If I’m to ask you, where are all the business cards you’ve collected in the last 5 years? Do you still have them or do you throw them away as soon as you receive them?
In today’s newsletter, we are going to be talking about business cards. Are they still relevant in the 21st century, are people still buying into the idea of using them, and are digital cards better than physical cards?
History of Business Cards
Visiting cards have a long and storied history dating back to the 15th century in China. These small cards were carried by individuals to explain their importance or interesting qualities. By the 1700s, visiting cards had made their way to Europe and were quickly adopted by both men and women in the upper class.
As the years passed, visiting cards in Europe became subject to specific etiquette rules. Visitors would place their personal cards in a tray before the lady of the household would decide whether or not to meet them. In England during the 17th century, trade cards grew in popularity as businesses used them as advertisements. These cards often featured intricate designs and directions to the store or business. Alongside calling cards, which were used for socializing, trade cards became an important part of society.
In the 19th century, calling cards and trade cards merged into one, giving rise to the modern business card. Today, we still use these cards, which have evolved over time but continue to serve their original purpose of connecting people and businesses.
In a blog post written by Forbes Agency Council, Forbes asked its members about the role of business cards in the modern world. Here’s what some of them had to say.
I have not handed out a business card in over two years. Why? If I want a contact’s information to sell our services, I will ask for their email and immediately send them a message. Now I have their information and they have mine. It also creates a reminder when they get back to the office in their inbox. Business cards can often be tossed, dropped, lost or just not referenced again.
I haven’t owned a business card in five years. I’m still shaking hands and meeting people, but all it takes is a few clicks to find an executive on LinkedIn and add them to your network. Gone are the days of searching for someone’s business card you met at a conference six months ago. All you need is a name, company and LinkedIn to revisit a connection. LinkedIn is your digital Rolodex of business cards.
I appreciate business cards in situations where they make sense, but most of the time they go in the trash. I hate being given a business card because of a formality. It is one more thing to clutter up my pockets. You can find almost anyone online now, so if I need you, I will find you. The one exception is to get a private email address.
When I receive a business card, I create an opinion about the company as soon as the card touches my hand. Is it thin and flimsy? Is it thick cardstock? Was it printed? Was it embossed? Is it a traditional business card size? To me, having a quality business card equates to having a successful business.
With the development of digital media, it is much easier to follow someone on a social media platform and remain connected. Some prefer this, rather than having a business card gather dust or find itself in the trash. However, traditional methods should not be overlooked: I believe business cards should always be handy, especially for audiences that tend to keep it old school and aren’t on the social media wave.
Hearing this, I’d like to say there are two options for solving the debate of business cards and they are- physical business cards or digital business cards.
What is a digital business card?
A digital business card also referred to as a QR code business card, virtual business card, electronic business card or mobile business card) is a profile that connects all your digital contact information. They give people the ability to share who they are, with anyone, wherever they go.
You can create these cards online or via a Digital Business Card App. In doing this, you are allowing yourself to carry your virtual business cards (where you share your contact details on the go) on your favourite devices like your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet and laptop.
The difference between the digital and physical card is that one is a real card while the other is online i.e. virtual.
So what are the pros and cons?
Physical Business Cards:
Pros:
Physical cards offer a tactile experience that can leave a stronger memory and impression on recipients.
Handing someone a physical card feels more personal and can lead to more meaningful interactions.
A well-designed physical card can showcase your branding and professionalism, making a positive visual impact.
Recipients don't need a specific app or technology to access your information.
It's easy to exchange physical cards during in-person events, making networking smoother.
Cons:
Physical cards can accumulate and be difficult to organize. There's a risk of losing or misplacing them.
The production and disposal of physical cards contribute to paper waste.
If your contact details change, you'll need to print new cards.
Digital Business Cards:
Pros:
Digital cards can be easily shared through email, messaging apps, or QR codes.
They reduce paper waste and are more environmentally friendly.
You can update your information in real time, ensuring recipients always have your current details.
Digital cards can include multimedia elements like links to websites, social media profiles, and videos.
Recipients can store digital cards on their devices, keeping them organized and accessible.
Cons:
Both you and the recipient need a compatible device to exchange digital cards.
Digital cards lack the personal touch of physical interactions and might not create as strong of an impression.
Recipients might not open or view the digital card immediately, leading to potential missed opportunities.
Sharing digital cards might raise concerns about data privacy and security.
The choice between digital and physical business cards can depend on your goals, target audience, and the context in which you plan to use them.
After considering the pros and cons of both cards, let’s look are some ways you can dust off your information and start sharing your card with others.
Ways to use business cards
Networking Events: Distribute your business cards at conferences, trade shows, workshops, and seminars to connect with potential clients, partners, or collaborators.
Meetings and Presentations: Hand out business cards during one-on-one meetings, client presentations, or job interviews to leave a lasting impression and provide your contact information.
Business Gatherings: Use business cards at company parties, industry events, and other corporate events to foster relationships with colleagues and superiors.
Local Community: Share your business cards within your local community to expand your network and attract clients or customers.
Partnerships: Give your business cards to complementary businesses with whom you'd like to establish partnerships or cross-promotions.
Travel: Carry your business cards while travelling for work or leisure. You never know when you might meet someone relevant to your industry.
Retail or Service Locations: Leave your business cards at cafes, shops, or service centres where potential clients might frequent.
Direct Mailings: Include your business card in direct mailings or promotional materials to add a personal touch and encourage engagement.
Conversations: When engaging in casual conversations that turn professional, sharing a business card can make it easier for the other person to remember and contact you.
Digital Interaction: For digital interactions, you can use QR codes on your business card that lead to your website or social media profiles.
Thank You Cards: Include a business card when sending thank-you notes or follow-up emails to strengthen connections.
Incorporate into Packaging: If you sell products, insert a business card into the packaging as a way for customers to reach you or learn more about your brand.
After considering all the points mentioned above, if I am asked whether business cards are still relevant or not, I would say that there is no clear answer. The relevance of business cards may vary depending on the industry or profession of the individual.
Remember, the key to using business cards effectively is to be genuine, professional, and considerate. Don't just hand them out indiscriminately; use them as tools to establish meaningful connections and enhance your professional presence/brand.