As you probably know, I returned from the SHRM Annual Conference in New Orleans not too long ago and I’m getting ready for the HR Florida Conference next week. Prior to leaving for SHRM, I had new business cards made incorporating both my company logo and HR Bartender logo. Here’s a photo:
Pretty nice, huh? After making the announcement about my shiny new business cards on Facebook, someone asked me if I had a digital card. Well, I had never really thought about it so I went on iTunes, found a nifty little digital business card program called SnapDat and created a digital card.
Then, I won an iPhone app called Bump from TechCrunch…so I figured, I’m all set.
Well, I’ve given away lots of the paper cards…but none of the digital cards.
On one hand, I think there’s something to be said about having a paper card. Something you can touch/feel. But on the flip side, I must admit I never keep paper cards…I always come back to the office and put the information in Outlook and toss the card. That way, I have the contact info with me all the time. I would have thought digital cards would be much more useful.
So, I’m curious…what’s your take on business cards? Paper or digital? A marketing device or just info? Leave me your thoughts below.
P.S. As an added incentive, everyone who leaves a comment by August 15 will be entered into a drawing for a copy of the book “I Hate People!
” by Jonathan Littman & Marc Hershon. I’ll even toss in a matching t-shirt.
Steve Boese says
Cool cards, Sharlyn. I still see a need for the paper cards, I was at a very casual event the other night and most of the folks there were swapping paper cards, and those that did not have any with them felt a bit disappointed. It was enough of an issue for me to make a note to get some new cards made before the next event I will be attending.
Deirdre says
Sharlyn, I still have paper cards for all my stuff – work, photography and HR. I love to see what people do with colors and logos – says a lot about the person to me.
I keep cards but first scan them so I do have the information in digital format.
Jennifer Miller says
Sharlyn,
Interesting– I was just contemplating this very thought last week as I attended a networking function. My take on this is that the paper card still has a place. Believe it or not, there are still people who are paper-only. Plus, sometimes low-tech is just plain easier.
I think it’s a “both/and” situation– one still needs a paper card (with all points of contact listed: Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, etc.) and one needs to be prepared with the other technical connection devices.
On the technical side, I heard of a new device called “Poken”. It’s a small device that carries your e-card. When you meet someone who also has a Poken, you connect them to exchange data. I don’t have one yet and it got so-so reviews from the techies but I thought it would be great for conferences.
Tracy Tran says
Sharlyn,
I use paper business cards for taking notes, but what I recommend now is if you have a Twitter account, add your Twitter handle on your card or put it on the name tag. I learned this trick from the Twestival event last winter.
When you follow the person on Twitter the day after, DM or tweet saying hello and thank you and forward your information like I have here: http://twtbizcard.com/tracytran
Steve Roesler says
Sharlyn,
This is a first-class example of the Web 2.0/Social Media smoke and mirrors challenge for living human beings who do business with other living human beings in person.
Warning: Research about to be quoted.
Well, sort of. A couple of weeks ago I read a credible marketing research source that said, clearly, that people want to buy products and services of substance “in person.” What you and I do is substantial and no one is going to do anything more than give a cursory web-glance (if they are so inclined) to validate our existence.
It is about time that corporate consultants understood that our clients buy from us based on what and how we deliver and who we are in that process. Corporate buyers at that level are not spending their time looking at blogs, tweets, or digital resumes. I believe an online “presence” is mandatory for two reasons:
1. An executive will quickly check–or have an assistant check–one’s existence, thought leadership, and offerings. In our business it is an online brochure and is expected.
2. Platform for relationships with colleagues as well as future “product” relationships. I enjoy reading what other bloggers, Twitterers, etc., are saying and doing. It’s sometimes enlightening and educational. The give and take actually does create a sense of community and, when it comes to events, book promotion, new product, etc., we are good at helping promote others whom we have learned to trust .
Of course, your question was about the use of business/digital cards. No reason not to have a digital card if it adds to your presence. I think you are already concluding the actual usefulness of it for high level consulting.
Now, it’s time for the social media-is-god folks to start screaming…
Wally Bock says
Your results don’t surprise me. We have systems in place that help people handle paper cards. They know what to do with them. Programs like Cardscan can capture information.
Plus, the digital cards are an attempt to use a digital medium to do a paper task. The first digital signatures were like that, attempts to replicate an actual signature. Later we figured out that a user name/password combo performed the same function. My guess is that we’ll learn to put our information in forms that are easily captured by email and contact manager programs.
Jessica Miller-Merrell says
Nice post and nice cards! I first learned about the Bump iPhone app at a Tweetup a couple weeks ago. I think it’s a great option especially and a huge timesaver since I use a scanner to electronically save my contacts. It’s actually quite a process since my scanner is compatible with a blackberry and not an iPhone. But like anything virtual, the electronic business card will take people a while to adjust to the electronic business cards.
Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR
http://www.blogging4jobs.com
Follow me on Twitter @blogging4jobs
Karla Porter says
I have both physical and digital versions so I can offer whatever flavor the customer wants. I was a Girl Scout.
HR Minion says
I like paper cards, and I need new ones, but I really like the idea of digital cards. I’m sure those will get more common in the future so it’s good that you are ahead of the curve. 🙂
David Mann says
I take surprising delight in flipping through cards I’ve collected over the years – there is something immensely satisfying about the experience: some cards are cheap and simple, others expensive and simple…and still others that are arguably expensive and innovative in their design, but do little to actually tell any kind of story. Like others, I jot notes on the back to remind me of conversations held or commitments made. The utility of a paper card seems endless.
In a world where everything about us can be digitized, it’s nice to have a physical reminder we can slip into a pocket or pass on to a colleague.
ndslotnick says
I have to agree that paper cards are hear to stay – even though I don’t give nearly as many out as I probably should. I was an early adopter of the Palm Pilot and thought beaming business card information was a great alternative. I haven’t checked out Bump yet, but I am sure that I will like it as well. That said, it is a simple fact that not everyone has the same technology, and there are some things where low-tech still has the edge. Even if one doesn’t keep the cards after they get home and only transfer the information to a digital format – either manually or using a tool like CardScan, they are still the most universally usable way to give the information.
I am a little strange in that even after I input the info into Outlook, I still hold on to the paper cards. I think it is a packrat behavior and I suppose I will eventually get around to purging them, but in the meantime, I have collected a pretty significant collection.
Chris Hopkinson says
Sharlyn – Feel free to check us out (www.dubmenow.com). We’ve built the only digital card app that works across any mobile phone (BlackBerry, iPhone, WinMobile and Android). Plus, we’ve partnered with LinkedIn, so you can send an invite to connect along with your contact info.
Much more to come! Stay tuned.
Cheers,
Chris Hopkinson
DubMeNow
http://www.dubmenow.com
chris@dubmenow.com
Jane Anderson says
All of the above. Just as there are black shoes – do you have one pair to cover all occasions? I think not. Do you have a cupboard full of glassware, but use one style and one size for every social event? That’s crazy. So why have a favorite business card medium. If you are face to face with someone and thay ask for your business card (or even if you have to offer one) go for that score. Hand over the paper. Yes, have digital. Yes, create a vCard. The beauty of progress, the benefit of technology is that you can use a variety of mediums to get your point across. There is no dinosaur in communication or marketing. Think I’m wrong? When was the last time you zoned out when a retro commercial popped up on TV? Ah . . . caught your attention for a moment at least, didn’t it? Business cards? Have a supply – in variety – use as needed.
The HR Store says
Good point to ponder upon. I’ll stick with paper cards as long as the person I’m dealing with is not ready for accepting digital ones. My interest in digital cards needn’t necessarily be accepted by the receiver.
This particular dilemma of paper card versus digital ones, reminds me of reading a newspaper versus reading it on their website. Both will exist and attract customers. But the idea of being able to connect with either of them, in a way that they feel connected, is the key.
Puf says
I like digital. I think paper cards are an ancient technology, that is uneccessary. On the downside, Blackberry screwed up. Palms have the ability to “beam” digital contact info from one unit to another, so you get the benefit of the card exchange ritual, without the paper. Crackberry never had this feature.
Mike Kohn says
I think you’ve got to have both. Sure, down the line paper is going to be “ancient”, but until we deem it to be irrelevant (and I don’t see that happening any time soon), people are going to be expecting it and you’ve got to be ready. I find that it’s nice when you meet people to get the paper card because you can make little notes on the back as a way of remembering what you talked about after you walk away. Given that I sometimes don’t go through the cards I get until a week or so later, having those personalized comments are incredibly useful, especially if I promised a follow-up e-mail to someone and I forgot about it.
But in the age of social media (and especially since you dabble in it regularly), it’s a good idea to have a digital version to go along with it. Since it doesn’t take too much effort, it’s probably smart to have a way to send it to people that operate digitially.
Cool card though Sharlyn, I like it. Nice topic for a Monday too!
Mike Kohn
@mike_kohn
Lori LaBeau says
Sharlyn-
I like the card and the tag ‘bartender’! It really makes people think!
I am all for both paper and electronic information, the more the better!
I have two different business cards, focusing on different aspects of my life and I also am trying to build my digital presence, so currently on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc…
While I agree that paper cards may find less exchanges in the collaboration/networking future world; I still think they are great to have when you need to connect with someone who isn’t into the technology yet. It gives them an understanding of where you are, while still recognizing they may not yet be as digitized. I have seen some friends actually move forward with technology when they have noticed I have a digital ID, it is all about evolving as we go!
Great topic, thanks for sharing!
tlcolson says
I have personal cards business cards, and digital cards in both flavors. I prefer to scan in cards I receive, or grab the company logo off the web and into outlook, so that I can easily identify companies.
Ususally I will write brief phys description or other personally identifying information I glean from meeting someone on the back of the card, so that I can have that information at my fingertips as well.
Particularly helpful whe you only meet someone once in a large group, and will be following up in person at a later time.
I like the new business cards. Some inspiration to do something about my personal cards!
tlcolson
John Jorgensen says
I am not a fan of digital cards….yet. I still need the paper version. There are times that a person and I meet for the first time and I want to immediately capture a point we were discussing. I do not break the flow by writing on the back of the card right away but as I walk away, I make a note on the back of the card so I remember the point. Plus there is a personal aspect of actually handing a card to some one. Makes it less cold and technical than having everything digital. You need to leave some part of personality and human contact in networking.
ReviewSNAP says
I do like the look of the cards, but I have to say I’m into the non-traditional look for cards (glossy, rounded corners, etc.). I agree with Steve that paper cards are still a necessity. You never know when you will run into someone to network with. When I was flying down to the SHRM conference I networked with about 5 people who were also heading down there. Just gave me a nice headstart with the networking.
Robert says
Paper all the way. Digitial cards, when attached to an e-mail, make the e-mail to “heavy” for my tastes, and my blackberry’s taste. If I need to sort my inbox by items with attachments, guess what gets mixed in . . . those stupid digital cards.
If you can’t put it in your signature line, I don’t need to know it. And if your contact info isn’t already on your e-mail, why isn’t it?
Laura says
I am all for techno stuff, but sometimes you have to realize that everyone is not there yet….and some may never get there. To cover all bases you need both.
Sarah Ornberg says
I like coming home from a networking opportunity and having the actual paper card in hand. For me it provides the chance to think about the individual that I met at least one more time while entering their contact information into Outlook. If it was digital…I may never have the need or opportunity make another mental note of that contact. I guess I am a little old school and sentimental, but I want to be able to walk away from that contact with “something to remember them by”.
Sharon Gillenwalters says
I am still hooked on paper and agree totally with Sarah Ornberg. However, perhaps sometime in the future when we all break our old skool habits, you will be all set with digital cards. I kinda like that thought.
BosRedSox says
I like the business card HR Bartender! Especially how you included both logos. I’m old school, I like having a paper business card. I like being able to use any phone anywhere by pulling it out and dial the number. Love HR technology, too, but sometimes there is something to be said about keeping it simple.
akaBruno says
I still like the paper business card. How else will I be able to win a free lunch at the restaurants I frequent?
The late comedian Mitch Hedberg once said:
“I got a business card made, because I want to win some lunches. That’s what my business card says: “Mitch Hedberg, potential lunch winner.”
Kay Wilson says
Well, as much as I’m enjoying moving into the new digital era kicking and screaming, I still want to make certain to drop little breadcrumbs to show me the way home. I prefer paper cards simply because I have not yet fully grasped the idea of beaming our information from one device to another. Today it’s business cards, and tomorrow, who knows? Next thing you know, our cars will simply beam our digital vitals to the cutie sitting in the car next to us at the red light.
Paper cards still show us the simple idea that personalities are unique and as such, show through in them. I still believe it is a bit of an honor when someone wants you to have their contact information–they want you to call. I think I read somewhere that it is the Japanese who look upon the giving of a business card as a treasure–receive it with both hands, oooh and ahhh over its beauty, and sincerely thank the giver. I think they have it right. Don’t get me wrong–I am shopping for a new phone through which I can tether myself more completely to those who need to reach me when I’m mowing, shopping, hiring, training or sleeping, and I’m personally addicted to one of my facebook apps, but I still feel a bit of guilty pleasure when I pick up that business card holder from the clearance bin at the register in Staples……do I get the paged booklet or the rolling file? Tough decision.
Maria Weyman says
Great business card Sharlyn! I’ve been thinking of getting some made for me to hand out during local networking events.
hr bartender says
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to everyone who commented on the subject of business cards. It looks like the printing industry should be pleased to know the paper business card isn’t going away anytime soon.
And I’m happy to announce, the winner of the “I Hate People” book and t-shirt is Mike Kohn. Just email me at … well at the email on my business card with your address and I’ll send them to you!
Mike Kohn says
Thanks Sharlyn! I feel like I should head to Vegas while my luck is up 🙂
I’ll drop you a line at that e-mail.
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Kate says
I still this world still needs the paper business card. Technology can sometimes be unreliable but you can access a paper business card anytime. Also Some people aren’t that ‘wired’ yet, don’t have iphones and such.