Do People Still Use Business Cards?

The digital age has changed how we communicate—we know, you know this. For some professions, it’s even replaced face-to-face contact — doctors can meet patients online, lawyers can zoom with their clients, and digital sales teams create websites to market their products. Things have changed.

These advancements can bring into question traditional marketing items like business cards. Do we need business cards to connect with customers in the digital age?

While you may think business cards are of the past, they’re still used for networking and marketing. Business cards help make a lasting impression with a business prospect and help build your future.

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?

If you would like to listen to the podcast that touched on this topic, you can check here. It’s available on Apple Podcast and Spotify as well.

Did you know that business cards have been around for centuries?

While researching this topic, I Googled how business cards came into existence and shockingly, I got some interesting information.

History of Business Cards

Visiting cards, which first appeared in China in the 15th century, were small cards that people would carry around with them, explaining why they were so important or interesting. In the 1700s, visiting cards made their way to Europe and became widespread and both men and women in the upper class began using them.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, visiting cards began to take on specific etiquette rules. Before the lady of a household would decide whether to meet a visitor or not, the visitors would have to place their personal cards in the tray.

In the 17th century in England, trade cards became an important part of society as well. Trade cards were used by businesses as advertisements and often had intricate designs along with directions to the store or business. These cards grew in popularity alongside calling cards and one was used for business and the other was used for socializing. Then, in the 19th century, the two functions were merged into one card: the business card.

Fast forward to the 21st century, we are still using the same card only that it’s evolved over time.

Networking at it's peak

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.    
4. 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.
5. 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.  

My digital business card

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.

So with all these said, if I’m to answer the question, are business cards relevant? I’d say that there is no definitive answer. This is because the relevancy of business cards will likely depend on the specific industry or profession of the individual. For instance, a physical business card may be helpful at networking events or face-to-face meetings.,

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.

Do you think business cards are still relevant and would you prefer to use a digital or physical business card? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to listen to my podcast that spoke extensively on this topic.

Please subscribe, rate and share this podcast so more people can find it.

Whenever you're ready, here are ways you can work with me:

1. Get a copy of my book How LinkedIn Works where you learn how to build authority and attract your target audience on LinkedIn.
2. Express your interest in LinkedIn Brand Strategy Plan and Page Audit services by sending me a direct message (DM) to get started or visiting my website here.