Ad land’s young guns: Roopak Naresh Gupta, Founder, mTap Digital Business Cards

Roopak Naresh Gupta is an entrepreneur who builds companies that leverage new technologies to connect people. He has founded mTap, a digital business card and contact exchange tool, and Hureka Technologies, a bespoke software and digital marketing technology solutions provider.

Gupta’s journey started when he began building robots in high school, which set him on a path to become an engineer and get his MBA from Columbia University. His core values – integrity, fostering relationships, and perpetual growth – stem in part from his experience of losing a parent early in life. He believes strongly in the importance of family, the value of community, and the role that technology can have in building healthy social structures instead of tearing them down.

In conversation with Adgully, Roopak Naresh Gupta, Founder, mTap Digital Business Cards, speaks about what motivated him to start his own experiential digital business company, building trust and fostering open communication, prioritizing transparency, creating a global mTap ecosystem, building long-term relationship with clients, and more.

What motivated you to start your own experiential digital business company?

I was motivated to start my own experiential digital business company by the profound shifts I observed in the way people connect and do business in the digital age. I saw that while the world was becoming increasingly digital, there was a gap in how personal and professional interactions were facilitated online. The traditional business cards were static, often lost, and not environmentally friendly. I envisioned a platform that could merge the tactile, memorable experience of networking with the dynamic capabilities of digital technology. This led to the concept of a digital business card that not only serves as a point of contact, but also as a living portfolio and a hub for professional networking.

What truly propelled me forward was the potential impact of such a technology. It wasn’t just about creating a product; it was about fostering connections and building relationships in a way that wasn’t possible before. By integrating features like NFC and a centralized hub for contact management, we could enhance the networking experience, make it more sustainable, and provide value that grows over time as one’s network expands. The drive to innovate, to provide a solution that resonates with the evolving needs of modern professionals, and the opportunity to lead the charge in a new wave of digital networking – that’s what motivated me to start my own experiential digital business company.

What challenges did the mTap business overcome and what is the USP of the brand?

Launching mTap presented significant challenges, particularly in educating the market on the value proposition of digital business cards within a traditional landscape. We addressed this by demonstrating the clear advantages of digital cards, not just in convenience, but also in enhanced features and environmental sustainability. Another hurdle was ensuring seamless technological integration across a variety of devices and platforms.  We overcame this by creating a user-centric system offering a frictionless experience regardless of device.

Fostering adoption required us to showcase how mTap goes beyond replicating paper cards. We needed to establish it as a superior networking tool – one that facilitates richer, more engaging interactions. However, despite these challenges, mTap’s unique selling proposition lies in its ability to transform the networking experience. Utilizing NFC technology and QR codes, mTap enables users to share rich, multimedia profiles with a simple tap or scan, fostering more impactful introductions.

mTap’s value extends beyond information exchange. Our integrated contact management system empowers users to effortlessly organize and follow up on new connections, making it a powerful tool for professionals and businesses alike.  mTap transforms a simple exchange of details into the beginning of a cultivated professional relationship. That’s the essence of our brand’s USP.

Could you elaborate on how mTap NFC business cards elevate professionalism in networking interactions?

In today’s increasingly digitizing world, mTap NFC business cards create a sophisticated and impactful networking experience by allowing professionals to showcase their most up-to-date information and achievements through dynamic digital content. This ensures that every interaction reflects their latest expertise, fostering a strong first impression. mTap offers a seamless exchange of information through a simple tap. This eliminates errors and ensures accurate contact details are saved instantly, demonstrating a professional efficiency. By going beyond basic contact details, incorporating multimedia elements like videos and work samples, mTap empowers individuals to create a richer introduction that fully expresses their professional brand and capabilities. This fosters a more memorable connection and sets the stage for productive conversations.

mTap also works wonders in streamlining the follow-up process through integration with the mTap Hub. This allows professionals to efficiently organize and manage new connections, transforming introductions into actionable opportunities. Moreover, mTap ensures consistent brand messaging across all interactions, maintaining a professional and polished image. mTap’s potential for data analytics can provide valuable insights into networking efforts and reach, further empowering professionals to refine their strategies and maximize the impact of their interactions. Using mTap also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, a quality increasingly valued by businesses and clients. The elimination of paper waste shows a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious approach. Beyond these benefits, in a post-pandemic world, the contactless nature of NFC cards offers a hygienic and professional way to exchange information, further elevating the networking experience.

In your experience, what are the key factors in building long-lasting relationships with clients?

Building trust and fostering open communication are the bedrock of strong client relationships at mTap. We prioritize transparency, keeping clients informed about progress, challenges, and any necessary adjustments. This, coupled with active listening to understand their unique needs and concerns, builds a foundation of mutual respect. Exceptional service is equally important. Delivering high-quality work that consistently meets or exceeds expectations establishes a reputation for excellence and reliability. But going the extra mile is what truly sets us apart. At mTap, we believe in offering value beyond what’s expected, whether it’s providing insightful advice, exploring innovative solutions, or staying ahead of trends that might benefit them.

Consistency is also key to strong client relationships. Clients appreciate knowing what to expect, and we deliver that through consistent service delivery, pricing structures, and response times. This builds trust and fosters a sense of stability in the partnership. Last but not the least, it is important to look beyond immediate transactions. At mTap, our focus is on understanding each client’s long-term goals and aligning ourselves with their success story.  This commitment extends to adaptability. In today’s dynamic business landscape, being flexible and willing to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances allows us to remain an indispensable part of their growth journey.

Where do you envision mTap NFC business cards in the next few years, and what goals are you striving to achieve?

We foresee a bright future for mTap NFC business cards. We see them becoming the ubiquitous standard for professional interactions, not just within tech circles but across all industries. Our objective is to see a global shift away from paper cards and towards the dynamic, eco-friendly experience offered by mTap.

The possibilities for mTap extend far beyond basic contact exchange. Integration with emerging technologies like AR and VR is on the horizon, allowing for immersive experiences like virtual company tours or interactive product presentations triggered by a simple tap. Moreover, advanced data analytics will empower users to gain valuable insights into their networking efforts, while seamless CRM integration will streamline contact management and follow-ups.

Personalization is also key. We are looking to provide users with advanced customization options – not just content, but also form. Imagine NFC business cards tailored to your personal or corporate brand, with various shapes, sizes, and designs to choose from.

The ultimate goal is to create a global mTap ecosystem. We envision a network that facilitates connections between professionals worldwide, fostering communities built around shared industries and interests. mTap cards will become the key that unlocks a world of networking opportunities, propelling us into a new era of professional interaction.

What advice would you give to upcoming businessmen looking to maximize their monetization potential with mTap NFC business cards?

Entrepreneurs can truly harness the power of mTap NFC business cards by weaving them seamlessly into their business and marketing endeavours. It is not just about handing out cards, it is about infusing them with life and relevance. By keeping your digital profiles constantly updated, up and coming businesspersons can present a genuine and evolving image to potential clients and partners.

mTap offer so much more than just about static information. Incorporating multimedia content allows you to tell your story in a captivating way, directly engaging those you meet. The insights that mTap provides are not to be overlooked either. Understanding how contacts interact with your card empowers you to tailor your follow-ups and content, making them more meaningful and effective.

By offering exclusive perks and tailoring your profiles to different audience segments, you’re not just making connections, you’re nurturing relationships. Timely follow-ups are key in this. It is about seizing the moment and keeping that connection warm. mTap NFC business cards are all about forging genuine connections, opening doors to new opportunities, and ultimately, making meaningful impact.

Could you provide an overview of your mTap cards service and its unique features or benefits?

mTap offers a revolutionary approach to business card exchange, leveraging the NFC technology. With a simple tap on a smartphone, mTap cards allow you to share your contact details instantly, eliminating the need for cumbersome paper cards. However, mTap goes beyond just a digital address book. The core of the system lies within the mTap Hub, a centralized app feature for managing and organizing your network. This hub empowers you to keep all your contact information updated in real-time, ensuring your professional profile always reflects your latest achievements.

Furthermore, mTap prioritizes sustainability. By opting for digital cards, you contribute to a greener business world, minimizing paper waste and aligning with eco-conscious practices. The app also streamlines the follow-up process, allowing you to connect with new contacts via email or text immediately after an interaction, maximizing your engagement and response rates. Beyond basic functionality, mTap integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM system, providing valuable insights and analytics on your networking efforts. This empowers you to track the effectiveness of your interactions and manage your digital network efficiently. For those with lingering paper cards, mTap offers a smart solution – the ability to scan and digitize them, ensuring a smooth transition to a digital network, allowing you to manage both physical and digital connections within a single platform.