5 Reasons to keep the business card

The LA Times has a story about how business cards are not appealing to digital folks, particularly in Generation Y (people in their 20s and 30s).  One so-called expert says, "They absolutely gravitate toward products that help them do things really efficiently. It's time-consuming to organize business cards — and not portable."  Really, since when are business cards not portable?

Publishers cite decreased sales of business cards.  Generation Y doesn't see the point of business cards.  I submit there are still reasons to keep business cards in the digital society. 

Here's a short list of reasons business cards will continue to be used, even in the digital economy:

1. Digital applications including "bump" (mentioned in the article) can be cumbersome, especially if they don't work.  Are you going to ask the CEO of your customer organization if he can hold his smartphone near yours to "bump"?  Handing out a business card is pretty efficient if you ask me.
2. The business card exchange is somewhat of a ritual in business.  A handshake, a business card, and an introduction are standard operating procedure.
3. When I receive business cards, I often put them on the table in front of me.  They act as a reminder for names, faces, positions, etc.  This helps keep continuity during a business meeting.
4. Business cards get passed around.  I give them to my staff, colleagues, associates, etc.
5. You can write notes on the back of cards.

Despite word processors, digital note takers, digital pens, and other gadgets, paper pads, notebooks, portfolios make an appearance in every high-tech meeting I attend.

Besides, those "free lunch" fishbowls are not electronic yet, they still take business cards.  Who knows, maybe someday I will win a free lunch drawing.

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