6 Ways to Send and Receive Business Cards on iPhone
Modernizing Business Card Networking with Your iPhone
While the exchange of physical business cards may appear to be a practice rooted in the past, its utility is significantly enhanced when paired with the capabilities of the modern iPhone.
Traditional and App-Based Methods
The conventional method of handling business cards with an iPhone remains viable. However, a new level of efficiency in networking is now achievable through the numerous business card scanning applications available on the App Store.
Let's explore the various approaches to sending and receiving business cards utilizing your iPhone.
Enhancing Networking Efficiency
- Traditional methods are still functional.
- App Store applications streamline the process.
- The iPhone transforms business cards into a powerful contact management tool.
These tools allow for quick digitization and organization of contact information, moving beyond the limitations of purely physical exchanges.
By leveraging these technologies, professionals can optimize their networking efforts and maintain comprehensive contact databases.
Sharing Contact Information with vCards
A highly efficient method for transmitting business contact details involves utilizing virtual contact files, known as vCards. Begin by ensuring your contact information within the iPhone’s Contacts application is current. The process for sending is straightforward and outlined below.
Sending a vCard
First, launch the Contacts app. Then, within your contact card, select the Share Contact option located at the bottom of the screen.
Upon selection, a vCard file will be generated. This file can then be conveniently shared through various methods, including AirDrop to other iPhone users or via SMS messaging.
Furthermore, sharing options extend to platforms like WhatsApp, Mail, and Slack, alongside any other application that supports file sharing.
Receiving and Adding vCards
Individuals receiving your vCard can easily open it and integrate your contact information directly into their address book. Virtually all digital address books are compatible with the vCard format.
If you receive a vCard, simply tap the attachment. Then, select New Contact to create a new entry.
Should the sender already exist in your Contacts app, but the vCard contains updated information, choose Add to Existing Contact and select the appropriate contact name.
Tips for vCard Usage
Tip: Consider creating multiple vCards within your Contacts application. This allows for customized versions tailored to different contexts, such as personal use, professional networking, or specific activities.
While vCards offer a simple and effective solution, enhancing your professional toolkit with a dedicated business card and contact management application can provide even greater functionality.
Leveraging Business Card Applications
While vCards offer a swift and practical solution, they don't fully replicate the impact of a physical business card. Business cards remain a vital branding tool for professionals.
Therefore, when presented with a physical card, manual data entry into your iPhone isn’t necessary. Several effective business card apps utilize optical character recognition (OCR) technology to streamline this process for you.
2. HiHello: Digital Business Cards
HiHello functions as both a free digital business card creator and a contact management system. Recipients aren’t required to have the app installed, and it’s compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. Sharing your card is easily accomplished through a simple link, email, text message, or AirDrop transfer.
Alternatively, a unique HiHello QR code can be scanned by most mobile device cameras, directly importing the information into the recipient’s contacts. The app also allows for the inclusion of dynamic content like live photos and videos on your card.
Multiple electronic versions of your card can be created, enabling you to network effectively in any situation.
Download: HiHello Digital Business Cards for iOS | Android (Free)
3. ABBYY Business Card Reader
If you frequently interact with an international clientele, the ABBYY Business Card Reader is an excellent choice. Its OCR capabilities recognize contact details – names, company names, phone numbers, and email addresses – in 25 different languages.
The app can even process cards containing up to three languages simultaneously. Precise edge detection ensures seamless importing of business card information into your iPhone. The scanner effectively minimizes background clutter for a clear image.
A unique feature is its ability to automatically complete missing information, such as country codes, even if they aren’t printed on the card. Furthermore, the app can connect to Facebook and LinkedIn profiles to enrich contact details.
Data can be stored either within your iPhone’s Contacts or the app’s internal digital storage. Card information can then be shared as an image, email, or vCard. The free, ad-supported version limits scanning to 10 cards; a premium subscription unlocks unlimited access.
Download: Business Card Reader for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. CamCard Business Card Scanner
CamCard is a widely used application for quickly digitizing business cards, offering both single and batch scanning options. It provides support for 16 languages.
For extensive networking, the app allows you to add notes and reminders to contact information. You can also notify your network of updates, such as a job change or promotion, and others using the app can do the same.
Customized business cards can be created within the app and shared via SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms. Features like Card Radar, QR Code scanning, and Private Groups facilitate rapid card exchange within larger groups.
CamCard securely stores contact data in the cloud, ensuring accessibility from any device. A free Lite version is available, but it includes advertisements and scanning limitations. Upgrading to the business version requires a monthly or annual subscription.
Download: CamCard for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Microsoft Office Lens
A dedicated business card and contact management application isn't necessary for all users. For those individuals, two alternative solutions are available for consideration.
Microsoft Office Lens functions as a versatile scanning application, incorporating a specific mode designed for business card scanning. This feature automatically identifies the card's boundaries, captures an image, corrects any perspective distortions, and then stores the result either in your device’s Photo Library or directly within OneNote.
Within OneNote, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is employed to extract the contact information. Users are then presented with the option to save this data to their device’s Contacts application.
The edge detection capabilities of Office Lens are exceptionally accurate, ensuring a high-quality digital reproduction of the business card. The application currently provides support for business cards written in English, German, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.
Download: Microsoft Office Lens for iOS | Android (Free)
6. Evernote
The ability to scan business cards is included with an Evernote Premium subscription. However, a trial period allowing the scanning of up to five cards is available for users of the free version.
Begin by opening the Evernote application on your iOS device. A new note can be initiated by pressing and holding the prominent Plus (+) icon, then selecting the camera option to capture an image.
When a business card is positioned against a background offering sufficient contrast, Evernote is capable of automatically identifying its boundaries. Capture the image, and the application will proceed to extract the relevant data from the card.
All cards that are successfully scanned are preserved as a Business Card note within Evernote. This note contains dedicated fields for contact information, a visual representation of the card itself, and space for any supplementary notes you wish to include.
Furthermore, Evernote allows you to schedule reminders to facilitate follow-up communication with the contact at a later date.
Should the scanned card represent your own, an option is provided to distribute your contact details via email to your professional network.
For a streamlined experience, Evernote offers a separate application specifically designed for scanning, known as Evernote Scannable. Access it using your business account credentials and commence scanning.
Business card scanning functionality is now a ubiquitous feature within the majority of widely-used mobile scanning applications, ensuring a broad range of options for users.
Download: Evernote for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Reducing Anxiety in Professional Networking
A thoughtfully crafted business card serves as a significant initial impression. Several contact management applications are available to assist in tailoring your card to reflect your individual style.
However, cultivating lasting professional connections extends far beyond a simple introduction.
Understanding the established etiquette and potential pitfalls of professional networking is therefore crucial for success.
Essential Networking Practices
Building rapport requires genuine engagement. Active listening and demonstrating sincere interest in others are paramount.
Remember to follow up after initial meetings. A personalized email or connection request on LinkedIn can reinforce the relationship.
Don't solely focus on what others can do for you. Networking should be a mutually beneficial exchange.
Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid dominating conversations. Allow others ample opportunity to share their perspectives.
Refrain from immediately pitching your products or services. Focus on establishing a connection first.
Don't underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Expressing gratitude demonstrates professionalism and respect.
Leveraging Technology for Networking
Contact management apps streamline the process of organizing and maintaining connections.
LinkedIn provides a powerful platform for identifying and engaging with professionals in your field.
Utilize these tools to nurture relationships and stay top-of-mind.
