Social networks are great, meet up with old friends, catch up with old flames, but professionally, unless there is an internal social network, not a whole lot of business is done day to day on these open social networks. The one item that changes more hands than anything else are business cards. When you go to a meeting, a seminar, a conference, a training, or you meet someone interesting the business card is the staple for exchanging information.

 

Not anymore!

 

The iPhone store released Nameo last night which can literally make business cards obsolete. How does it work? Having the app installed on the iPhone, the application becomes aware of other users in the area with the same application broadcasting their information. You simply view the individuals, select who you want to add, wait for them to agree and you’ve just exchanged information. It may sound like a lot of steps, but while business cards can get lost, throw in the wash, or simply forgotten, those that carry their mobile’s around are sure to have their information on hand. The virtual business card could be the future of business.

 

The app is only $2.99 at the App Store, but because the iPhone has not established itself as the business phone of choice, a similar application is sure to hit the Blackberry market. If so, it would be quite a boost to their business, and could perhaps set the standard for trading information with others electronically, making the use of a paper business card completely irrelevant.