Paper business cards are out, electronic business cards are in. Or at least it seems to be slowly making it's way toward that trend. If you don't already know what digital business cards are, this is a good place to get informed.
So what is a digital business card?
Digital business cards are business cards that can be sent and received electronically or wirelessly using tools such as e-mail, internet, SMS, or by Bluetooth instead of using paper as a medium.
What are the types of digital business cards?
Right now there are about four different types of business cards and these are:
1) Phone contact cards
2) E-mail based business cards
3) Social networking sites as business cards
4) Tools and applications such as Pokens or the iPhone used to exchange business card data.
In the coming posts, I'll elaborate further on how each of these types differ and how they function.
Why opt for a digital business card?
1) It's easier to create. Since digital business cards do not really require any aesthetic styling, you do not have to worry about designing one.
2) Since it's not tangible, the person you give a digital business card to will not lose it. the person will always have it in their email-account, phone, or other web based contact sharing account.
3) Digital business cards are earth-friendly. since digital business cards don't use paper, you can be sure that you're helping to protect the environment if when you use electronic business cards.
4) They are efficient. When handed a paper calling card, most people scan it or enter the data on their phones or computers, but if your calling card is already given digitally, the recipient will not need to go through the hassle of encoding it anymore.
5) As mentioned earlier, digital calling cards are often asked for, especially since most people use internet phones and iPhones where providing digital contact cards are more handy for these tech savvy people.
How much do these cost?
It depends but it can cost as low as--nothing! But there are also paid services that can provide you e-mail to phone business card services (and vice-versa). I'll discuss them more in the coming posts.
Anymore questions?
Please don't hesitate to write them in the comment below.