How import are business cards to you?

[Real World Hypnotherapy]

This is not a self promotion post, I am just wanting people’s feedback for some research I am carrying out.

I invest a lot of time and money into the research and development of the printing industry. My research is not necessarily in the printing and production techniques, more the applications of the products that already exist. I am not trying to reinvent printing, I am merely trying to improve it’s effectiveness as a marketing tool.

A lot of my research that I have done already, in the importance of business cards, has been quite fascinating. Many experts have said that your business card is your most import piece of advertising and pound for pound, the most cost effective. Not only does your business card give people your business details, it also gives a deep incite into your business and how successful you are. You business cards communicate a lot of psychological messages to your potential clients and business decisions are often made upon them.

Please can people here tell me how important they perceive business cards themselves, and if you agree with the previous paragraph. Have you even made to decision to either call or buy or not call or buy something, just on the quality of the business card?

Your feedback would be most appreciated for this is what allows me to constantly improve my products, which in turn is beneficial to yourselves.

Matt, MK Printing

[creative-keyrings]

Hi MK,

I believe business cards are a thing of the past and a old method on how to keep peoples details. Business cards are easily misplaced or lost.

As i am in the promo merchandise industry i think a business card keyring is the way to go :) (you would only loose it if you lost your keys :) )

Regards,

Callum

[JoyDivision]

I need to get some printed urgently. I was speaking to an old teacher of mine (one that influenced my a lot) and he asked for my business card.

The problem with key rings is that people often already have them and don't use them. Having said that I my keyring has an advert for a mini cab firm on it.

[Coding Monkey]

I've never looked at anyone's business card and decided whether to hire them or whether to call them. I rarely hold the same ideology for a website, unless I know the person. When receiving the business card, I will know the person, even if it was for a very brief time.

[seabro]

I think well designed and produced Card, Stationary and Logo are essential if you want to be taken seriously.

But thats just my opinion.

[Greig]

I think well designed and produced Card, Stationary and Logo are essential if you want to be taken seriously.

But thats just my opinion.

I agree but I also know what creative-keyrings is talking about, I would like something totally unique/unusual to give to people.........just can't think what though.

Greig

[Cornish Steve]

I don't agree with the statement that business cards are the most important element of a company's advertising; however, they do serve a valuable role. A clear, professional card goes unnoticed (which is good), whereas an unprofessional card is noticed. An unprofessional card implies that the owner of the card is sloppy and amateurish.

In other words, a professional card opens the door to the next step in the relationship-building process, while an unprofessional card introduces an obstacle.

[easyasit]

i have given away dozens to ppl, hundreds, got nothing back.

I think it is imporant to have them as ppl ask you what you do, its easier to give a card than repeat urself

In all theory and fairness i thnk it is time for a new concept like busines cards with built in CD. they are only small and can contain flash etc which wen placed in a pc, goes though all ur jargon etc.

if not then the card still has ur company details, something to consider Matt

Al

[Pebble Communications]

I agree with Steve. They are part of the process for me - exchanging cards - and I use them to get a feel for a company. Are they cheap and tacky (this company wants to save money at the expense of quality), amateurish (poor business sense/need advice and support/open to suggestions/or just cheap again), over the top (impressed by superficial appearances and image), or professional and well-designed (a professional company to deal with, they know what they are doing).

People seem to like my cards, I do get comments on them when I hand them out (like the card, like the logo etc) so I hope they help to create a professional image for me.

I've never had anyone call me months later thanks to my business card...but I think they help make the difference to whether you are taken seriously or not and whether your information does get added to however they store their contacts.

[thekitchendesigner]

As i've just had some really nice cards done, i thought i'd add! i think they are important, especially if you have others/other businesses willing to promote you - its very simple to give a card to someone and say "give these people a call". because they are cheap they are good to give to family friends etc when starting out as a simple way of advertising.

Hi MK,

I believe business cards are a thing of the past and a old method on how to keep peoples details. Business cards are easily misplaced or lost.

As i am in the promo merchandise industry i think a business card keyring is the way to go :) (you would only loose it if you lost your keys :) )



i see where you're coming from, but keyrings never make it to my keys, and what if you have 20 keyrings - where are they going to go? 20 business cards amount to very little space!

i think there should be a business card like a memory card, with details printed on the front like a business card, and when slotted into a PC, gives a short movie/presentation/slide show of the business - same sort of size as a business card but more advanced! Can this be done??

[Ian J]

I'm guessing that forum members aren't your target market as most seem to have online businesses and probably don't meet that many people but there are still loads of people who make a living out of face to face talking and to them a professional business card is very important.

Other more modern media has it's place but if you are meeting a few people at a time and have a memory like a sieve it is useful to sneak a look at his card to remind yourself of his name if nothing else.

[visagephoto]

[/quote]i think there should be a business card like a memory card, with details printed on the front like a business card, and when slotted into a PC, gives a short movie/presentation/slide show of the business - same sort of size as a business card but more advanced! Can this be done??[/quote]

You can buy business card sized CD-Roms, but compared to normal business cards they're very expensive.

[Real World Hypnotherapy]

Thanks for the feedback people and keep it coming.

To answer Ian, the people on here are not my main target as I am trying to get my company known in Manchester now. I also target models and actors more with business/mini cards rather than small businesses.

One thing that I have found that in a world that is getting more and more technical, the personal touch us ever more important. I still believe that even web based companies should be meeting their current and potential clients face to face.

Matt

[Rob Holmes]

I have around 400 peoples business cards in a card system on my desk. I don't use them much but do dip into them occasionally.

Rob

[Pebble Communications]

Also, when I get a card from someone I think I'll be talking to again I make a few quick notes on it with their basic description and where I met them. Then if I ever arrrange to meet them again I can feel fairly confident of marching up to the right person and will be able to make a comment like 'so did you enjoy the ... last year?'

I've got a mind like a sieve for names/faces and it helps me make a better impression.