[Jackie Nees]

Got Cards? Business cards, that is. These hand held billboards are vital marketing tools for any business. Today we'll show you why you need them, how to create yours quickly and inexpensively, and what to do with them once you have them.
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[Malcriada]

Business cards are not marketing tools. Printing anything on the reverse side, including one's photos or using unusual materials all go against the basics of business etiquette and good taste.

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Hi there Malcriada,
Very interesting...I don't know about that though. I very much think that business cards ARE marketing tools. They are wonderful opportunities to present yourself, your company and your personal "brand". Yes, you want to show good taste in what you present, but it can be done in a very professional way. Business cards don't have to be bland or boring. They don't have to be JUST for sharing contact info. They can also share company or product information. It's fairly standard in today's business world. Of course, to each their own!

[JayDeGreen]

I to, do believe that business cards can be used as a marketing tool. Albeit, they might be considered archaic in todays techno society. The one thing that usually comes with the use of business cards is, character. What I mean by this is, to get ones business card you usually have had to meet the person face to face and shook their hand. Regrettably, this vital part of doing business, has gone by the wayside. I would much have rathered received a business card from a potential client then an email. The humanization part is being lost.

[KeriForsythe]

Originally Posted by Chrissy Scivicque

Hi there Malcriada,
Very interesting...I don't know about that though. I very much think that business cards ARE marketing tools. They are wonderful opportunities to present yourself, your company and your personal "brand". Yes, you want to show good taste in what you present, but it can be done in a very professional way. Business cards don't have to be bland or boring. They don't have to be JUST for sharing contact info. They can also share company or product information. It's fairly standard in today's business world. Of course, to each their own!

I agree completely. I've been to many tradeshows, and the first act of business (after introducing yourself) is always to exchange business cards. Also, I can distinctly remember receiving several business cards that stuck out in my mind. I actually commented on some of them...one lady even had a small picture of herself on her card. Not that I'm recommending people include mugshots on their business cards, but it certainly got my attention!

[Malcriada]

Hello! One of the functions that business cards serve is correspondence. If you crowd your business card with too much information, you practically elimate that function. While I understand the temptation to use one's business card as a marketing tool, I also know what etiquette dictates. Elegant does not necessarily equal bland or boring. Can you imagine sending flowers with a business card that has maps or photos printed on it? Business etiquette is actually very clear on how a business card should be designed (elegant, easy on the eye, practical, one language only) - no photos, no maps, no bank account numbers (yes! I have seen one with an account number on it!), no double-sided printing, no crazy colors, no glitter, no unusual sizes or material. Handwritten notes may only be made with a fountain pen, (in certain cases, when cards are used for diplomatic correspondence, only pencil is allowed). My personal preferences aside (OK, I am actually guilty of giving in to the artistic vision of the designer who worked on my company's logo) - I have merely pointed out what business etiquette says on the subject. But, as etiquette rules change with changing times, today's strict guidelines may not hold tomorrow

[JayDeGreen]

As for the business card etiquette part.....same rules apply, too much is not a good thing. This, pertaining to the card itself.
If you are a person that is impressed by the card that is pushing the point of being "gaudy", then you are missing the point of the whole concept.
A business card should only contain pertinent information one would need to contact said person. Along with a "single" logo, that is meant to stick in the persons head.

You are right about the "changing times"....
Next generation business cards will probably have a computer chip in them, allowing one to download all the needed info.

[angelface]

Originally Posted by Malcriada

Business cards are not marketing tools. Printing anything on the reverse side, including one's photos or using unusual materials all go against the basics of business etiquette and good taste.

i disagree. i think that business cards are great marketing and networking tools. There are some people out here that do not do business with others just because of how their business cards look. No, I do not think that unusual materials should be used. But if you are, say a make up artist, what's wrong with puting your picture w/make up on your business card. For marketing purposes.