The Growth of Business Cards
Business cards are certainly not a new concept; they can be dated back to the 17th century. Businesses would use cards to help market their business and services to the local area. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that business cards began to market individuals, similar to their use today.
The Business Card Boom
There is a famous scene in American Psycho where the lead character exchanges business cards. This scene, although over-dramatised, shows the importance and power of the business card. In fact, the style of business cards from this scene are still heavily desired even 40 years later.
Business Today
Are business cards still as crucial today as they were then? The answer is not straightforward, but the need for the business card has changed over the years. Whereas before, the card was the main form of contact between two individuals after a face-to-face meeting, today, it works as a reminder of who you meet at a meeting or networking event.
Do We Still Need Physical Business Cards
The current world we live in sees almost everything going digital. So, should we be using digital business cards? In our opinion, no. Traditional business cards offer a physical presence and power that digital cards don’t have.
Reasons We Still Need Business Cards
The main reason for a business card has always been to exchange contact information:
- Name
- Business Name
- Job title
- Email address
- Phone number
- Website
However, business cards can play a bigger role in your brand identity. High-quality and well-designed cards remain one of the best ways to remind someone of you and your business. It is a lasting reminder to potential clients who may otherwise have just been another handshake at an event.
Business Cards in Asia
Though business cards are still very important in the west, within Asian culture, business card etiquette is crucial to business relationships. In many Asian cultures meetings do not start until the exchange of business cards and this is not a formality. Business cards are valuable assets and there is a great amount of respect to the process. Accepting business cards with both hands and examining the title and position of the giver is crucial.
Asian Business Culture
There is an immense amount of pride to one’s position within a business. This is visible on a business card, therefore it is studied before being safely stored in a coat pocket. Because of this, the type of card used and the process of handing your business cards must follow set rules. Here is an article explaining how to create and use your business cards in Asia.
Get The Most Out of You Cards
In order to benefit from the potential business cards can bring, you need to ensure yours stands out. Use innovative designs and don’t settle for standard business card printing. Try something different that’ll make your business card more noticeable than the others.
The Downside of Business Cards
Although we do still believe in the power of the business card, we also acknowledge the downsides of them.
Environmental Waste
With many businesses looking to reduce the impact on the environment there is an argument to stop using business cards. Even recycled cards still have an impact, but do go some way towards mitigating the damage.
Just Another Stack of Cards
We’ve all come back from events with a stack of business cards, only for them to be unused and unfiled. Therefore, it can be somewhat of a waste. However, this adds to the importance of design and engagement. Those who stand out at events and provide an interesting design are more likely to be contacted, putting some responsibility on the person handing out the card.
Forgotten Cards
Just like everything, physical business cards can be forgotten or you can run out. Having a digital backup is an easy solution, but as we touched on before, they don’t have the same impact.
Improve Your Marketing Tools
Business cards are one of many marketing tools businesses have at their disposal. Like their other tools, the quality and design have an impact on their success. For more insight into improving the success of these marketing tools view our Graphic Design and Brand Identity pages.
