Some time ago I stopped using business cards.  Frankly, I was tired of carrying them and I was even more tired of having to either save the cards given to me or manually transcribe them into my contact manager.

So, I’ve been looking for some “hi-tech” solution.  In fact, I’ve written a number of articles about this very topic: https://realtytechbytes.com/?s=business+cards.  Most of these solutions from the past have worked well, some have gone by the wayside and some were never that good anyway.

When I saw the “Shake – Business cards” app, my curiosity was piqued.  This is a FREE app for both iPhone and Android phones. To get the iPhone app, go here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/shake-business-cards.-share/id1019230891 and for Android phones go here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inplaymaker.cardshake

You might be wondering “So, what’s the big deal? It’s just another app that you can use to exchange business cards.” In fact it is a business card swapping app, but with a twist.  This app links to your LinkedIn profile and uses that profile to build a business card with your contact info from LinkedIn, ALONG with your LinkedIn Summary.  If you’ve followed my past advice on creating a dynamite LinkedIn Summary you are good to go.  If not, review these articles for tips: https://realtytechbytes.com/?s=linkedin+summary

The way it works is very simple.  If you find a person that you want to exchange cards with, just open the app and shake your phone.  If they do the same, the app finds the other person’s cards and makes the exchange.  If they don’t have the app you can enter their email in to the app.  They will then get an email with a link that will allow them to download the app and your contact info.  This is a very slick way to exchange contact info AND your “elevator pitch” AKA your LinkedIn Summary.

Here are the other features of the app:

• One step LinkedIn login
• Exchange business cards instantly using Close Proximity Technology (CPT)
• Help save thousands of trees a year by not using paper business cards
• Date and time of exchange displayed on all cards
• Geo-location pinpoints where you met
• Every card includes an official LinkedIn picture and profile link
• Sync cards directly with phone contacts
• Add contacts on LinkedIn with one tap
• Send card via email if one person doesn’t have the app
• Sort and search cards alphabetically or by date
• Rank against your peers on total cards collected. Try to climb the rankings in your company, industry and even city to become the best networker.  (Not so sure that this is important)

This one is worth checking out, especially if you have a complete LinkedIn profile. Let me know what you think, and if you do get the app, let’s exchange cards!