As social media and virtual platforms have become a main means of communication even in the professional world, smart networking solutions are integral for the success of any 21st century businesses. And, with the new generation of Gen Z entrepreneurs rightly placing high importance on environmentally conscious solutions, this is also an aspect that no modern entrepreneur can afford to ignore.  

Doup, a green and reusable alternative to business cards, is set to do just that. Offering a full suite of networking solutions, the service has been launched in Malta by WFDM director Matthew Mantvydas Narusevicius, after the project met with a strong takeup in Lithuania.

“I was impressed not only by the success that Doup found on foreign markets, but also by the fact that it provides easily-accessible 360-degree solutions to a business. At its core, Doup is set to replace the old-school business cards, yes, but it offers a lot more than that.

In reality, it gives subscribers access to a full suite of well-priced business solutions that can be described as ‘tap and play’,” Mr Narusevicius starts off.

So how does it work, exactly? To put it simply, Doup is embedded with a QR code that’s powered by NFC technology, making it capable of exchanging a wide range of data with other mobile devices by placing it close to the receiving device.

The technology operates in the same way as when using your phone to make a payment - all you need to do is wait for your shared information to come up on the recipient’s screen and you’re sorted. Details are thus exchanged, stored and cannot be lost, all in the space of a few seconds. The best part? You don’t even need to be online for the solution to work, as the QR Code works just as well offline. Made a new connection while on a flight back to Malta? Doup has you covered even on ‘Airplane Mode’.

“I have to admit that the elegance of the process also attracted me. Exchanging business cards can turn into a frustrating, and sometimes clumsy, exercise. This is certainly not the case with Doup. On the contrary, it actually makes you look innovative and helps you stand out from the crowd,” Mr Narusevicius explains with a smile.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than style and the ability to exchange your number. The card stores not only basic contact information - such as email, telephone numbers and links to sites and socials - but it can also store a large variety of downloadable files such as images, videos, calendar reservations and more. This is one of the biggest USPs of Doup, the fact that it removes the necessity of carrying multiple storage devices by keeping all your ready-to-transfer information in one place. 

But the jewel in the Doup crown is undoubtedly the App - free to download, it not only allows you to manage your account conveniently while on the go, but also enhances your experience while connecting you with like-minded individuals and potential new business partners.

This is all done through the location-based search feature, where you can easily locate nearby Doup users and add them to your contacts with a few clicks. The App opens up an entirely new way of making connections, giving you the heads up on new opportunities even before a personal meeting has taken place. Attending an event or exploring a new city with a view to expanding? Your Doup App becomes your insta-public relations assistant.

As soon as you’ve added a new connection to your Doup account, getting a personal introduction is easy as you can simply start chatting directly within the App. Incidentally, all messages are encrypted and the security features are top-notch, as would be expected from a smart solution. 

For a complete marketing package, if you upgrade to Doup Pro you will also be able to link Google reviews about your business to your account, so that new connections can access independent testimonials there and then.  With just one App, you have created a comprehensive marketing profile for your business, always accessible with just one tap.

“I have long felt that traditional networking solutions, like old-school business cards, are obsolete. In this climate of environmental awareness, who wants to be responsible for using up so much paper that very often ends up lost or in the rubbish bin? Doup solves this problem very efficiently, as all information is stored virtually and the card itself is reused again and again. And in addition to that, it offers access to a modern way of making new connections through just one App, ” Mr Narusevicius adds.

Subscribing to the service couldn’t be faster or simpler. All it takes is a visit to the MYDOUP website, where you will be able to create and personalise your account. The card itself is also personalisable and comes in a variety of eco-friendly options, such as bamboo, although there is also metal or gold-plated option for businesses that wish to foster more exclusive branding. However, Doup is also available as a virtual card, stickers or wrist-bands for those who do not want to depend on their mobile device. The latter carry the added advantage of being functional even in social settings that may lead to business connections, such as the gym or even a pool event.

Once you complete your profile, all you need to do is choose which Doup Pro Version you would like to subscribe to. Fees start from €2.95 a month and you can even create 2 different profiles on 1 card, offering you the flexibility to manage more than one project concurrently.

“Branding is very important to professionals, so we have ensured that the account is fully customisable with company logos and colours. Additionally, the monthly subscription includes other exclusive features and benefits, such as PayPal/Revolut integration for immediate payments. It will even track analytics so you can gather data about the number of times your card is shared and understand which socials attract the most engagement,” Mr Narusevicius concludes. 

The cherry on the cake? Your card is delivered for free in three days. To find out more visit the official Doup website.