At People Matters TechHR India—where the air hums with tech, talent, and transformation—networking isn't just an activity; it's an art. But in 2025, even this age-old ritual is up for disruption. A curious question is making its rounds among India’s most influential leaders:

When you meet someone new, do you hand them a classic paper card—or flash your phone and share a QR code?

The new etiquette of connection

Business cards have long been the currency of professional exchange. They’re sleek, tangible, and in India, deeply cultural. A card extended with both hands still conveys respect. But just as work has gone hybrid, so too has networking.

Tech-savvy professionals now come armed with digital cards—QR codes, NFC chips, contact-sharing apps, even LinkedIn scanners. They're fast, flashy, and eco-conscious. 

At TechHR India this year, the hybrid trend is unmistakable:

• A seasoned CHRO hands over a matte-laminated card—one side in English, one in Hindi.

• A startup founder flashes a QR code that opens directly to a pre-filled calendar invite.

• An international executive taps their phone and shares their contact in a heartbeat.

We’re living in a world where paper and pixel now coexist—and context is king.

So, what’s the polite way to swap contacts in 2025?

Forget hard rules. Think situational etiquette:

Mirror their move: If someone hands you a card, return the gesture. If they’re already scanning something, go digital. Follow the rhythm.

Make it effortless: Nobody wants to download a new app just to save your number. Use native tools—LinkedIn QR, Apple NameDrop, Google Nearby Share. One step. One scan. Done.

Read the room (and the lighting): Digital sharing looks slick until you're stuck under a flickering spotlight, waving your phone like a torch. Bad WiFi? Low brightness? Skip the QR. Pull out that trusty card.

Add a touch of personality: “This QR takes you to my one-pager and calendar.” Give your digital gesture a human voice.

Respect hierarchy and culture: In Indian business settings, especially with senior leaders, offering a physical card remains a mark of grace. Have them on hand, always.

When digital goes wrong (and it often does)

Let’s talk about those awkward QR moments:

• “Wait, do I need internet for this?”

• “Which app do I open?”

• “Can you increase your brightness?”

And suddenly, a smooth exchange turns into tech support.

That’s why classic cards still have a winning edge:

• They never crash.

• They don’t need instructions.

• They’re instant and intuitive.

Plus, they can double as conversation starters: “Oh, you’re based in Hyderabad too?” or “Love the design on this.”

Here’s how leaders are leveling up:

• Dual-mode smart cards: NFC-enabled cards that also display a QR.

• Custom digital landing pages: Clean, mobile-optimised profiles with links, portfolios, and even Calendly.

• Phone back QR stickers: Subtle, sleek, always ready.

Polish your digital persona

Treat your digital card like your brand. Avoid messy screens and random screenshots. Use branded templates, add a photo, maybe even a short line that says, “Let’s build something great together.”

First impressions count—even in pixels.

The real question isn’t QR or card—It’s: Are you making it easy to connect?

This isn't about tech. It’s about trust.

Whether you tap, scan, or slide a card across the table, the goal is the same: make the other person feel seen, respected, and remembered.

That’s the kind of networking that resonates long after the event badge comes off.

And as TechHR India approaches, maybe it’s time to ask yourself:

• Does your contact exchange reflect your leadership style?

• Are you making it easy—or making it awkward?

Because at the end of the day, the best connections aren’t just saved. They’re started—with intent.

So yes, carry both. But lead with presence.

Because your next big opportunity might begin with a card—or a code—but it will always hinge on a conversation.