Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

With the advent of the Internet and more and more people doing business online, do you still use business cards? If so, do you print your own, or do you have them printed?

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Absolutely - prospective clients and mutual service suppliers I meet in 'offline' situations (from a networking event to a meal out...!) will usually ask for contact details or a business card.

I have mine printed by MOO | Custom Business Cards, MiniCards and Postcards | moo.com USA - superb printing quality, and the prices were pretty reasonable.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I absolutely still hand out cards, and I have them printed professionally. Yup, my email address and website are on them; but you'd be surprised at how many people still appreciate the solid feel of a business card in their hand/wallet/rolodex compared to having to search for you online. :)

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Hell yes, and I have them printed. Home printed business cards tend to lose ink, which looks tacky. I mean, come on. Business cards cost less than $50. You won't spend $50 on your company's image, but you want me to trust you with my business? Please.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I also still use business cards and have them printed professionally. The cost is far outweighed by the image, compared to printing your own.

If I'm going to a workshop or some other event, I'll usually order some cards specifically for that occasion. I put all the relevant contact info on the front and put an advertisement of some sort on the back, tailored to the people I might meet at the conference.

It'll sell some aspect of my skillset - whatever is appropriate for the situation. There's limited space, but it's almost like an Adwords ad on the back of my business card. It doesn't cost much more, and I figure why waste the space when someone's going to have that card in hand?

Plus, since they're usually fairly specific to that event, it gives me an incentive to get rid of them all by the end of it, by handing them out to everyone possible :D

I've ordered from Vistaprint in the past and been happy with them, but I usually use a local printer to do them for me.

John

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I've discovered the exact same thing. People do hold on to them. I get mine printed locally. It's a little more expensive, but well worth the extra expense, in my opinion.

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I agree 100%

Depending on the business I'm promoting, I also have fridge magnets made up and pens.
They work amazingly.

Because offline promo is harder to track, I always ask new customers/clients how they heard about the business. I often get, I saw a fridge magnet or somehow I ended with your pen in my hands, don't ask how...

It's a bit like going to a party and when you get home, you realise your cigarette lighter is gone, but you have somebody else's lighter..Huh?

Business cards/Promo items give a professional image and its amazing how promo items grow legs and walk!

Cheers Marianne

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I definitely use business cards and have them printed professionally. The do-it-yourself cards may have been "cool" 10 years ago but most look cheap and tacky. Plus, the "themes" of those cards are so recognizable that it reinforces the "cheapness." Business cards are as much of a necessity (and investment) as an auto-responder or web hosting. Two good online sources: overnightprints.com or gotprint.com

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I give out a lot of business cards, and I still snail-mail postcards. clubflyers.com has been doing printing for me for about 5 or 6 years. Love 'em. They are quick, the price is better than most (even better than moo), and the quaility supurb. I am not an affiliate.

I first heard about clubflyers at a pro-photographer's convention, and started using them for studio postcard mailings. I still use them.

:-Don

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I have them printed. I don't do anything expensive or crazy, but I do my own design and make sure to have them at all times, just in case. I played someone in tennis a few months ago, got to talking to them, and they turned out to be looking for a WordPress consultant. If I didn't have the card on hand, then they might not have contacted me again. Plus some smaller businesses I have done work for in the past leave my card on their favorite local businesses bulletin board and card holder, so it definitely still gets around. Not to mention if you go to local meetups, events, conferences, seminars, etc.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I've never considered getting them done locally, but I do use business cards. Sending them in the mail is a great way to use them as well.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I usually find that my lighter is gone but I have someone else's girlfriend. On the whole, I think I end up with the better deal.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I get mine done locally, because I try to support local business whenever I can.

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Using them less and less and only in certain limited situations.

Business card marketing i.e. using business cards to market your services and gain visibility, like some other forms of marketing and networking, are largely useless unless used with a clear purpose.

Sounds obvious but all you need to do is consider the number of business cards you have collected that have actually turned into lucrative paid projects.

For clarification. Not saying business cards don't work, however, largely irrelevant in the grand scheme of attracting new clients unless used backed by a strategy.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

lol. Each to their own I s'pose. How'd you fit her in your pocket!? lol

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

There's no question, any marketing tool, technique or method works better with a solid strategy behind it. But to say business cards are largely irrelevant in the grand scheme of attracting new clients...well, that just hasn't been my experience.

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Just make sure that you don't get set up by your friends with a man in drag :rolleyes:

Back to the thread - Yes a professionally produced business card is a must (not sure about a man in drag though).

Just my thoughts,

Jeff.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yep, I just got some new ones in the mail today actually.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Unless a person's business is strictly online with no possibility of interacting with business prospects offline, it would not be a good business decision to go without BCs IMHO.

Speaking about this issue, I have my graphics done by one of my graphics artist and then I send the art work out for printing at Got Print. Here's the link: Full Color Glossy Business Card, Postcard, Flyer, Brochure, & Catalog Online Print Service - GotPrint

The prices are so crazy you can get 5000 cards, Glossy Full color both sides, heavy stock for less than what most printers charge for a 1000 white cards with two ink colors. I've been using these guys since 2001 and they rock!

Giles, the Crew Chief

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

http://online-bliss.com/images/handcd_sm.jpg
I have mentioned this on another thread
but I still make CD business cards with auto Run
that when put into a CD drive I can show off my sites
use video, PowerPoint etc. Mostly for Offline Clients.
The Square (rectangular) CD's and labels are affordable.
I like to stand out from the crowd! :cool:
http://online-bliss.com/images/handcd_small.jpg

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Hmmmm...Someone approached me about selling those about 10 years ago. How are you marketing those Larry?

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Absolutely!

How else would you pass out your contact information in social situations?



What.... you don't socialize? :D

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

You mean in RL?? o.O

Who does that anymore? :)

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Years ago, when I didn't have a business card, I would tear off the corner of a feed sack and write my phone number on it. (true story).

Any business needs business cards. One of the first things to get when you start your business. Even if you are in the "feed business"!

Alton

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Hey David,
I am not marketing the CD Business Cards anymore.
I use them locally instead of a regular business card for my
own offline business. The Label is attractive & informative
but the presentation is the cd.
Hopefully after viewing It will lead to a sit down appointment.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

We have our printed

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Business Cards are still very important.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

How many of those can you carry at once?

I've heard a lot of offline folks say that if you don't go through 500 business cards a week, you're not trying. I don't strive for that, but when I'm going to a large business networking function, I take 200 business cards - and if I come home with more than half of those, I consider myself a failure at that function.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Business cards aren't dying anytime soon..I've known many local internet marketers that STILL print business cards and hand out to people. Business cards are something physical.

And it's a little like the ebook vs physical books debate, albeit on a smaller scale.

But as long as offline businesses still carry on (which they will for a very long time), business cards will still remain.

Not forgetting even online businesses need face to face contacts and networking sessions or seminars, etc. And business cards come into play there.

Besides, it's like a badge of honour!

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I don't know. I generally notice in the morning, when I'm starting to sober up.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yes I still use them and get them professionally printed. I have a fun activity at the back of them, that prompts prospective clients to ring me and find out the answer.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

CDarklock,

Wow, I would need a larger briefcase or bigger pockets.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

I have some for conferences, but don't carry them around on a daily basis.

You can get basic business cards for just a few bucks, so you might as well have them. You never know...

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

This thread is timely. I have a business meeting tomorrow, but I haven't got my cards designed and printed. I had been thinking and thinking, but don't have any idea.

Probably by the next meeting, I'll have them.

My question is, what do you write on them? I don't have a LLC or the likes. Do you call yourself some consultant, or Internet Marketer or whatever?
Apart from website, phone and email address, what other things do you have?

Logo/ slogan/ motto etc ?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

there are times I feel a well done home card can and does work, in this format.

If your doing some text marketing, you can at anytime see exactly what marketing is working at any level, this can be seasonal or a now moment as times / things trend.

because of this and rather than being bogged down with larger print runs of business cards, you can with a good printer and business card stock run small runs of what i term drop cards.

this is a twist on the normal business card that can often be non effective, in that many business cards i see have small print on non contrasting still and is often blocked full and or is promoting irrelevant information / plain just boring.

what we can do here is take our latest trending ads and place them on our business card / small run / home print.

you drop out your sub directory from the display URL on your ad and add your business number and your name if you wish

just an alternate use for a business card / idea that is printed in small runs and very timely focused and accurate, for example if i know my ad is running at a 10% conversion rate why not do a small run for drop cards.

Comfortable Lounge Suites

Best new season fabrics and designs
You’re invited to rest in one today

UniqueFurniture.com – John 8555 3455

just getting outside of the box is all.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

My printer does ten-up format cards. If I want to test different layouts, I can do the full ten-up page and divide it up however I want in 10% (50 card) increments - without giving up my raised print and china blue cardstock.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

100% I do, all of the off-line contacts I have made have been in passing, a short chat, what do you do? That's interesting, do you have a card?

I would estimate 20% of my revenue comes from people I have met this way.

Remember the old saying "better the devil you know", when one of these people needs somebody who provides the services I offer, they pull out my card and give me a call before doing anything else. Quite often it is to ask some questions, they need to do A how can they find the right people? You are a friend of XYZ and we met at so and so party so I thought I would give you a call.

The door is now open.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Absolutely, heres a video on how to do it right:

David

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yes, I have them printed as well! I would be glad to meet prospective clients and partners offline after a good chat on Skype and they're happy enough to still ask for my business card. Not to mention that my graphic designer has done a great job too with promoting myself more through there. :)

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Actually, all the things you mentioned should be on the card. It doesn't matter whether or not you have an LLC, as long as the name of your business is represented in some form. Also, your slogan and/or tagline should be included, if you have one. Your information will probably always be evolving anyway, so you can always add things as you go along. Regarding what title you should give yourself, well, what exactly do you do?

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yeah, for sure I think it is important to have some physical memento for people to remember us by when we actually step away from the computer and walk out the front door and possibly talk to somebody "out there" (lol).

An elevator speech is another great thing to keep in your back pocket...I just chatted up my son's karate instructor at the 4th of July parade this past weekend, and I'll follow up this week with a free video for her website that took my 30 minutes to make.

As far as printing them up yourself, don't even think about it! At 500 for $50 this is a lot of bang for your marketing buck. I would outsource my trips to the bathroom if I could.

Thanks a bunch,

Jay

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Including your phone number and office address on your business cards is not personalization. That's pretty much standard information that people put on business cards.

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

The non-personalized kind are good for giving to people you don't want contacting you. ;)

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Hi David

I think everyone is in agreement.I have even had them printed for special events. They then become much more memorable. The trick is not to "push" them on people otherwise it defeats the object ( trust me after 25 years experience I know) You can have inexpensive ones printed at vistaprint where you can focus on one event or group of customers

Best Wishes

Denise

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Ha ha! That's funny Dan.

Business cards are definitely in my arsenal. Although most of my work comes from word of mouth referrals, I would not be caught without a business card.
They are a must have as I also live and do business in the physical realm as well as in IM.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yes, I still use. I have them printed for me from a company I trust.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Which begs the question, why bother giving people you don't want contacting you a business card in the first place? ;)

David Jackson

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Great question. What exactly do I do? I build websites, make products, and that's it. I'm thinking how this information is useful to offline people.

Anyway, to ensure I have cards to give out in the morning, I did some quick design on photoshop, put 4 cards on 1 jpg file, went to a photo shop, printed out 11 glossy 4R photos, and got the sales person to cut them into 4. So I have 44 namecards now. The great thing is there aren't words behind to indicate it's a photograph, and the quality is better than the ones I printed by myself in the past.

Once I figure out exactly what to write, I'll get a professional designer to do it and get them printed as real biz cards.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Hey David, wished I had watched that video before I went out. I have a photo, no mailing address, my personal phone, email (shouldn't have), my tagline, and website,

But No Call To Action! The back of my card is wasted.

The website url will lead them to a squeeze page.

Feel like I should handwrite the Call to action, or try some ninja printing. Whatever that means.

Re: Do You Still Use Business Cards?
 

Yes, I still use business cards.

Usually I print my own. Find them particularly useful when attending marketing events. In those situations I customize the back with a limited time offer specific to the event.

I also make certain to always carry a batch without back content. They make handy note paper.

Elmer