Business Cards – Important or Obsolete?

With so many online networking tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter people are connecting with friends and colleagues in all kinds of different ways. That poses the question, “Are business cards really still necessary, or are they becoming outdated and obsolete?”

Online networking is very important in our day and can be very successful. However, I believe that the value of face to face communication will always be important. While online communication may limit how often we need to speak to someone face to face, there are still going to be those social gatherings, business meetings, luncheons, and networking events where people will make business connections. At these events you are going to wish you had a business card! And not just any business card. Make sure your card looks professional, credible and will stand out. I had a friend recently tell me that he was given a hideous looking business card from a sales rep. My friend questioned whether this sales rep had a reputable company because of the lack of professionalism in the business card.

How to Update the “Old School” Business Card
It used to be that every business card was white card, 3.5 x 2 inches, and included a name, phone number, address and logo. These days business cards are changing. Who says the business card has to be white? Who says the business card has to be 3.5 x 2 inches? While I recommend not getting into extreme shapes and colors, there are now many options and sizes for more modern business cards. Check out Techniques to Create Unique Business Cards. Presentation is key to selling something. While you are networking, you are selling your personal presentation and the final touch is handing someone a nicely designed business card that will be memorable and maybe even cool enough to keep.

Need some business card inspiration? Check out these business cards.

What are your thoughts on business cards? Have you seen any new trends?