I don’t have business cards. This doesn’t mean that I haven’t had them. I’ve held various positions where business cards were provided and I’ve even done my own a time or two for my freelancing and consulting work. Over the years, however, I’ve phased out the use of business cards and found other ways of promoting myself and my business that work just as well (or better)—but that doesn’t mean that business cards aren’t still a fine promotional tool for entrepreneurs promoting their home-based businesses.
I know other business owners who swear by business cards. It gives them an easy and relatively inexpensive way to share their contact information and do a little mini-promoting for their business. The expectation is then that the individual to whom the card is given will hang on to it and have it in a convenient place when the time may arise and ta da! A new customer or client is born. Of course, individuals don’t always hang on to business cards and they still may need to go searching to find you when they need you.
Business cards also serve a somewhat “social” purpose. During networking opportunities, business gatherings and even social gatherings, an individual can hand out business cards upon meeting a new person. I’ve found, however, that individuals become too focused on business cards and they become a way to avoid real connection. I even know some people who admit that asking for a person’s business card is one of the ways they END a conversation so they can move on to someone else. In some fields and professions, business cards really are the expected norm and a networking situation wouldn’t be complete without the ceremonial handing round of classy cards.
Instead of business cards, some business owners use flyers, magnets, brochures, pens, notepads, or other marketing type materials. I think this can be a clever thing to do if it matches your business. The idea being that if something is useful, it is more likely to be kept around and your contact information will be handy when the prospect needs your products or services.
In the end, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether business cards are something you need and will use. It’s a good idea to think it through, however, since you may find that you can come up with a better way to promote yourself and your business and do away with the traditional business card.
See Also: When You’re an Unsatisfied Customer, Using Greeting Cards to Promote Your Business, and Resources for Organizing Your Home Office