Calling Card

If you have ever watched a movie with a more historical setting you might recall the use of calling cards when someone came to visit. A simple card listing the caller’s name, this tiny formality was the first step in making and introduction or social call. Although I have not done the formal research to validate my assumption, my guess is that what we know today as the business card directly descended from these calling cards. This connection got me thinking… if these little cards have been around for so long does that mean they are successful at accomplishing their mission or just a habit we hold onto? With recent developments in technology making is super simple to exchange contact information, why would you continue to use business cards?

After some thought, I found out that there are actually quite a few reasons that I still choose to use business cards. Here are my top rationalizations:

1. Networking Events. There are certain customs and traditions built into most networking events and the majority revolves around the exchange of business cards. The one that springs to the front of my mind is sitting around a luncheon table where everyone grabs a stack of their cards and passes them to the left. As the stack makes its way around the table, each attendee takes a card for their networking stash until everyone has a card from all the other attendees. This process usually helps to jump start conversation at the table and the networking begins. Imagine if you did not have cards to participate in this process? After everyone gave you strange looks, you would still have to figure out how to get your information to your table mates without being the rude attendee that interrupted the start of networking conversation.

2. People are visual creatures. If you have designed a colorful and eye-catching business card handing it to a new contact is sure to elicit a quick response. For most people, accepting a new contact’s card translates into some version of information storage. Some people scan the information while others keep neatly sorted card files for later reference. Whatever the method, at some point your card will be seen again and with a great design it is sure to stand out putting your information back at the top of their mind. Digital contact lists may eliminate this visual prompt as their efficiency is based on storing all information in the same format.

3. Snail Mail. Although most “mail” is sent electronically these days, there are still occasions for which traditional methods are used. In these situations, it never hurts to have a business card on hand to drop in a note just to reiterate your contact information to the recipient. 

These are, of course, just a few of the reasons I use to justify my continued use of business cards. Feel free to contribute yours to continue the conversation!

For some additional perspective and thoughts, check out this article! (updated March 7, 2011)