone numbers are not accidently transposed. Between work, home, and cell numbers, a typo can easily occur.
3. Verify all the urls to social media sites are accurate. Make sure the “dot” “colon” and “backslash” are in the right sequence.
4. Create a relevant and professional email address or textid; one that is meaningful for your business.
5. Upload a professional picture. Try to use the same photo displayed on your social media sites so there is consistency.
6. Proofread, proofread, and once again proofread before hitting the done key and sending the contact information.
7. Keep your contact information current so the recipient’s address book has up-to-date information.
8. Add personal notes in your mobile phone’s address book after the event, when you have a moment in private.

So tell us, which service are you going to use for your virtual business card?

What next?
Subscribe to Carol Bory’s Etiquette Blog with RSS reader or e-mail.