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 
Categories: CD Replication, Consumer Electronics Show, DVD, DVD Replication, DVD-r, HDTV, High-Definition, LinkedIn, Media Storage, Social Networking, USB Sticks, digital downloads, glmt, glmt.com, great lakes media technology; www.glmt.com; replication; cd; dvd Tags:
Universal Serial Bus?
Yep. That is what USB stands for. USB sticks have quickly evolved into an effective way to distribute information and promote your products and services.
USB sticks have many names. Here are all of the names that I have found:
1. Thumb Drive
2. Jump Drive
3. Memory Stick
4. Jump Stick
5. Flash Stick
6. Memory Key
Please comment below with more names of sticks!
Trends in Media: USB Flash Drives for Marketing and Promotion
It has become increasingly enticing to look into USB Sticks or “Thumb Drives” as a promotional tool or a way to distribute information. They can serve as an eye-catching handout at a tradeshow or a mail out premium with preloaded promotional information.
However, the volatility in price and availability is often hampered by the demand for flash memory generally by other consumer product applications (i.e. cameras, cell phones, etc.) CD and DVD is still the most cost effective way to deliver rich media content for read-only presentations.
GLMT is looking forward to future investments in this product, but we need your help! Let us know how you plan to use USB Flash Drives in the future by shooting us a quick email. Or hit the comment section on the blog to leave your thoughts for all!