Industry estimates often suggest that between 70% and 80% of business cards are thrown away within a week of being received. That familiar handshake-and-card exchange is losing appeal in favor of newer digital exchanges instead.
Jeff Bitton, founder of Pitch59, believes the essence of networking and human connection hasn’t disappeared but evolved. His platform aims to replicate that personal introduction using short form video, known as “PitchCards.” Pitch59 was selected for the 2025 REACH program through the National Association of REALTORS®’ Second Century Ventures, which works with startup, disruptor proptech companies.
Learn more about how networking traditions are being reshaped in what’s become a digital-first era.
What’s missing today from the way real estate agents typically introduce themselves through business cards or email introductions?
BITTON: Most agent referrals and introductions today are still very transactional and impersonal. A business card gives you a name, logo and phone number, but it doesn’t communicate personality, energy, communication style or trustworthiness. Email introductions are often text heavy and easy to ignore.
What’s missing is human connection and a simpler, more personal way to introduce people. Consumers and referral partners want to know: Who is this person? Can I trust them? What makes them different? Will they communicate well with my client, friend or family member?
That led you to develop these short video PitchCards that professionals can exchange instead. It includes a short video introduction, along with contact information, social links and even calendar invites.
Why do you think these PitchCards can be more effective?
BITTON: Business cards, email signatures or even websites are passive—they share information, but they don’t create a feeling. A PitchCard puts a face, voice and personality behind the introduction. That makes a big difference in real estate, where trust and relationships drive everything.
Agents can use PitchCards everywhere they’re already communicating: text messages, email introductions, social media, open houses and especially in referrals. Instead of just passing along a name and number, they can share a PitchCard that carries their personality and credibility with it.
Each PitchCard comes with a QR code that they can include on paper business cards, fliers, For Sale signs and more. It creates consistency in how they show up, through every introduction, whether direct or referred.
What should real estate professionals include in their 59-second pitch video to make it more effective? Any tips?
BITTON: Be real and be genuine. The more people feel comfortable with you, the more likely they are to want to work with you. Share things that make you unique and different, empathize with what your target audience's greatest pain points are and clearly explain your value proposition with a short call to action. Most importantly, keep it under 59 seconds!
We like to keep it simple with a framework we call HERA—it stands for Humanize, Empathize, Resolve and Act.
How exactly can real estate professionals use these digital cards to generate referrals or for prospecting?
BITTON: One of the most powerful use cases is in agent-to-agent referrals. Imagine an agent has a client relocating to another market. Instead of just sending a name and number, they can introduce a trusted agent by sharing their PitchCard. Now, the client doesn’t just get contact information—they get a sense of who that agent is before the first conversation even happens. That small shift builds immediate trust and shortens the time it takes for that relationship to click.
We’ve also seen agents use PitchCards after open houses or initial conversations—following up with a quick message and their PitchCard so prospects can put a face and personality to the name. It keeps them top of mind in a much more personal way than a standard follow-up.
In both cases, it’s about turning a simple introduction into something more meaningful—where the relationship starts before the first call, not after.
Can agents also use these to share their trusted partners like contractors, inspectors or lenders and others involved in a transaction too?
BITTON: Absolutely. Real estate is a relationship ecosystem. Agents aren’t just referring themselves—they’re constantly connecting clients with lenders, inspectors, contractors and other trusted partners. Introduce those partners in a more meaningful way. Instead of just sharing contact information, agents can pass along a partner’s PitchCard so clients can quickly get a sense of who they are and how they work. When you’re consistently making thoughtful, high-quality introductions, it creates a more connected and collaborative network around every transaction.
