Is the Business Card Dead? 370
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?"
How do you exchange stuff in the first place? (Score:5, Insightful)
This is just silly (Score:5, Insightful)
And while Jackson appreciates the convenience of exchanging e-business cards, Twitter handles, and phone numbers (texting),
And how exactly does a normal person hand someone new an 'e-business card' without spelling out your email address to them...?
The whole point of a business card is that I don't have to spell out my name, phone number, and email address to people in person.
They are embarrassed because they dont have one. (Score:5, Insightful)
They probably paused and look at each other because they dont have a business card and they feel embarrassed.
Business cards are more than just contact info (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.
Re:How do you exchange stuff in the first place? (Score:2, Insightful)
More than this, you can now easily put a 2D barcode on your business card so it can be scanned into a phone quickly and easily. I'm a entrepreneur and I wouldn't be without my business cards. Nerds might think they are outdated, but nerds aren't the usual people that you do business with. A lot of this sounds like the sort of tech-snobbery that losses sales to more pleasant people. They are also perfect for writing short notes on too.
No, business cards are very important. There are also legal reasons for keeping a business card on you as well.
Re:your business card is crap. (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:How do you exchange stuff in the first place? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:No (Score:4, Insightful)
How else are you to swap twitter ID's, email addresses, etc?
"...two young entrepreneurs from New York..." (Score:5, Insightful)
Business cards are boot sectors (Score:5, Insightful)
If those new entrepreneurs were clueless about them, they won't stay in business long because they won't have any contacts.
Don't believe a word of it (Score:5, Insightful)
Those "two young entrepreneurs from New York" were just embarrassed that they had forgotten to bring (or make) any cards.
I bet their business plan is full of holes. Forget small things, forget big things...
Re:No (Score:5, Insightful)
You need to know the person's name to look them up presumably? How do you remember their name a week after you get home from a tiring conference? Write it down perhaps? What if they could give you a pre-printed card with the name already on it...
It's so crazy, it just might work.