The Contributions Business Cards Have Made to the World of Business

Technology has rendered a lot of traditional methods of self-promotion obsolete. Business cards have weathered the storm, nonetheless. It looks like business cards will continue to play an important role in business. In fact, their value may increase as digital communication becomes the norm and physical cards become rare.

The concept of exchanging information on small cards dates back to 15th-century China. These cards were called “visiting cards” and were used by the elite to announce their arrival at someone’s residence. The practice spread to Europe in the 17th century, where it became common among the aristocracy and merchants.

One of the reasons business cards aren’t going away is because they have evolved to complement technological methods of communication. Their designs have improved tremendously – thanks to tech – and some have features such as QR codes that can be scanned by those who favor digital communication. Business cards are as valuable today as they have ever been.

Below are the contributions business cards have brought to the business world and that have ensured their longevity:

Made Self-Promotion Cool

When you meet someone you want to develop a business relationship with in a casual setting and then you go out of your way to tell them what company you run or work for, your position in the company, and offer all your business contact details, you will come off as a try-hard.

Interestingly, simply handing out a business card with all these pieces of information in the same setting is totally acceptable and will often be appreciated. As a business person, being able to take advantage of a potentially valuable networking opportunity is an asset that is worth a king’s ransom.

Most of the big moves you will make in business will be because of the goodwill of a big customer or a solid business partner. Having a business card allows you the opportunity to form the relationships that matter whenever the opportunities present themselves.

Made It Easy to Express Personality

While sending out your business contacts via email or text to another person is very convenient, the process is very impersonal. Handing out a business card, on the other hand, provides a physical anchor for the moment you exchange contact information.

Further, business card designs are varied and often reflect the personality of the owner. You can express some personality using your business card design and so turn a cold introduction to something memorable. Getting a good business card designed is as simple as assigning a gig to a freelance designer on internet job boards such as UpWork.

Provided an Effective Way to Anchor a Brand Image

First impressions matter. Since humans are highly visual, well-designed business cards can go a long way in shaping the image your new connection has in their head about your brand.
It goes without saying that your business card’s messaging should be consistent with what your brand actually represents.

The general idea of a brand on first contact is often determined by the name of the business, colors, tagline, logo, positioning, and the person representing the brand. Most of these things can be communicated by a business card without the business card looking cluttered.

People tend to do business with the brands they can trust or the brands they can develop an emotional relationship with. The importance of building a great brand goes beyond the role it plays in sales and marketing. A brand sets expectations for both internal stakeholders such as business owners and external parties such as customers and suppliers. It promotes name recognition and is often a significant part of the asset valuation of a business.

Made It Possible to Earn Trust and Legitimacy

While humans think they are rational creatures, their default thought patterns are primal and mirror the psychology of the herd. People tend to default to believing or doing what their peers believe or do. This is why using social proof is a very powerful tool in marketing.

When you have a business card that states that you are in a position of authority or that you run a business whose services or products have been found useful by other people, people will be more open to listening to you. There aren’t many strategies that can be as effective at helping you build instant legitimacy in the eyes of a complete stranger as handing out a business card that communicates that you are a person of value.

You should not overdo self-promotion on a business card, though. You can communicate what your business does and your value to the company in just a few lines of text. Keep it simple and classy. This is one of those situations where less is more.

Bridge to Digital Era

While technology and digital communication have revolutionized the way we connect, business cards continue to play a significant role in facilitating professional interactions. They have embraced digital elements like QR codes, website links, and social media profiles, enabling quick access to online information and contact details.

Additionally, business cards have contributed to the transition from physical contact management to digital platforms, allowing easy integration of contact information into address books and CRM systems. Despite the rise of digital networking platforms, the exchange of business cards remains a personal touch, offering a tangible representation of one’s identity and brand.

Moreover, business cards have influenced digital practices, such as including contact information in email signatures and integrating QR codes into creative designs.

In this way, business cards serve as a practical and memorable tool that complements the digital landscape, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual realms of professional networking and communication.

Memorability

Memorability is a key aspect of business cards that pertains to their ability to leave a lasting impression on recipients. In a fast-paced and highly competitive business world, standing out and being remembered is essential.

Business cards that are thoughtfully designed with unique and creative elements have a higher likelihood of being remembered among a sea of standard cards.

Memorable business cards often feature eye-catching visuals, distinctive color schemes, and innovative design elements that align with the individual’s or company’s branding.

Unconventional shapes, textures, or finishes can also make a lasting impact, creating a tactile experience that lingers in the recipient’s memory.

Additionally, including a compelling tagline or a concise statement about the business or individual’s expertise can reinforce the message and enhance memorability.

When recipients find a business card intriguing and visually appealing, they are more likely to keep it, increasing the chances of future interactions and potential business opportunities.

Closing Thoughts

Business cards have a history that dates back as far as 17th century Europe. At that time, they were mainly used as a means to announce that an important aristocrat was coming to a home or town.

By the 18th century, they had become social cards and people would hand them out on their first visit to another person’s house. They were given to the lady of the house. The design of the card was one of the factors that cemented the impression of the visitor in the minds of the host.

As the industrial revolution set in, the cards became more of business cards than social cards. Since then, their contribution to the business world has been tremendous. With such a long and rich history, it looks like business cards are here to stay and will continue to be valuable to business people.