Ask the Readers: Do You Use Business Cards? (Special $100 Giveaway)
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Editor's Note: Congratulations to our first prize winner, Aaron L, and our second and third place winners, Guest and Emily.
Business cards are one of the most important networking tools. Professionals, job seekers, freelancers, and even students have used business cards to advance their careers. Whether you hand them out to clients or prospective employers, a tasteful business card provides people with a great first impression.
Do you use business cards? If yes, how do you use them? If no, why not?
Tell us if you use business cards and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or two sets of die-cut business cards courtesy of our sponsor UPrinting.com.
Prizes: $100 Amazon Gift Card & Two Sets of Die-Cut Business Cards
This week we will be giving away thee prizes:
- First Place: $100 Amazon gift card
- Second and Third Place: Each will get a set of 250 die-cut business cards courtesy of UPrinting.com. Winners of the business cards can choose among UPrinting.com's available die-cut shape and sizes and cardstock option. Standard turnaround time and shipping applies (no shipping charges). Restricted to people 18 years and above, US residents only. Check out these beautiful samples.
How to Enter:
You can enter 3 different ways:
- Comment Entry. Answer this question in the comments below: "Have you used business cards? If yes, how do you use them? If no, why not?"
- Facebook Entry. Go to UPrinting.com's Facebook page, "Like" the page, and leave a separate comment on this article telling us: "I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook."
- Twitter Entry. Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of @wisebread and @UPrinting. Include @wisebread, @UPrinting and #WBAsk in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment below.
If you do all 3 things you get 3 entries into the contest. Maximum 3 entries per person. Be sure to always include your email when leaving a comment.
Giveaway Details:
- Contest ends Monday, January 16th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 16th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
- You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking UPrinting.com's Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
- This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
- You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.
Good Luck!
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Here's a sample of the kind of beautiful cards created using UPrinting.com:
Good luck with the contest! Enter now by answering the question in the comments below.
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We don't use business cards currently, but need to get some for our RV lifestyle. It's a great way for people to remember you and to have your email and phone numbers handy for future contact.
I use business cards to hand out to people I meet at conferences. They are also good to have on hand to enter drawings for free lunches!
Agreed! It's always good to have them for drawings!
Yes, I use business cards to hand to people in case they need computer repair. I fix computers on the side.
Yes we do here.
I just received my business cards from my job this week, so not yet. The only people who have gotten them are my fiance and mother!
I use business cards to let people know how to find me and to let them know what I do. It is a great way for people to remember you. I also encourage them to write notes on the cards.
Yes, I use business cards. I understand that people may question the logic behind holding onto something paper when you can just as easily plug it into whatever electronic device you have, but there is something to be said about business cards. I will start also by saying that I too have electronic devices, i.e. iPhone, which allows me to basally put anything into it. And I do put everything I think I might need into it. However, business cards to me are a safety net. When I go out and see someone's business card it catches my eye. Who are they? What do they sell or offer? I take them and stash them right next to all of my others, and keep it in my car. That way, if my phone, iPad, navigation, whatever, dies, I have a back up. At least I have somewhere to start rather than being SOL. Furthermore, extending a business card to someone is, in my opinion, more personal than saying "hey, put my info in you're phone". You often get the phone number plus address, web site, business hours, specials, etc. That amount of information takes time to input and so when I take one, I can always go back and deal with it later.
Finally, I remember places more often when I have taken their card. Sometimes I take it and leave, than place it in with my other cards. Now and again I go through them and say "hey, I wanted to try that out" or "I totally forgot about that". It serves as a reminder. Of course, I do not take one unless there is a chance I will need it. For instance, I do not take a card from every restaurant, doctors office, or retailer I've been to. I simply prefer to have an actual copy of some information. Maybe I'm old school but I doubt it. I believe there is a point to taking business cards even if your not sure. You never know, you might go through them and remember how great an experience was and you were just too busy to type it into your phone. I know it happens to me and so I will continue to take them when I feel I could benefit from it.
Awesome answer! Such great points! That's very true, having a business card is always good backup.
I own a childcare in a small town and whenever I am out and about I pass my card to parents and store personal. I always make a point in introducing myself and letting them know that I can help with childcare. I designed my card and it’s green with black type, soothing but very catchy.
Yes! I do you business cards often. I make handmade beads and then use them to make one-of-a-kind jewelry, so my work is quite distinct. I have 2 different business cards, each with its own style and picture; one bright and one pastel. If someone asks me about what jewelry I'm wearing, I can give them a card, and sometimes when that happens, nearby people will start asking for them! Always good to have a nice card carrying case as well.
(Shameless plug: www.struckmyfancy.etsy.com :)
Christina Struck
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook! :)
I have not used business cards yet but I will be soon. Beyond my blog I am launching an SEO company in the next few weeks. I want to target people who are unfamiliar with SEO or are not aware of the power of online presence. I have years of experience and do everything myself by hand with full reports of everything I have done for my clients.
I think business cards will be useful and a powerful statement for any potential clients that I meet in person. How many other people use stylish business cards? I do not think as many as used to. It shows a bit of professionalism in ones self. Anyone can put up a website but an individual who hands out business cards appropriately in person shows far more confidence in what they do.
I use business cards for networking ... handed out at seminars/workshops and also included in portfolios/reports to other agencies.
I work mainly with clients and vendors in places other than the city in which my office exists, so I don't have that many opportunities to hand out business cards. I do have a short stack of them (which, now that we've moved, don't even have the right address on them), but truth be told aside from the occasional client visit, I mostly use them for writing down short notes. Give a user the wireless key or an autogenerated password, sort of thing.
In my personal life, I have some cards in my bag that are the size of business cards, but they're really more like calling cards. They have my name on the front, and I carry a pen to write whatever I need to on the back (phone number, email, twitter, etc).
I have started using them recently for my photography business. I mostly hand them out when I'm out on shoots. Right now I have a very plain card. It could use some pizzazz!
Our family is starting a landscape business. This is what we give to potential customers when we go door to door.
I have used business cards. They're handy to give out at conferences, to vendors, when networking.
I am quite sure that I don't use my own business cards as effectively as I could, but I think I have a pretty good strategy for cards I receive. Firstly, they are a good way to remember who to follow up with and what either we spoke about or what I promised to send them. I am also way better at remembering businesses than last names, so I file my paper cards by first name. And, yes, I do keep paper cards as backup to my electronics contact lists.
I'm the same way. I'm sure I could use my business cards more effectively as well!
I use business cards from time to time, not very much at all for my full time job though. I have a smaller version that I use to share my etsy store and another that contains contact information and website. It is a really great way to pass your information along.
I've always carried business cards. I think they're more personal than just adding someone's contact info to your phone, and if done correctly, they can create a great initial impression.
I always go for something simple, minimal, easy to read, and on 100lb paper. Don't go cheap. If you cannot afford engraved printing, at least do raised printing. White or off-white paper, or laid if you're really a design nerd.
We use business cards for my husband's small business. On the front is his logo and traditional contact information. However, on the back are a few color pictures of some of his work. As a theatrical scenery builder his work has great visual impact and it is a good way to start conversations or explain "what" it is that he does.
On occasion I do. But in the age of Smartphones I think most people just beam the info from phone to phone.
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook
I rarely use business cards. But, I think that is directly a function of my current job not having in-person networking opportunities.
Tweeted Answer - https://twitter.com/#!/bjcoover/status/156774786800943104
Yes, I do use business cards; I carry them in my purse. I have handed them out at networking events, but usually it's when I'm having a casual conversation and the topic of my new career comes up. Sometimes people ask, sometimes I offer them a card. It's pretty easy!
Yes, I have (and use!) my business cards. I took advantage of a free-100-simple-business cards offered by a well-known computer/office store. I love them, and keep a few of them on-hand, in case there's a let-me-tell-you-about-what-I-do opportunity. I also include them with my thank you notes that I send with my Etsy orders.
Yes, I use business cards! We travel to conferences where we meet prospective clients for our businesses and I give out my cards to provide contact information. It is a minor disaster to get to a conference & discover that you've not packed enough business cards! I also collect business cards from others for our prospective client database.
They are also handy to have when you meet people socially and you'd like to stay in contact. You can provide your contact info without writing everything down.
Yes, I use them so my customers can follow up with any questions they may have.
Yes I do use business cards! Not only do I have a card for the company I work for, I also have a personal card that I use for networking and my volunteer activities! It is a great way to leave behind a small "memory marker" for all of the people you talk to each day.
I haven't used business cards mostly since I am still in school, but would be a good idea when I start looking for a job.
https://twitter.com/64turok/status/156786089342935040
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook
We have a family business card. We are military and move around so we have found that once we move and get situated having a business card we can send to our loved ones with our new information. Also if we meet some people and become friends we also provide our cards for that. It's pretty handy!
What a great way to use business cards! I love that idea!
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook
I use business cards at work (paid for by my work) and for my own Princess House business (which I pay for). They're handy to get information out quickly (and neatly).
I use business cards especially in conferences or seminars.
"I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook."
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/156793334193598465
I have business cards, but I don't really use them. I've handed out a few at networking meetings, and they're nice to have on hand for drawings that say to toss your business card in the bowl... but I don't fly through them like a lot of other people do.
I use business cards for clients and future clients. I love using one with nice colors that catch the recipients attention.
Yes, I do use cards. I am a street photographer and freelance reporter. When I make a photograph or video I give me card to the person I am photographing this serves two purposes one it lets them know I am legit, two they can order a print from me.
Yes, I've used business cards in the past to promote my freelance services.
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.
I have business cards, but I rarely think to hand them out. It usually seems a little unnatural to me, but I am also bad at getting contact information from friends.
Nope, don't use business cards. I'm a homemaker, so I don't think anybody would want a card from me. I should get some though just to toss in those fishbowls to win free lunches at establishments. :)
I used business cards for my website - it helped because people often thought the idea was cool, but needed an extra reminder to hit the web when they got home. It worked pretty well!
I like WB on Facebook!
yes we use them in our luggage and to hand out to family and friends
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook
tweeted...https://twitter.com/#!/Byrdy1999/status/156813588609249280
Yes we use business cards as it is easier to hand out your number and location.. never struggle to find pen and paper
No, but I probably should. I'm trying to get a tutoring business off the ground, and I do several other things (writing and such) that would benefit from having a card to pass around. And there's always the free lunch factor...
I bought a thousand business cards more than 3 years ago and I've probably gone through a third of them... while my work relies on word of mouth most of the contact has been digital so it's very easy to find my business and people to stay in touch... I think as long as they remember your name (or you originally corresponded via email or social media), businesses in my field (entertainment/media) are very smart when it comes to finding someone's presence online which, I might add, is ABSOLUTELY a must.
Rarely. I prefer connecting with people on LinkedIn, where all their contact info is anyway. Once I've met someone in person or via phone, I search for them and add them. Keeps the clutter down, too.
Yes, we use business cards for my husbands part time business and I use them as personal cards that I give to people with my name, address, email,etc. listed on them.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook. (Margaret E. Smith)
Thanks
We have a small business in a small town, and we most definitely use them! Plus, our business is not conducive to a web-based business, so we really need the cards!
I have not but with my new business, most likely will be.
tweeted...https://twitter.com/#!/Byrdy1999/status/156813588609249280
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.
Having lost everything, I do not use business cards presently. But I cannot wait to design and use business cards again once I am back on my feet. They symbolize stability and security and the reassumption of my status as a tax-paying citizen.
No I haven't just yet,
I believe I do not have a use for business cards, but I surely will be using them once I start my own company
I use business cards frequently for networking purposes in the Film industry. Super helpful!
yes, I use them to get contacts
I use business cards when meeting new clients, but in the age of cell phones, the use has declined.
Yes, but not in a long time. I live in a small town and word of mouth works well.
I have used business cards, back before I was laid off and traded careers I used them all the time to make contacts and networks!
I use business cards to hand out to new contacts at conferences and workshops.
no. I have never felt I needed them
Yes. I have been writing a blog for a year now. Whenever I correspond with companies, other bloggers, and readers by mail, I stick one in the envelope. I also carry a few around to give to people I may meet who are interested in what I blog about. I don't use them often, but it's much more professional-looking and my infor is less-likely to get tossed into the trashcan this way.
Constantly.. I use business cards ALL the time.. I'm an actor and carrying a headshot and resume' isnt a very convenient way to go. Contact number, website, and in the center.. my name..very large... in a red paint spatter look. On the back of the card.. QR code that takes you to my favorite most recent work...
http://thedavidbeach.com/David_M_Beach/intel.html
but.. cant say it works all that well ;-) People still dont recognize me on the street yet.
I like UPrinting.com on FB
alicia crenshaw
I absolutely use business cards - I have yet to go to a networking event where someone hasn't asked me for one. I even did a short write-up on how business cards aren't dead:
http://www.mkwriter.com/2011/08/the-business-card-not-dead-yet-so-make-i...
Yes! I use business cards to network at industry events...you never know where one connection will lead you in the future.
I am not using business cards right now. I plan to in the future.
I use business cards to leave notes for people that I visit in the hospital and other places.
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/goonyburd/status/156854570230874112
No I don't use business cards
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/156861048383741952
I Uprinting on FB Susan Smith
I don't currently use business cards, though in the past I have relied entirely on them. At this point I just haven't really used them in over a year and a half. I need to start because everyone is always asking for contact information.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/ThriftySassyMam/status/156865438045847552
I was so excited when I first got business cards. I felt successful! I no longer had to give my contact info out on postit notes. Sadly, I don't think too many people want my card anyway.
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.
Depends. On my personal small business (etsy) I hand out a ton of business cards to get the word out. But for my 9 to 5? Not at all.
I do not! I consider facebook or twitter if I need to promote myself.
Yes I use business cards. I built up my childcare business that way. When I was with kids at the park, I would talk to the parents and most of the time they asked me if I was taking more families. I always had a business card to give to them.
Responded on Twitter. https://twitter.com/#!/1bets1/status/156883542440280064
I use business cards for networking and to remind people on where they met me. I usually write that on the back of the card, the time and place we met so then the person can remember me better.
Great strategy! I love that advice!
No, I don't use them because I don't have a business.
I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.
I used my husband's business cards for soliciting business for him; If I ran into someone I knew and want to give them my telephone number, I'd write it on the back of his card!
As a freelance artist, I use them a lot because it's nice to have a little piece of art you can hand a person. I also sometimes add a pin featuring my art to the card to give it extra interest. In the end, all roads lead to my web site!
I use business cards. Mine are deliberately very minimalist with plenty of space for drawing, writing notes, etc -- I'll often use my cards to write down notes for other folks (directions, book recommendations, websites, names of people they should look up) so that they are (1) functional, (2) have my contact information, and (3) remind them that I was the nice person who helped them out with X.
It sounds a lot more thought through than it actually is, honest -- I'm making a lot of this up as I go along. But they have been handy things to have.
Sweet. The boy in the swimming goggles is a shot of my boy that I took about six years ago. He's now in 10th grade and that image sells just about every day somewhere in the world.
Cheers.
Gary