I recently met with a young professional facing an unusual challenge: His company prefers to “fly under the radar” and prohibits employees from having business cards with the company name or logo. As someone who believes business cards are like sharing a little piece of yourself and saying, “let’s keep in touch,” I initially found this puzzling. But challenges like these call for creative solutions.
After brainstorming together, we landed on a practical alternative: LinkedIn’s QR code feature.
Setting Up Your LinkedIn QR Code
Getting started is straightforward. On mobile, open the LinkedIn app, tap the search bar on your homepage, then tap the QR code icon that appears in the corner. Your code under “My Code” is ready to save to your gallery or share instantly. From desktop, simply copy your profile URL and paste it into any online QR code generator.
Three Essential Steps for Success
Before relying on this method, make sure you’ve covered these bases:
- First, keep your LinkedIn profile current. If someone scans your code, they should find accurate information about your current role and experience.
- Second, ensure your contact information is complete and accessible. At minimum, include a reliable email address and phone number so people can reach you directly.
- Third – and this is the clever part – set your QR code as your phone’s lock screen or save it to your favorites for instant access at networking events.
My Two Cents
I’ll be honest: I’m still a big fan of traditional business cards. There’s something tangible and personal about exchanging cards, a physical reminder of your conversation and connection. However, when company policy or other circumstances make cards impractical, the LinkedIn QR code offers a legitimate alternative.
The key is being prepared. Whether you’re handing someone a business card or offering your QR code to scan, the gesture matters. Both say, “I want to stay connected with you.” And ultimately, that’s what networking is all about.
Happy Networking!