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Is the Business Card Dead?

Posted by timothy on from the want-the-mitnick-one-for-sure dept.

theodp writes "Attending SXSW, HBR's Susy Jackson was dismayed to find her beloved business cards no longer carried the cachet they did back in the day. Writes Jackson: 'I had a lovely conversation with two young entrepreneurs from New York and when it was time to part ways, I used that old line: 'Here, let me give you my card.' They both paused, looking unsure about whether or not I was serious. Then I saw the understanding wash over them. I was speaking a forgotten language. A business card. How precious.' And while Jackson appreciates the convenience of exchanging e-business cards, Twitter handles, and phone numbers (texting), she's still a softie for a good business card: 'Some cards are plain; others speak to their holders' personalities through odd trim sizes, quirky color schemes, or clever word play. Each will tell me something more about the person who gave it to me than I could have known from their contact info alone.' So, how telling are The Business Cards of Tech Giants?"

7 of 370 comments (clear)

  1. your business card is crap. by pgag45 · · Score: 5, Funny

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBxeDN4tbk

    1. Re:your business card is crap. by Megahard · · Score: 5, Funny

      That card's as big as a cd. He should just pass out DVDs, containing an hour of him explaining why he's so great.

      --
      I eat only the real part of complex carbohydrates.
  2. They are embarrassed because they dont have one. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They probably paused and look at each other because they dont have a business card and they feel embarrassed.

  3. Business cards are more than just contact info by Palestrina · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In particular in East Asia, the exchange of business cards is more important. It is not something you just grab and stuff into your pocket. It is part of the formal introduction. You give and receive the card with both hands. You read it over, and comment on it. You store the card carefully. It is a matter of respect. Showing up to a meeting in Korea without business cards is like showing up without pants.

    The exchange of formal credentials, whether letters of recommendation, letters of passage, ambassadorial appointments, charters, etc., has a long and distinguished history, in which business cards are one small part. It is understandable that this might disappear in the US at some time. Of course, in the US it apparently is not necessary for businessmen to wear socks either.

    1. Re:Business cards are more than just contact info by Fuji+Kitakyusho · · Score: 5, Funny

      I wish someone would have told me ahead of time about the no pants thing. Fortunately, the meeting wasn't a total disaster, as my business card impressed everyone.

  4. Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by srwellman · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I remember the first time business cards were supposed to die. I was in a meeting at a trade show when someone offered to "beam" their virtual business card to me from their Palm Pilot PDA (remember those?). This must have been like 10, maybe 11, years ago. Has anyone beamed a business card to you recently in a meeting? I suspect not, unless you spend time with people who like using classic PDAs.

  5. Business cards are boot sectors by petes_PoV · · Score: 5, Insightful
    They contain the basic information necessary to start communication. In that respect they are (and will always be) invaluable. The basic business problem they solve is how to record contact information about people you meet. They're much more professional than scribbling a note on a scrap of paper - and then losing it.

    If those new entrepreneurs were clueless about them, they won't stay in business long because they won't have any contacts.

    --
    politicians are like babies' nappies: they should both be changed regularly and for the same reasons