The death of the business card?
CNN recently published this article suggesting digital alternatives to the business card:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/01/digital.business.cards/
Are we seeing the last generation of paper business cards? Or is this just a fad? CNN seems to suggest that the business card is yet another casualty of the conversion to all-digital media.
Each of the digital suggestions in this article have their own unique merit – the ability to record where you met someone along with their contact information, and endless customization possibilities, for example. Certainly for someone in a fast paced, technology centered industry, any of these would make a great addition to her virtual identity.
However, I don’t see how digital business cards can render the paper version obsolete. There’s always merit to something tangible. I believe it creates a lasting impression where a digital substitute cannot. It gives the feel of exclusivity – a personal invitation to contact someone again. If I were told to simply “Google” someone, this would not make me feel special. Anyone can find that information. However, if you hand me your business card with 3 different contact phone numbers, I feel like you’re making that extra effort to ensure that I get a hold of you again.
Sometimes the newest, flashiest product isn’t always the best choice for every situation. At least that’s my opinion. Feel free to disagree 