Political Education
Contact cards are the new business card.
Business cards went digital and you didn’t even know it because it’s been there the whole time. Here’s a look at where they are, what they’ve become, and how you can optimized giving people your information digitally.
Business cards are essential and everyone’s had a moment when they wish they had one. They can contain your name, work details, address, phone number, email, website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter handle, and Facebook page – all on a small piece of card stock that fits into a wallet or purse. Business cards were the best thing since stone tablets… until technology made instant access to contact information a necessity.
The problem with physical business cards is that they get lost easily and take up a lot of space — my wallet would be two inches thicker if I kept every business card I’ve received on my person. They often end up on the nightstand before reaching their final destination in the trashcan or under the bed. Since everyone already uses their phone for phone calls, email, and social media, you want to make sure that new friends and potential clients store your info on the device they’ll use to contact you.
When we need to exchange contact information we often hear, “Just gimme your #,” or “what’s your email,” and (my personal choice) “just follow/dm me on Twitter.” Most people don’t have a business card, so the goal becomes getting enough information to connect. Another issue is that an email or phone number by itself can easily get lost in someone’s phone. If you give someone your number before parting ways, what do they do when they need to send you an email or find you on social media? What if they forgot your name or spelled it wrong? What if they know more than one Brandon? I certainly don’t want this to happen to me when I meet a potential client.
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. I decided to fill out a contact card for myself and my business on my iPhone and send it to someone when they ask for my info. I remove any typing or effort on their part and get their phone number in the process. Here’s what I did:
Not only does this give you access to more contact information than I can fit on a business card, it initiates a personal line of communication. You’ll click once, add to contacts, and rejoice knowing that my contact info is at your fingertips when you need it. My name will be spelled right and you’ll be able to associate me with my business.
TL;DR Physical business cards get tossed aside; set up a contact card on your phone for a more personal, in depth, and effective exchange of contact information.