Even in the digital age, the business card is still the most successful networking tool of all time. Simple and effective, the business card is a tangible way for people to say, “This is me, this is what I do, and this is how you can reach me.” Today, the business card is still recognized as a way to exchange contact information, with tens of billions of cards still printed worldwide each year.
Many people have said that print is dead in the new digital age. With the popularity of social networks, people question the relevancy of having a physical business card. Facebook, Twitter, and other social sites have made contact information and business information easily accessible on your computer or phone. However, as our lives have become more dependent on the internet, the business card has gained an increasing importance in the real world.
Even with the ability to connect quickly, easily, and for free on social networking sites, the business card can still be more effective. When someone gives you their business card, you are meeting them face to face. You get to chat with them and get a feel for who they are. Now you have a tangible object to remind you of that meeting, something a social network site can’t give you. There are hundreds of millions of people on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It is difficult to stand out and get noticed online, but in person, you can leave an impression on everyone you meet. By giving people a well-designed business card, you make yourself easily available to them. Later when they are emptying their pockets, they will say pull out your card, and it will remind them to give you a call.
Many of the world’s most successful business people find the old-fashioned method to be effective still. Small businesses could see the best results from using business cards. Being friendly and staying connected with people are how small businesses take off. You have to start small with great customer service and by staying personable, and giving out business cards you can do that.
This is not to say that online methods like social networking sites aren’t a good idea. They can help you reach people around the world you couldn’t normally contact. Having a strong online and offline presence will help your business strive. Have your Facebook URL or Twitter handle on your business card. Get business cards with QR codes that people can scan to visit your website. In a competitive world, you need to do whatever you can to get ahead. Just don’t forget that a good old-fashioned handshake and business card are still effective.
If you are a company and looking for business cards, look no further than Joesph Merritt & Company.