Digital Business Cards for UK Networking Events

Digital Business Cards UK Editorial Team — Networking and events

Digital Business Cards UK Editorial Team · Published 31 October 2026 · Updated 31 October 2026

Networking events are where many UK small businesses find their next client, supplier or referral partner. The format has hardly changed in years: coffee, introductions and a swap of business cards. Only the last part needs updating.

This guide covers using a digital business card at UK networking events: chamber of commerce breakfasts, referral-group chapters and local business shows. It includes a simple 60-second introduction and the follow-up etiquette that most people appreciate.

For the general buying checks, start with our UK buyer's guide to digital business cards.

Why it works at networking events

A digital business card is a web profile with its own link and QR code. The person you meet scans the code with their phone camera, or you text them the link. One press of Save to Contacts puts your details in their phone. No app is needed on either side.

At a networking event, that means:

• No running out. One QR code shares all morning.
• No pile of cards to type up. The people you meet save you themselves.
• More than a name and number. Your profile shows what you do, examples of your work and how to book a call.
• Current details. Change your number or role, and every link you have shared shows the update.

Types of UK networking event

Chamber of commerce breakfasts

Local chambers of commerce run early-morning events across the UK. They are usually informal: arrive, talk to a few people, perhaps hear a short talk, and leave before the working day starts. Conversations are brief, so a quick way to swap details matters.

Referral-group chapters

Many towns have referral or business-networking groups that meet weekly or fortnightly in the same venue. Members usually give a short introduction each week and pass referrals to each other. Regular attendees get to know each other well, so your profile becomes the thing members forward when they refer you.

Local business shows

Smaller than a trade show, a local business show might fill a hotel function room or a community venue. Some businesses take a table; others just walk around. It sits between a networking event and an exhibition. Our guide to UK trade shows covers the larger events.

Careers fairs and graduate events

Universities and professional bodies run careers fairs and graduate evenings where students meet employers and recruiters. Our guides for UK graduates and UK recruiters cover both sides of those conversations.

Charity and community events

Charities often attend local business events to find corporate supporters, and wedding suppliers use them to meet venues and planners. Our guides for UK charities and UK wedding suppliers show how they share at events.

Online and hybrid networking

Some groups meet on video calls, or mix in-person and online members. The same profile works: paste your link into the meeting chat when you introduce yourself, or show your QR code on your video background. People can save your details without leaving the call.

The 60-second introduction

Many networking events ask everyone to introduce themselves. Even where they do not, you will give a short version dozens of times. Keep it to about a minute.

1. Who you are. Your name and business.
2. Who you help. The kind of customer you work with.
3. What you do for them. The result, in plain words.
4. An example. One recent piece of work, without naming clients unless they agreed.
5. What you are looking for. The introduction or referral that would help most.
6. How to find you. "Scan my code and you will have everything."

Then show your QR code. The introduction gets attention. The QR code turns attention into a saved contact.

Event type vs the best way to share

Sharing the link politely

Some people are happy to scan a QR code. Others prefer you to send the link. Offer both.

• "Can I send you my details?" Then text or WhatsApp the link while you are still talking.
• Ask for theirs at the same time. It is a swap, not a broadcast.
• Do not interrupt a conversation to show your phone. Wait for a natural pause.
• Keep your phone ready. Save the QR code to your photos so it opens in seconds.

UK follow-up etiquette

Most UK professionals appreciate a short, polite follow-up. A pushy one does more harm than none.

Within a day:

• A LinkedIn note. Connect with a short message that mentions where you met: "Good to meet you at the chamber breakfast this morning. Enjoyed hearing about your new office."
• Or an email. Two or three sentences. Mention the conversation and any promise you made.

What to avoid:

• Adding people to a newsletter because they gave you their details. Marketing emails to individuals generally need their consent under PECR. The ICO explains the rules in its guide to electronic mail marketing. This is general information, not legal advice.
• A sales pitch in the first message. Build the relationship first.
• Several follow-ups in a week. One message, then wait.

Making the most of regular groups

If you attend the same group every week or fortnight, your profile can work harder.

• Keep a fresh example at the top. Use Visibility & Order to feature your latest piece of work.
• Make referrals easy. Ask members to forward your link when they refer you.
• Return the favour. Forward other members' links when you refer them.
• Track introductions. With Business Add-ons, use the CRM to note who referred whom.

Common networking mistakes

• Collecting cards but never following up. The follow-up is where the value is.
• Talking only about yourself. Ask about the other person first.
• A profile that does not match your introduction. If you say you help small charities, your profile should say so too.
• Too many links. Two or three useful ones are enough.
• Forgetting to ask for their details. Sharing should go both ways.

Building a referral habit

Networking pays off over months, not mornings. A simple habit helps.

1. After each event, note in your CRM who you met and what they need.
2. Each week, look for one introduction you could make for someone else.
3. When you refer someone, forward their profile link with a short note.
4. When someone refers you, thank them the same day.

People remember who sends them work.

What to put on your profile for networking

• Details. Name, role, business, phone and email.
• A one-line headline that matches your 60-second introduction.
• Testimonials. One or two short quotes from clients.
• Gallery or Documents. An example of your work or a short capabilities sheet.
• One clear next step. "Book a coffee" or "Book a call", using Bookings if you have Business Add-ons.

Is it worth the cost?

If you attend networking events regularly, a single payment means no reprint every time your details change. Both plans on this site are paid once in pounds with UK VAT included: Brand Presence at £45 and Business Add-ons at £90. Our guide to what a digital business card costs in the UK compares one-time and subscription pricing.

Start on the digital business card page, which is set up for sharing in person.

Frequently asked questions

Will people at a networking breakfast know how to scan a QR code?

Most modern phones scan QR codes with the normal camera app. If someone prefers, text or email the link instead.

What should I say in a 60-second introduction?

Say who you are, who you help, what you do for them, give one example and say what introduction you are looking for. Then offer your QR code.

How soon should I follow up?

Within a day is polite. A short LinkedIn note or email that mentions your conversation works well.

Can I add people I meet to my newsletter?

Not automatically. Marketing emails to individuals generally need consent under PECR. Ask them first. This is general information, not legal advice.

Should I still carry paper cards?

You can, but you will need them less. Your QR code can also be printed on a small card if someone prefers something physical.

Which plan suits regular networkers?

Brand Presence covers sharing and saving your details. Business Add-ons adds Bookings, Contact Leads and a CRM if you want to track introductions.