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The cards, which carry information and contact details of any business, company or individual, are called business cards. This is one of the most simple and direct form of advertising yourself and your business. The business cards serve as an easy way to formally introduce you. Also, it is easy for the prospective customers to remember your name and contact you when the need arises.
Contents of business cards
Normally, the following contents are included in a business card:
- Company name
- Company symbol or logo
- Individual's name
- Individual's designation
- Address
- Telephone number
- Mobile and fax
- E-mail address
- Website, if any.
Style
In the beginning, business cards were in simple black font on white background. Slowly, colors started filling the fonts and backgrounds. Now days, images, photographs, etc. are also found on the business cards.
History of business cards
The business cards of today are an evolution from the visiting cards or calling cards of yester years. Visiting cards were very popular in China in the fifteenth century. Later, they were found in Europe in the seventeenth century. Only the royalty and aristocrats, to announce their visit, used these cards. They handed these cards to the servants of the houses, which they visit. The servants would then hand over this card to their masters, who would decide upon how to welcome the visitor.
The calling cards were, thus, the fashion and passion of the sophisticated upper classes. America also caught this bug from the European nations. Slowly, their use spread among the middle class people too. However, these cards were never used among the working classes.
Business cards first came into existence in the 17th century in London. Back then, there was no proper street numbering systems and people found it difficult to trace their way to their favorite stores. So, traders used business cards to promote their businesses and to provide maps or route-ways for customers to find their shops.
Now days, cards have evolved from black and white and color, to images imprinting and engrossing. A recent invention is the CD business card. It can store up to 100 MB of data. They have the same dimensions as the normal business cards and fit in all normal computers CD drives. They can hold a lot of audio and video data of the business.
However, they are not used commonly.
Case-study to emphasize the importance of business cards
Mr. Peter had started a new business to help people during moving and shifting, but there were not many customers. He decided the business was starving for advertisement. However, he felt advertising in newspapers and television to be expensive. So, he printed a stack of business cards and carried them around with him always. He began handing them out to whomever he met, at bus stops, parties and parks. Whenever he saw someone new, he gave him or her a pleasant smile, spoke to him or her for a minute and handed out his card. Soon, customers started flooding his place. In fact, he recognized most of them and this delighted them even more. Mr. Peter's business soared.
Business cards can do all this and more for you. A clear and concise business card is a mark of professionalism. It is vital for all businesses today.
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