Has LinkedIn just secretly, silently and quietly made the business card needless?

Innovation sometimes comes along quietly. This also applies to LinkedIn features. PointDrive for example was such a feature in the LinkedIn Sales Navigator, which in my opinion was introduced without much marketing blabla around it (and it now became one that I no longer want to miss in my daily sales routine). And this week it almost seems as if LinkedIn secretly, silently and quietly made the business card needless.

LinkedIn App instead of Business Cards

Who opens his LinkedIn app on his iOS or Android smartphone or tablet since this week sees the known search line above.

Nothing new so far. But if you tap on it, you suddenly see a new section at the top with a photo symbol and the text "Zum Verbinden Code scannen” (in my German version of the App - probably translates into something like “scan code to connect” in the English version).

Curious what is behind it, I could not help but try it out. Lo and behold: I am offered to share my personal QR code, or to scan another LinkedIn members code to instantly connect with him/her.

HELLO! Imagine a meeting, a trade fair or any other event. How easy it will be in the future to exchange the contact details, to network and to continue the conversation started at the event.

And even better. I'm able to save the code (with or wihout my profile picture) to the pictures app on my device to later share or embedd it wherever I like .

I`m thrilled. Another big step towards digitization. Thanks LinkedIn!