Every time I go to a meeting someone hands me their business card and I have to explain I just don’t do them any more.
I’d much rather connect on Linkedin or via BBM then take a card. I just don’t see the point in the digital age of the things, however expensive the stock, or how well designed they are. To me they are as redundant as the fax numbers so often printed on them alongside someone’s direct dial. At a conference you can use a scanner to take details when someone visits your stand – which saves on collating all those cards and data entering them when you get back home. Why should different rules apply outside of the exhibition centre?
Linkedin means you get a lot more than their job title anyway – you can see where they have worked, who you might mutually know and get a more developed understanding of someone than any pocket sized card. I appreciate when you get a promotion it’s great to get that new card, but if like me you own your own company hierarchy is really not important any more.
They are also expensive, and ultimately disposable. I’d rather not use paper if I can help it (indeed we have paperless offices in both London and Edinburgh; we are a green new business agency) and business cards are no exception. I’m sure one pack equates to half a tree and I don’t want that sap on my hands just so someone can have a card which details my address details when they probably already have them or we can just swap emails via our phones.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not refusing to take your card! It’s business etiquette and I understand that – just don’t think I’m being cheap not giving you one back. I’m not, I’m just not into them.
4 Comments on “Thanks for your card, here’s my email address…”
If you’ve ever tried to swap lengthy email addresses in a noisy networking room you’ll know the benefit of a business card.
Speed also comes into it. You can whip a card from your pocket/bag/purse and hand it to someone in seconds. Swapping emails? Not so much…
Each to their own I suppose, but I think you’ll find most people still appreciate the benefits of a business card and will continue to use them for a long time to come.
I remember when I got my first business cards – I was so chuffed – thought I’d arrived on the business stage, but then I was 22 and easily impressed.
I agree – if you’re at an event it’s a quick and easy way to let people know who you are but personally I don’t carry them…
I’ve been in too many busy networking situations than I care to think about and I appreciate business cards and the value they bring.
So, firstly I’m not saying you’re not right to point out how brilliant business cards can be.
In fact it’s brilliant when other people hand out their business cards. As long as you want them, After all they do store information well, hence their existence since, I’m imagining, the beginning of writing,
But I don’t like them. If someone does ask me for my details I explain my stance and take their card and offer to contact them later. Or swap details on phones.
I’m not suggesting I’m right to have an illogical dislike for business cards. I like other people’s and at some point I remember liking carrying them myself.
It’s just nice that there is an alternate option.
All designers, printers and retailers of business cards I salute you. Your work is essential to our economy and is often executed with genuinely pleasing skill and creativity.
Leaflets are cheaper