Do business cards still have a use?

Are business cards still a necessity in the internet and social networking age? Has their use changed? What should be on them?

Business cards have been used for a long time as a reminder of who you met and how to get in touch with them in the future. They typically supply a name, contact information and business area of expertise. These functions have not changed.

While I believe they are still necessary for people who still meet people face to face, business cards have changed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years. They used to be fairly sterile pieces of paper with a name, phone number, and title on them. Now, they typically include all that plus an email address and website. They also have gone away from a sterile look to more of an eye catching look. A piece of art on your card is almost required to grab attention. If you just use the standard Times New Roman font and list the info, you're likely not to stand out and be remembered.

Business cards now need to be something to remember you by in a field of names and faces. With so much communication becoming electronic, this may be the only "piece of you" they have. There is no company letterhead to send notes on and fewer face to face meetings or even phone calls where they hear you. Cards are diminishing depending on what field you are in, but they are just as important as ever. The nicer they are, the more you stand out.

Picking cards can be a tricky subject. Not everyone likes the same things, so it can be a rather daunting task to pick something that represents you while also being neutral enough for everyone to appreciate. The most important thing to remember is to be memorable yourself when you hand your business card over. If your customer can connect your card to your face then you have a major leg up on the competition.