UPDATE 2:

found it – check out my chi.mp profile.

UPDATE:

Rethinking this it seems that the need for a qr code and new cards are actually in the way of the end result, which is to present a lot of contact information that needs to go in a small space. perhaps the best way to think of this is as a protocol, not necessarily a service – with a vanity name or number that will deliver all of the information that was to be presented to the user’s database of choice. if i had a card that had name, number, company url and a digitalcontact id of 5546 – entering 5546 into the website or mobile app would just import all of that information, additional links, and an image of the contact and the card into my preferred dB. So like a vCard: this is just an expanded version. removing the qr code removes technical hurdles (how do i use this?) and physical hurdles (if have to go through another company to get my cards made now) and allows the end user to provide one simple line of text that will connect the card holder to lots of importable and useful information.

Business cards are not going anywhere for a long time. there has been many attempts to try and replace them with digital alternatives such as beaming a vCard from phone to phone. But honestly have you ever had someone offer you a digital business card alternative of any kind and then been able to retrieve or reuse it? Did it feel the same as the exchange of an actual business card? Handing someone your card has always been a very personal gesture – one that solidifies a meeting and possibly  a prospective relationship. It is somewhat an institution in and of it’s own.

Elegantly presenting all of the information that we like to present in this digital age however, is a bit of a task – but since i have seen the introduction and funding of stickyBits has given me the idea of connecting the traditional business card with the rest of our digital identities, using the same sort of technology (qrCode possibly).

Applying a generic sticker to a stack of cards is not only impersonal but a quite a hassle. If one could order new cards with a digital stamp already added that would link the card holder (either via some sort of recognition built into card scanning software, via mobile device with mobile image recognition software, or with a number/shortcode of some sort in case you do not have the ability to use either of the above).

the link would be to a digital representation of the user who presented the card with whatever social connection information they choose to share (even imagine setting preferences for individual users, based on their email address or some other identifying information).  the site itself is an index, but not necessarily an open one – the key to the connection is the card, and you can only browse basic information until the user has presented you with a card. Access to this would allow you to add all of the users contact information (whatever they have chosen to share with you) to whatever info database they keep.

All this seems complex, but there is already scanning software and libraries built for iphone, android and i am sure windows and mac. The cards themselves would be printed by a third party (white label and drop shipping done for me) and the site would start as a simple frontend (photo, links, about me, about my business) with a simple backend to setup these links and information.

There is an argument to be made that several websites already serve this purpose. Facebook, myspace, my personal blog. All of these spaces are places where we open up portions of our lives to our friends and people who know me. Linked in has this possibility but i do not feel that they are taking their position to the fullest and are expecting people to connect with their website and with others on their site.

The key to this would be offering a professional look and feel, and not be cheesy. The brand should be one that is prestigious and that the user should be proud to be affiliated with. Ordering the cards should be as easy as ordering professional quality business cards or sending us a card to recreate with the (insert the brandname here) digital mark added to it. Introductory cards and services should be free just to get users in.

Comments and suggestions always appreciated.