Are Business Cards Passé?

Still Being Used?

Business cards are still being used in many industries and professional settings. While digital communication has become increasingly prevalent, business cards continue to serve as a tangible and convenient way to exchange contact information and make a lasting impression during networking events, meetings, conferences, and other business interactions.

The design and quality of a business card can reflect the professionalism and brand identity of an individual or a company. Some people find value in the physical exchange of business cards as it can create a more personal and memorable connection compared to simply exchanging digital contact information.

However, it's worth noting that the extent to which business cards are used can vary depending on cultural norms, industries, and regions. In some cases, people might opt for digital alternatives like sharing contact information through smartphone apps or QR codes, but business cards still hold relevance in many professional environments.

Business Cards Pro Tip: Take a Picture

Business cards are like socks in the dryer - they disappear. That being said, when you are given a business card, take a photo of it on your mobile phone. Create a folder in your phone entitled "Business Cards." That way, if you lose the card, you will be able to refer back to it in your phone.

Digital Business Cards.

Digital business cards can be quite beneficial in many situations. They offer several advantages over traditional paper business cards:

1. Eco-Friendly: Digital business cards eliminate the need for paper, reducing environmental impact and waste.
2. Convenience: They are easy to share and distribute through email, messaging apps, QR codes, and social media platforms, making it convenient for people to save and access your contact information.
3. Dynamic Content: Unlike static paper cards, digital cards can include dynamic content such as clickable links to your website, social media profiles, videos, and more, enhancing your ability to showcase your work and skills.
4. Easy Updates: If your contact information or business details change, you can update digital business cards instantly, ensuring that recipients always have the most accurate information.
5. Cost-Effective: While there might be some initial setup costs, digital business cards can save money in the long run since you won't need to constantly reprint cards.
6. Analytics: Some digital business card platforms provide analytics, allowing you to track how often your card is viewed and shared, which can be helpful in assessing the effectiveness of your networking efforts.
7. Less Clutter: Digital cards won't clutter recipients' wallets or bags, as they'll be stored on their devices.
8. Personal Branding: Digital business cards can be customized to align with your personal or business brand, providing a consistent and professional image.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Technological Barriers: Not everyone may be comfortable with or have access to the technology required to receive and store digital business cards.
2. Networking Context: In certain situations, such as formal business events or meetings, physical business cards might still be the expected norm.
3. Privacy Concerns: Sharing digital cards could lead to concerns about data privacy and security, so you should choose a reputable platform for sharing your information.
4. Cultural Differences: In some cultures or industries, physical exchange of business cards might hold more significance and be considered more respectful.

In the end, the suitability of digital business cards depends on your target audience, the context in which you'll be using them, and your personal preferences. It might be a good idea to have a combination of both digital and physical cards to cater to different situations and audiences.

About the Author

As a Veteran and Military Family Representative with CareerSource Tampa Bay, Dave provides tailored job seeking solutions to Transitioning Military Members, Mil Spouses, and Veterans at MacDill Air Force Base. The Veterans he works with are highly qualified professionals from prestigious commands, to include CENTCOM, SOCOM, SOCCENT and JSOC. They possess highly sought after skills and make game changing employees once hired.

As a former U.S. Army Officer, an accomplished Talent Acquisition Executive, and an award winning leader in the military industry for more than 20 years, Dave has experienced the transition twice (he was a retiree recall), and has placed dozens of his prior candidates who now serve in executive leadership roles a VP, EVP, and senior program managers throughout Corporate America.

Dave especially enjoys working with Veterans, helping them with the “what’s next” in their job seeking journey, and mentoring them throughout the process until they are hired. Understanding the key pivot points of the job seeking process is what he specializes in, and the one on one training he provides them is resulting in Hired Veterans.