Recently, Mashable Features Editor Josh Catone posted an article on the American Express OPEN Forum discussing why your next business card may be virtual, through which he highlights several reasons why it makes sense to make the switch from paper.

Some of those reasons include:

• The virtual card is cheaper, or free.
• You don’t run out of them.
• They automatically update.
• They can instantly hook into your social graph.

In a nutshell, the virtual card also appears to be the perfect companion for mobile working.  You no longer need to carry pockets full of cards or worry about having enough with you all the time. You also don’t need to be concerned about losing the cards you receive. Most importantly, you don’t have to spend time transferring or scanning info into a database or contact log.

Barriers to adoption

Despite a long list of benefits, people are still carrying paper cards. While virtual cards are gaining in popularity, people haven’t taken the paperless plunge quite as rapidly as expected by social media experts and app enthusiasts.

According to Josh, there are a few reasons people continue to use traditional business cards. Namely, business professionals feel business cards make a statement and act as something to be remembered by. He also suggests that virtual cards lack the personality and visual impact of paper cards.

Are you ready to make the shift?

If you are ready to take the plunge (or are at least considering it), check out these tips from Mashable on 8 creative ways to create paperless business cards.

If you’re not ready – why not?  We’d love to hear your thoughts on the trend toward paperless networking.