Surely with the modern age and advent of new technology the website has now taken the place of the business card?  If someone wants to know more about you, all you need to do is give them the address of your website on a piece of paper, or business card……ah, see what I did there.

You see the truth is that the humble business card is still as vital today as it was when it was first introduced in 15th century China. So how have business cards remained such a vital part of networking?

First Impressions Count

I’m going to make a presumption here. I’m going to presume that you spent a lot of time, effort and money on your website. Am I right? No doubt you make sure it’s kept up to date, is SEO friendly and has plenty to draw the customer in, after all that’s the first impression an online customer has of your business so it’s essential to get it right.

Now take a look at your business card, if you even have one. Does it have the WOW factor? Does it get your heart pumping and your blood coursing through your veins? If not, why not?

Take a look at all the cards you hold in your wallet or purse. I bet you can hardly distinguish between the local taxi service, pizza outlet or that new business contact you made months ago can you? All ended up shoved in your wallet or purse and forgotten about and that is exactly what happens to your business card.

Unless you offer something a little different.

88% of Business Cards are Thrown Out in Less Than a Week

After all, why spend all that effort on jazzing up your website if, when you are networking at the latest show or event, you are handing out business cards that may as well be advertising John Doe & Co from Dullsville in Boredom City?

How many business cards do you think the average MD gets handed on a weekly basis; especially when it comes to networking events? You might have all the charisma and charm of Russell Brand but if your card doesn’t get a second look then you can kiss your new-found contact goodbye as you watch your card being placed in their wallet along with all the others.

Rock it don’t knock it

We all know how important it is to get first impressions right. Business managers, CEOs and directors can meet hundreds of people every week, all vying to do business with them and all employing their own tricks to get themselves noticed.

It’s like competing against hundreds of talented singers in the X Factor. You can have an amazing talent but unless you have that one noticeable feature, or offer something a little different, then you are forgotten and filed away.

We don’t just want you to offer something a little different, we want you to make an impression so great it would be like getting slapped in the face with kipper made from vodka fruit jelly – refreshingly different with an edge.

It can take more than a nice image to wow people today, it takes a little creativity, a sense of humour and fun and the desire to surprise. Once you have the element of surprise then they are putty in your hands.

But I know what you are thinking – what can you do with a business card? Well seriously, what can’t you do with it? How about a 3D card which opens up to reveal a pop up cartoon? Or how about a card in the shape of a paper aeroplane that can glide over a crowded room to its intended target? You can even have your details embossed on the side of a clothes peg.

Why stick to a 2D card when there are so many other ingenious ideas out there? Imagination has no limits, so whatever your line of business, we can come up with a business card which is unique, dramatic and which will definitely make an impact.

Give us your take on this – don’t be shy now! We want your best and worst examples of business cards and if you feel they have a place in the business of today. Post your comments on our Facebook page or give us a Tweet.