How Oak Group Boosted Sign-Ups with Digital Business Cards

In today’s hybrid networking landscape, outdated tools can undermine even the most forward-thinking brands. For Oak Group, a leader in purpose-driven financial services, paper business cards and manual newsletter sign-ups weren’t cutting it. That’s why they turned to V1CE digital business cards to streamline connections, reduce waste, and elevate engagement. The results speak for themselves.

Transformation: Tangible Results in Every Interaction

The switch to V1CE has delivered quantifiable outcomes across multiple business areas:

• A 34% increase in newsletter sign-ups, thanks to embedded quick links in each digital profile
• Over £7,200 ($9500) in annual savings from eliminating paper card printing and distribution costs
• An estimated 1,000+ hours saved across the team from eliminating manual data entry and follow-up logging
• Over 6,500 paper cards are eliminated annually, aligning directly with Oak Group’s environmental KPIs and reducing their carbon footprint by an estimated 2.3 metric tons annually.
• A 26% increase in follow-up engagement through automated email sequences triggered by NFC interactions and QR code scans

“The results speak for themselves,” said John. “We’re reaching more leads, making deeper connections, and doing it in a way that reflects our core values.”

Background: Purpose-Driven by Design

Oak Group is widely respected across the financial services industry for its trust and fund administration expertise. But what sets the business apart is its unwavering commitment to purpose-led practices and sustainability. With operations spread across multiple jurisdictions and a team of professionals attending high-profile networking events year-round, Oak Group sought to modernize its outreach efforts without sacrificing its values.

From client introductions to industry roundtables, first impressions matter. But their existing approach—centered around traditional paper cards and manual processes—was falling short.

The Challenge: Outdated Tools, Unfulfilled Potential of Digital Business Card

Oak Group’s previous networking methods included printed business cards and various sign-up forms for newsletters and digital communications. These tools were disjointed and inconsistent with the company’s digital business transformation goals.

“Paper cards and outdated methods limited our ability to connect effectively,” shared Abbi Syvret, Digital Marketing Executive at Oak Group. “It was frustrating to see opportunities missed because the process just didn’t match the speed or expectations of the audience we’re trying to reach.”

Manual data entry and inconsistent follow-up made things even more challenging. When attending networking events, the team would often lose track of potential clients who showed interest, simply because there was no streamlined way to convert those interactions into ongoing digital connections.

Introducing an electronic business card as a modern alternative to traditional business cards could have addressed these issues by providing a digital, easily shareable, and customizable solution that aligns with Oak Group’s digital transformation goals.

Critically, the process felt at odds with Oak Group’s eco-friendly objectives. Printing and re-printing paper business cards generated waste and failed to support the company’s efforts to lead by example on environmental issues.

Discovery and Decision-Making: Finding a Smart, Sustainable Solution with nfc business cards

The search for a more modern, eco-conscious networking solution led Oak Group to V1CE—specifically, V1CE’s bamboo smart business cards. These NFC-enabled cards offered the ability to instantly share contact details, direct users to digital resources, and store dynamic digital profiles in tools like Apple Wallet or Android phones.

More than just a tool for contact sharing, the V1CE card symbolised the company’s commitment to smart business innovation and environmental responsibility.

“Demonstrating our sustainability credentials to a wider audience was a key factor in choosing V1CE,” added John Doublard, Oak Group’s Chief Technology Officer.

The V1CE platform also supported digital business integrations, such as QR code links, CRM integrations, and customized newsletter sign-up prompts, turning every card into a measurable engagement tool.

Implementation: Seamless, Scalable, and On-Brand, Eliminating Manual Data Entry

Oak Group rolled out V1CE bamboo digital business cards across its executive and marketing teams over a few weeks. Employees created digital business cards with their job title, contact information, and smart links to relevant content. The option to instantly share details with a QR code or one tap via NFC card allowed employees to connect without delays or app downloads.

Staff also began pairing their cards during in-person and virtual meetings with dynamic email signatures and virtual backgrounds, reinforcing the brand’s image. The process was seamless, and I instantly felt more professional.

Client Impressions: A Digital Shift That Feels Human

The reaction from clients and peers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many were impressed not just by the technology, but also by the sleek, natural design of the bamboo cards. It provided a compelling contrast to standard plastic or metal cards while staying true to Oak’s sustainability narrative.

“It starts conversations,” Abbi explained. “People want to know how the card works, how it stores information, and how they can get one too. It’s become more than just a card—it’s a conversation starter and a brand asset.”

V1CE’s eco-friendly physical card offered a way to share more than just contact information. Clients could instantly access social media links, downloadable whitepapers, event invites, and even interactive video content, making every follow-up a little more meaningful.

Expanding Use Cases Across the Business

Encouraged by the early success of the V1CE integration, Oak Group is now expanding the program across departments, including HR and client onboarding teams. Use cases now range from embedding QR codes in recruitment materials to streamlining the exchange of lead information during investor summits and virtual conferences.

Plans are underway to sync V1CE cards with Oak Group’s CRM platform, which will offer more advanced features like automated workflows and real-time lead tracking.

The bamboo NFC business card design has also inspired additional internal sustainability initiatives, such as reevaluating packaging suppliers and revisiting company travel policies.

Conclusion: Digital Business Cards Work

Oak Group’s experience with V1CE is a masterclass in using digital business tools to deliver performance and purpose. By choosing V1CE bamboo digital business cards, the company has achieved more than operational efficiency—it has reinforced its environmental mission, elevated its brand experience, and deepened its client relationships.

For companies seeking to impress prospects, generate more leads, and maintain an up-to-date contact list while reducing waste, V1CE provides a scalable, stylish solution.

Looking to modernize your networking efforts?
Join Oak Group and many environmentally conscious businesses embracing smart, sustainable networking.

Explore V1CE today. You can create a free digital business card or get started with a full suite of smart tools.