About Robbie and His Ideas for Inclusion
Robbie is based in Glasgow and has been recognised as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. As a dedicated disability inclusion leader, he works tirelessly to create equitable workforces and build workplaces where disabled people thrive. With a powerful commitment to the principle of “nothing about us, without us,” Robbie uses his extensive professional expertise and personal experience to drive real change in inclusion.
Overcoming Traditional Barriers & Discovering V1CE
Traditional business card networking wasn’t working for Robbie. Conventional cards rely on small fonts, problematic colour contrasts, and challenges in handling physical pieces, which can be significant barriers for disabled professionals.
Robbie explains, "Business card networking relies on people being able to read small fonts, on actually being able to read challenging colour contrasts, and on being able to physically handle small pieces of card."
Recognising these limitations, Robbie sought a modern alternative that delivered inclusivity and flexibility. His discovery of V1CE came unexpectedly while scrolling through Instagram one night. He recalls,
"I was scrolling through Insta one night and it popped up. I thought, 'this really looks like what I’m after…'"
This moment sparked the journey towards a digital business card solution that empowers users to receive contact details on their phone or computer, tailored precisely to their needs.
Addressing Accessibility Concerns and Product Adoption
Accessibility was Robbie’s foremost concern when evaluating a digital solution. His initial question was, “How accessible is it?” With a technology that promises a "touch and go" experience, he needed reassurance that the back-end would genuinely work for everyone. In his own words,
"When I first found it, I’ll be honest – it wasn’t accessible at all and I had real concerns."
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Robbie noted that the V1CE team quickly reached out and worked closely with him to address his accessibility challenges. Three months later, the platform had evolved to include baseline accessibility features, and Robbie now confidently uses it daily. The innovative weblink and QR code functionality are key to his enthusiasm.
“The weblink and QR code feature means V1CE is invaluable to me even when I don’t have my card with me. I’d say I use the QR code more than the card itself!”
Additionally, as a blind person, quality is paramount. Robbie assessed the product by feel and was delighted that the V1CE card felt sturdy and premium.
Driving Impact: Business Growth and Key Metrics
Integrating V1CE into his daily networking toolset has brought Robbie remarkable business benefits. The digital platform has dramatically expanded its professional network by enabling the fast and secure sharing of contact details. Over the past six months, his LinkedIn connections have grown exponentially, underscoring the effectiveness of real-time digital interactions.
To highlight the measurable impact of the transition, consider these key statistics:
- Exponential Network Growth: Robbie’s LinkedIn connections increased by over 150% in six months.
- Enhanced Engagement: More than 85% of his contacts access details via the QR code and weblink features.
- Faster Information Retrieval: Contacts now retrieve his information up to 50% faster than traditional methods.
- Elevated Accessibility: Approximately 95% of interactions have received positive feedback for improved accessibility.
- Cost Efficiency: The transition from paper cards has effectively eliminated recurring printing expenses.
These figures demonstrate that V1CE is facilitating quicker exchanges and fundamentally transforming networking into an inclusive, efficient, and measurable process.
Enhanced Digital Integrations and Streamlined Operations
Beyond its core functionality, V1CE integrates seamlessly with modern digital ecosystems. Robbie’s digital card can be easily added to Apple Wallet, ensuring that his details are always available at the fingertips of his network. More importantly, the card links directly to his CRM system, automatically updating and organising his contact records. This seamless integration minimises manual data entry, streamlines follow-up communications, and ultimately supports a more efficient workflow, all while maintaining a high standard of accessibility.
Transformative Experience and Final Thoughts
Overall, Robbie’s journey with V1CE has been transformative from every angle. The platform not only addressed longstanding accessibility challenges but also redefined what inclusive networking can look like in a digital era. Robbie reflects on the process and the V1CE team’s commitment to evolving the product for everyone’s benefit. His advice is clear: if you have any accessibility challenges or need a tailored networking solution, contact the team directly. Sometimes, a little extra support can transform your professional interactions. As Robbie’s experience shows, embracing the digital future with V1CE leads to improved business growth and a more inclusive way of connecting.
