Their usage is declining in the era of everything instant but cards can still be vital.

The day after attending an industry event, the National Sales Manager of a well known skin care brand, got on the phone to the company of a contact he had made at the event.
He called reception because neither he nor the contact had their business cards on them at the event to exchange details.

It’s a common story these days – business cards aren’t what they used to be. Even when people do exchange cards, it’s likely that they will end up in a pile on the desk.

No one has the time to input personal details from these cards on their computer and in any case, with LinkedIn and Google and the like-do we really need business cards anymore?

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence suggesting that business card usage is indeed on the decline.

There’s a dispute as to whether this has actually led to a decline in business volumes.

What everyone agrees on, however, is that business cards are being standardised, with printing specialists attesting to a decline in the variety of paper stock available from manufactures.
He believes this to be a function of a trend in which businesses are increasingly moving away from cards with “bells and whistles” to settle on a more standardised format across industries.

Business people say standardised is welcome.

Any steps away from the size and shape of the normal card is just frustrating because its tool small or too big and you’ll only end up losing it. You might think, oh, that’s interesting! for 10 seconds but then it becomes a hassle.

Networking expert Robyn Henderson agrees that cards on the whole are being produced to a more standard format but has also noticed the introduction of some new, interesting features.

“I saw a QR code [two-dimensional barcode] on the back of a business cards, and I thought it was really unusual but very useful, she says.
Henderson has also noticed the emergence of what she calls the “conference card”, a business card that includes a small picture of the person. Photos are a great feature which can really help to jog the memory.

She thinks the decline of the business card in some circles is because many professionals don’t feel comfortable in exchanging business cards in certain contexts.

The problem is that there’s an awkwardness about when to give [a business card] out,” she says. “A lot of people think ‘Oh, I’m being pushy if I [offer a business card]‘ when it really should just be an automatic part of communication. Henderson says this hesitance is completely misguided and is actually causing many professionals to miss out on great opportunities.

As a professional, Henderson is happy to say that the most rewarding contracts of her professional career have come via third-party introductions, which have come as the result of her business card being passed from one contact to another. “Every new connection you make is an opportunity to market yourself, because new contacts could be your new clients,” she says. “You need to make it as easy as possible for the other party to contact you.” And while some professionals may be lax about carrying business cards locally, she says this is an attitude that simply won’t fly for an executive wanting to engage in international business. Henderson believes that in international business, cards are a means of survival.

“You’ve got no hope [of doing business internationally] without a business card. You’ve got absolutely no way of establishing any credibility.”

How to get the most from a business card?

1 Keep them close:

The mad dash to locate business cards mid conversation can be an awkward and embarrassing process. It can be made even harder with a drink or canape in hand. Take the time to find  business cards before going into a function and put them in an easy-to reach place. Men can put them inside their top pocket, and women can use a business card holder if they don’t have pockets. Don’t be afraid to hold them in your hand, it makes the exchange a lot easier.?

2 Don’t hold back:

Many professionals are hesitant to give out cards for fear of looking pushy. Think of business cards as “name cards” – as they are known in Asian business circles. Such a change in perspective can help professionals become more comfortable in handing theirs out. I’m just giving them my name and saying, let’s stay in touch.’ It doesn’t mean you’re trying to sell them a thousand palletes.

3 Remember to read:

When you receive a card, you should take the time to really read it. This is courteous and can give you some great ideas to start a conversation; like asking someone questions about the city where the company is based is an easy way to get the chat flowing.

4 Sort the wheat from the chaff:

It’s not unusual to collect more than a dozen business cards at a single function. You ought to mark important cards by subtly bending their corner as you put them away. Or make a note like a  horoscope tag.The tag or dog ear will remind you which new contacts need a follow up.

5 Make contact like you mean it:

Don’t leave it to a personal assistant to send follow-up emails on your behalf. The response is likely to be impersonal and you can be sure your new connection will know that they’re not dealing with the real McCoy. It also opens the door for embarrassing encounters in the flesh, when a new connection thanks you for an email that you have no recollection of sending. Likewise, resist the urge to send generic emails to each new contact you have met after a function. It will only come off as insincere and is likely to be treated in the same way as junk mail.

An adapted post Based on a BRW Article by Samantha Hutchinson