One of the most important things for a businessman is his business card. It is his identity. It contains information about the individual as well as his outfit. Information included in the business cards include such details as the name of the individual, the post he occupies, contact numbers of his residence and office and his e-mail ID. The importance of business cards is immense. After all, it plays a very important role in bringing people in contact with each other for the first time. Such is the importance of business cards that today no businessman can survive without one. No wonder then that it is extremely common in today's world.
What however would be interesting is to know when and how these business cards actually came into existence. How did they appear in their earliest forms and what kind of information was displayed on them? Which countries were the pioneers in inventing and using the business cards?
Well, one would be flabbergasted to know that business cards are not a modern day phenomenon. Instead, they have a history that can trace back its origin to the 15th century. Yes, you have read it right. Business cards came into existence in the 15th century, and China was the country who invented and used it for the first time. Even there, its reach was confined to the high and mighty who used them to convey their arrival to the concerned member of the family. This practice was then picked up by others in due course of time.
Business cards made their entry in Europe in the 17th century through England. It was used mostly by merchants and was popular as trade cards. These trade cards were a unique lot, for they had maps printed on them, probably to guide people to the shops. There were instances when these trade cards were found to include information about the goods sold by the merchants as well.
Today, however, business cards have undergone complete change. They are available in various colours, designs and most importantly in different price range, giving ample option to people who want to go for one.
Far more important that its simple presentation appears, a person's business card has the potential to be the most effective way to increase your company's success. As an outgrowth of the old tradition of "Visiting or Calling Cards" the business world has created a special branch of stationary to fill the need of a small, simple greeting.
Unlike a personal "Calling Card' which may only contain a name and contact method, the business card usually expands the information to include a logo, business address and phone number with a company slogan often included for brand recognition. The information is more detailed as a business wants people to know how to reach them.
While a simple white cardstock paper and black ink is all required to design an elegant and memorable business card, advances in printing methods in the digital age have opened up entire new design possibilities for your pocket sized billboard. No longer are full color photo quality business cards too expensive for all but the biggest companies.
There are still the traditional lithographed business cards with the raised type available for any budget however small the business person's endeavor might be. Spot color can be matched to any company's logo colors. With the use of thermograph raised-type printing even a simple inexpensive business card can offer an impressive look. Engraving and two sided print capabilities add to the design options for an effective and attractive business card.
Whether a home based part time business or a multi-million dollar corporation, your business card says a lot about you and the image your company projects. The card is often the first contact point that people have with you. It represents more than just the knowledge of what you do and where you are located. A good businessperson will always have some with them. It should be standard operating procedure to give a card to anyone you meet. They can be placed on community bulletin boards, left with local businesses you deal with and just about anywhere you can think of that it will be exposing your company to potential new customers.
The business card is so important as a convenient reminder of your business that electronic business cards are a popular email function. Once set up in your email program, the electronic business card can be attached to all your business communications online. Electronic business cards have the unique property of being able to utilize animation for an even more memorable experience with your name.
While the technology is still developing to make it universally functional, there is the growing use of the 80 millimeter CD as both business card and company presentation. Having a capacity between thirty-five and a hundred megabytes of space, this CD business card can provide a multiple pack of information files for your potential customer. As the smaller size CD players become more widespread this form of business card presentation will spread in regular usage.
With unique designs and easy availability, business cards have even taken on the dimension of being a collectible item in itself. The International Business Card Collectors organization maintains a worldwide member base that circulates and collects outstanding business cards from around the world.
Both Alexa Alexa & Daniel Millions are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alexa Alexa has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Business Cards and Marketing. Alexa is a successful relationship manager in a leading Public Relations firm. He has written many articles and blogs on how to enhance effective communication in the corporate world. Currently he is focusing on. Alexa Alexa's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Daniel Millions has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Cars and Writing. High quality and for all needs.. Daniel Millions's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.