The Power of Paper

"Susan, this is Billy Billionaire of MoneyBags Company, Carrie Connected of IKnowEveryone Corp and Maney Motivator of MakeItHappen Inc. They are all fantastic contacts to help grow your business. Make sure to follow up with them right away!" Great opportunity, right? Well, yes... if  only you knew how to reach them.

You could go mining your purse for your cell phone and intrusively consume their time, while your thick thumbs scrambled to (in)accurately input the information OR you could participate in the ritualistic exchange of one's business cards. 

Did you know? Business cards began in the 17th century in Europe, where they were used to announce the impending arrival of prosperous or aristocratic people to their local town or even their home. They were shaped and sized in a similar way to a playing card and became a staple of the elite by the middle of the century.

Business cards serve as both the awe of your first impression and the longevity of a favorable reminder. That first touch of the thick, durable paper (conveying stability and trustworthiness), the smooth satin finish (representational of attention to fine details) or flicker of light on your tagline (displaying powerful communication), are all defining of who you are professionally. Do you quickly go to any national chain for rapid copies of your identity to distribute in hopes of developing local trust and partnerships? Are you randomly clicking online, pre-built layouts to depict your unique selling distinctions? Will you just "run them off yourself" to save money, while ignoring the profitable tasks that exclusively require only your attention?

Your business card is your smile, your handshake, your credible "hello." Make sure you are as proud of it, as your mom is of you.