The practice of using business cards is of recent origin. The colonists and gentry of the earlier centuries used visiting cards. These cards were ornamented and carried the unique stamp of the aristocrat. As the entrepreneurial era dawned, more and more traders used trade cards to give addresses and maps to guide the customers to their stores because formal street numbering did not exist. The business card became a practical tool for small entrepreneurs to provide contact information.
Business cards serve several useful purposes. It is a tangible reminder about the interaction with the person. It creates a professional setting in which business can be discussed. By giving accurate details about the name, address, telephone numbers and email, it serves as the one-spot reference for contact. It is a great tool for prospecting for leads, generating discussions and closing in on opportunities. It provides an indication about the professionalism and credibility of the businessman.
Because the business card is such a vital ingredient for an entrepreneur, great care should be taken in designing one. A flashy design that distracts from important details is just as bad as a dull and unimpressive look. Both sides of the card should be used judiciously. The logo should be placed at a striking point in the grid and colors should be soothing.
Although today's society does not subscribe to the social formalities of the bygone era, there still are some rules of etiquette while using business cards. The most obvious one is of course that they should be used discreetly. At business meets, they could be used as a tool for persuasion but aggressiveness should be avoided. In case one visits a person in his absence, it is always a courteous practice to leave one's card with the message to call later.
