Do Business Cards Work in the Digital Age?
The Bee Gee’s sang it best, business cards are “Stayin’ Alive”, but do you know for how long they’ve been stayin’ alive exactly?
Technology introduced us to digital conveniences and has profoundly transformed how we consume information, how we choose and settle into a lifestyle, and how we interact with the rest of the world.
Speaking of interaction, you would probably agree that wifi and social media have definitely made our means of communication fast and efficient. And yet, there seems to be an important factor missing in the equation.
That’s right, a personal connection.
In business, particularly, it’s important to note how professionals still prefer face-to-face contact. In fact, according to a study on face-to-face networking, “95% say face-to-face meetings are essential for long term business relationships”.
That’s where business cards come in.
We produced an infographic (below) that details the fascinating evolution of business cards. To better appreciate their staying power, we need to look back at how long they’ve been around. I won’t keep you hanging in suspense – business cards have been around since 15th century China. They were called Meishi (visiting cards) back then and were used to “announce a meeting with another individual.”
A couple of hundred years later and here we are, still exchanging business cards when we have digital alternatives readily available. We can’t help but wonder why right? Business cards continue to be an important tool for personal and business promotion because:
- Business cards make you look professional and prepared
- Effectively create in-person networking
- Spur direct marketing opportunities
- Business cards don’t have any downtime
Island Media offers business cards on a wide variety of paper stocks and inks. Order your business cards from Island Media or find out more, email sales@islandmediaservices.com.
