Business cards – Utility or Futility

A few days back I was thinking of designing my own set of personal business cards. Then this thought came across that whom do I distribute it among? Followed by do I really need a business card or whether a website or personal blog reaches out to more than business cards. Honestly with the advent of these new technologies going back to hard copies is proving more and more far stretched.

Now the mobile device is getting more and more equipped to contain every bit of required information. You don’t mind carry it along cause anyways its part of your being now. You might miss your keys or wallet at times but you seldom miss your phone. Call it your life saver or partner for life! The point being even Blackberry is advertising the QR code concept. Things are paving path for a complete change.

Does that mean that the business cards will slowly cease to see light? Well like in my previous post about the Kindle, I cannot vouch for the business cards in a long term scenario. Definitely the feel of the card in your hands, an interesting layout and colour scheme can catch your attention but I think people are getting more and more web savvy and carrying or storing business cards in a folder will only accumulate dust over the years.

Sites like www.about.me has provided brilliant customisation solutions and now for people who still want the card in their hands provides print options too. If I were to choose I would still love to see my name printed on a card and I think that somewhere that self achievement still keeps the business cards alive. I humbly accept the streak of narcissism in me.

The point still remains in the coming years will we see a more advanced version of QR code generators and business cards with customised options for mobile devices. Should people rather be happy in being available at few clicks rather than searching through dusty card holders?

Mobility winning over self satisfaction? Only time can tell.