May not be your speed, but something I've thought about re: the business card thing: Keep an eye out for interesting or odd business cards, and keep a couple with you to write your info on the back for this kind of situation. Depending on what they're for, it's a conversation starter when you meet again, and it doesn't feel as contrived as making your own cards.

Small independent businesses are a good source for these, particularly if it's a decent place for a date/friend outing. Or just something odd you like or find funny.

[–] Arkhive@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 3 weeks ago

Wait I love this!! I’ve got lots of local businesses and artists I keep cards for so I can digitize the info later. I try to keep track of who made all the prints on my art wall, which means I have a decent collection of both visually interesting and local cards. Thanks for the suggestion!