While social media networks like LinkedIn, and smartphone applications like the Bump app, might be cool and convenient ways to exchange information, most of the same people who “bump,” “DUB” and “Like” online are still walking around with business cards tucked inside their messenger laptop bags or iPad case.
Why? Because even in the era of email and electronic address books, there’s still something to be said about presenting a prospective customer with an attractive, eye-catching business card that clearly conveys the personality, philosophy and attitude of your company. Plus, there’s nothing like a real-life business card that you can touch and feel to remind you of a contact you made. This compared to an electronic file that, once digitally tucked away, can become “out of sight, out of mind.”
As you’ll see in our November infographic, it is estimated that over 10-billion business cards are printed annually in the United States. And that for every 2,000 business cards distributed, a company’s sales increase by 2.5%. When ordering your business cards from 123Print.com, that could be as little as investing $80.95 for a 2.5% increase in your sales! Still think digital is the only way to go?
Regardless of what line of business you’re in — marketing, communications, sales, real estate — business cards are an affordable and effective way to succinctly capture and communicate your brand identity. While in the past, business cards were typically printed in black and white on one side of thick cardstock, today there are thousands of options available. In fact, 123Print offers choices that mimic the fashions displayed at 2012 fall fashion week.
Sharing a great business card with someone can make the difference between making the sale (or getting the job, creating a partnership — or even getting a date!) and having your card wind up in the trash. Make yours a keeper! Take advantage of the latest trends in business card designs and have fun creating a memorable business card that lets you leave a lasting impression.
Do you still carry a business card? Do you also use digital business cards? Let us know what’s working for your business. Please leave us a comment below.
If you’d like to check out our infographic sources, here are clickable links:
SOURCES:
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Brief-History-of-Business-Cards&id=456122
http://www.socialmeteor.com/2012/03/16/takin-care-of-business-cards-with-your-iphone/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/worlds-smallest-business-card_n_1372497.html
http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/business/largest_business_card-world_record_set_by_BusinessCard2_90370.htm
http://www.luxurylaunches.com/jewelry/worlds_most_expensive_business_card_costs_1500_a_pop.php
http://www.pingo.com/blog/index.php/global-business-card-etiquette/
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/fall-fashion-trends-2012#slide-1
I truly agree with your title of the post. A lot of companies are generally older and still appreciate a good business card. Thanks for sharing an informative post.
Jason — So true! A business card will always be an effective way to showcase your business!
Great Article! I think alot of people are going digital these days. I still carry around business cards. People are always asking for them. It’s important to have them in the wedding industry. So I vote for printed business cards.
Thanks!! And agreed — there’s still something to be said about an eye-catching business card and the professional feel of exchanging them!