subject: Do You Really Need Business Cards? [print this page] While it may seem our lives are dictated by technology there are some tried and tested advertising methods without the convenience of electronics that still work. Business card printing is one of these and is unlikely to go out of fashion. Instead of asking yourself do you really need a business card the question 'where would we be without them?' may be more relevant.
The business card is a direct link to your customer or potential client. But it goes beyond the direct link. Each person you hand the card to knows someone else and it is that secondary person that could direct your information for potential sales.
Client Contact
If you introduce yourself to a customer or potential client without a card you will have to write out all of your details if you want them to remember you. The chances of that scrap of paper ending up in the bin are higher than a well presented card. A card can be kept in a wallet, card holder or even pinned on a notice board. The more handsome the card the more chances of it being placed on file for future reference.
Attending a Workshop
The business card is an ideal way to extend the networking beyond the day of a workshop or seminar. Imagine being with a group of your peers and everyone is handing out their contact details. Where do you fit in without a card? It is unlikely your name will be remembered once that name tag has been removed. Handing out a card creates an association. With association comes memory. The next time someone has a query about your particular line of work or products on offer than can immediately refer back to the information on your card.
A Social Gathering
Having cards ready to hand out at any social gathering where there are new people to meet makes sense. Maybe the person you have just met will never contact you or has no interest in what you do but they have your details and know what you offer. It is very likely that someone they know who someone they will meet in the future will want exactly what you have to sell.
Next time someone asks what you do by all means give the information but don't let it stop there. Offer them your business card. By doing this it could mean positive results for your business and produce potential clients.
Bear in mind the business card needs to look professional. You are representing your business each and every time you had a card over. This is especially important if you are handing the card to someone you don't know, an unknown quanitity.
The use of the business card may seem obsolete but given that it is a concrete evidence of your business it will always remain something tangible.
