Ask the Readers: Do You Use Business Cards? (Special $100 Giveaway)

Editor's Note: Congratulations to our first prize winner, Aaron L, and our second and third place winners, Guest and  Emily.

Business cards are one of the most important networking tools. Professionals, job seekers, freelancers, and even students have used business cards to advance their careers. Whether you hand them out to clients or prospective employers, a tasteful business card provides people with a great first impression. 

Do you use business cards? If yes, how do you use them? If no, why not?

Tell us if you use business cards and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or two sets of die-cut business cards courtesy of our sponsor UPrinting.com.

Prizes: $100 Amazon Gift Card & Two Sets of Die-Cut Business Cards

This week we will be giving away thee prizes: 

  • First Place: $100 Amazon gift card
  • Second and Third Place: Each will get a set of 250 die-cut business cards courtesy of UPrinting.com. Winners of the business cards can choose among UPrinting.com's available die-cut shape and sizes and cardstock option. Standard turnaround time and shipping applies (no shipping charges). Restricted to people 18 years and above, US residents only. Check out these beautiful samples.

How to Enter: 

You can enter 3 different ways:

  1. Comment Entry. Answer this question in the comments below: "Have you used business cards? If yes, how do you use them? If no, why not?"
     
  2. Facebook Entry. Go to UPrinting.com's Facebook page, "Like" the page, and leave a separate comment on this article telling us: "I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook."
     
  3. Twitter EntryTweet your answer. You have to be a follower of @wisebread and @UPrinting. Include @wisebread@UPrinting and #WBAsk in your tweet so we'll see it and count it. Leave a link to your tweet (click the timestamp for the individual URL) in a separate comment below.

If you do all 3 things you get 3 entries into the contest. Maximum 3 entries per person. Be sure to always include your email when leaving a comment.

Giveaway Details:

  • Contest ends Monday, January 16th at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 16th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
  • You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking UPrinting.com's Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
  • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
  • You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

About UPrinting.com

Here's a message from our contest sponsor.

Free Proofs Before You Pay! 

Did you know that unlike other online printing companies, you can get your files proofed and checked for errors without paying a cent at UPrinting.com? No order commitment or credit card is required! Proceed with your order when you are confident with your online proof. We're confident in the quality of our printing services online, and don't need to pressure you to pay before you're ready! 

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Have a question or need some help with printing online? We're here for you 24 hours a day Monday-Friday and from 8am-5pm PST on Saturday and Sunday! Call 1-888-888-4211 or chat online with one of our helpful customer service representatives for any inquiries or assistance with your custome online printing.

Here's a sample of the kind of beautiful cards created using UPrinting.com:

 

 

 

 

 Good luck with the contest! Enter now by answering the question in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture
Selene M.

We don't use business cards currently, but need to get some for our RV lifestyle. It's a great way for people to remember you and to have your email and phone numbers handy for future contact.

Guest's picture
Therese

I use business cards to hand out to people I meet at conferences. They are also good to have on hand to enter drawings for free lunches!

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Agreed! It's always good to have them for drawings!

Guest's picture
AnonyMouse

Yes, I use business cards to hand to people in case they need computer repair. I fix computers on the side.

Guest's picture
MikeB

Yes we do here.

Guest's picture
Shannon

I just received my business cards from my job this week, so not yet. The only people who have gotten them are my fiance and mother!

Guest's picture

I use business cards to let people know how to find me and to let them know what I do. It is a great way for people to remember you. I also encourage them to write notes on the cards.

Guest's picture
Julia Gormley

Yes, I use business cards. I understand that people may question the logic behind holding onto something paper when you can just as easily plug it into whatever electronic device you have, but there is something to be said about business cards. I will start also by saying that I too have electronic devices, i.e. iPhone, which allows me to basally put anything into it. And I do put everything I think I might need into it. However, business cards to me are a safety net. When I go out and see someone's business card it catches my eye. Who are they? What do they sell or offer? I take them and stash them right next to all of my others, and keep it in my car. That way, if my phone, iPad, navigation, whatever, dies, I have a back up. At least I have somewhere to start rather than being SOL. Furthermore, extending a business card to someone is, in my opinion, more personal than saying "hey, put my info in you're phone". You often get the phone number plus address, web site, business hours, specials, etc. That amount of information takes time to input and so when I take one, I can always go back and deal with it later.

Finally, I remember places more often when I have taken their card. Sometimes I take it and leave, than place it in with my other cards. Now and again I go through them and say "hey, I wanted to try that out" or "I totally forgot about that". It serves as a reminder. Of course, I do not take one unless there is a chance I will need it. For instance, I do not take a card from every restaurant, doctors office, or retailer I've been to. I simply prefer to have an actual copy of some information. Maybe I'm old school but I doubt it. I believe there is a point to taking business cards even if your not sure. You never know, you might go through them and remember how great an experience was and you were just too busy to type it into your phone. I know it happens to me and so I will continue to take them when I feel I could benefit from it.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Awesome answer! Such great points! That's very true, having a business card is always good backup.

Guest's picture
gina lovejoy

I own a childcare in a small town and whenever I am out and about I pass my card to parents and store personal. I always make a point in introducing myself and letting them know that I can help with childcare. I designed my card and it’s green with black type, soothing but very catchy.

Guest's picture
Christie

Yes! I do you business cards often. I make handmade beads and then use them to make one-of-a-kind jewelry, so my work is quite distinct. I have 2 different business cards, each with its own style and picture; one bright and one pastel. If someone asks me about what jewelry I'm wearing, I can give them a card, and sometimes when that happens, nearby people will start asking for them! Always good to have a nice card carrying case as well.

(Shameless plug: www.struckmyfancy.etsy.com :)
Christina Struck

Guest's picture
Christie

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook! :)

Guest's picture

I have not used business cards yet but I will be soon. Beyond my blog I am launching an SEO company in the next few weeks. I want to target people who are unfamiliar with SEO or are not aware of the power of online presence. I have years of experience and do everything myself by hand with full reports of everything I have done for my clients.

I think business cards will be useful and a powerful statement for any potential clients that I meet in person. How many other people use stylish business cards? I do not think as many as used to. It shows a bit of professionalism in ones self. Anyone can put up a website but an individual who hands out business cards appropriately in person shows far more confidence in what they do.

Guest's picture
Cabot

I use business cards for networking ... handed out at seminars/workshops and also included in portfolios/reports to other agencies.

Guest's picture
devlogic

I work mainly with clients and vendors in places other than the city in which my office exists, so I don't have that many opportunities to hand out business cards. I do have a short stack of them (which, now that we've moved, don't even have the right address on them), but truth be told aside from the occasional client visit, I mostly use them for writing down short notes. Give a user the wireless key or an autogenerated password, sort of thing.
In my personal life, I have some cards in my bag that are the size of business cards, but they're really more like calling cards. They have my name on the front, and I carry a pen to write whatever I need to on the back (phone number, email, twitter, etc).

Guest's picture
Keith

I have started using them recently for my photography business. I mostly hand them out when I'm out on shoots. Right now I have a very plain card. It could use some pizzazz!

Guest's picture
tkk

Our family is starting a landscape business. This is what we give to potential customers when we go door to door.

Guest's picture
Anne

I have used business cards. They're handy to give out at conferences, to vendors, when networking.

Guest's picture
Eva

I am quite sure that I don't use my own business cards as effectively as I could, but I think I have a pretty good strategy for cards I receive. Firstly, they are a good way to remember who to follow up with and what either we spoke about or what I promised to send them. I am also way better at remembering businesses than last names, so I file my paper cards by first name. And, yes, I do keep paper cards as backup to my electronics contact lists.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

I'm the same way. I'm sure I could use my business cards more effectively as well!

Guest's picture
Jenn

I use business cards from time to time, not very much at all for my full time job though. I have a smaller version that I use to share my etsy store and another that contains contact information and website. It is a really great way to pass your information along.

Guest's picture

I've always carried business cards. I think they're more personal than just adding someone's contact info to your phone, and if done correctly, they can create a great initial impression.

I always go for something simple, minimal, easy to read, and on 100lb paper. Don't go cheap. If you cannot afford engraved printing, at least do raised printing. White or off-white paper, or laid if you're really a design nerd.

Guest's picture
Margaret Davis

We use business cards for my husband's small business. On the front is his logo and traditional contact information. However, on the back are a few color pictures of some of his work. As a theatrical scenery builder his work has great visual impact and it is a good way to start conversations or explain "what" it is that he does.

Guest's picture
Bryan

On occasion I do. But in the age of Smartphones I think most people just beam the info from phone to phone.

Guest's picture
Bryan

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook

Guest's picture
Alex J

I rarely use business cards. But, I think that is directly a function of my current job not having in-person networking opportunities.

Guest's picture
Bryan

Tweeted Answer - https://twitter.com/#!/bjcoover/status/156774786800943104

Guest's picture

Yes, I do use business cards; I carry them in my purse. I have handed them out at networking events, but usually it's when I'm having a casual conversation and the topic of my new career comes up. Sometimes people ask, sometimes I offer them a card. It's pretty easy!

Guest's picture

Yes, I have (and use!) my business cards. I took advantage of a free-100-simple-business cards offered by a well-known computer/office store. I love them, and keep a few of them on-hand, in case there's a let-me-tell-you-about-what-I-do opportunity. I also include them with my thank you notes that I send with my Etsy orders.

Guest's picture
Diane

Yes, I use business cards! We travel to conferences where we meet prospective clients for our businesses and I give out my cards to provide contact information. It is a minor disaster to get to a conference & discover that you've not packed enough business cards! I also collect business cards from others for our prospective client database.

They are also handy to have when you meet people socially and you'd like to stay in contact. You can provide your contact info without writing everything down.

Guest's picture
Brenda Faulkner

Yes, I use them so my customers can follow up with any questions they may have.

Guest's picture
StLouis Karen

Yes I do use business cards! Not only do I have a card for the company I work for, I also have a personal card that I use for networking and my volunteer activities! It is a great way to leave behind a small "memory marker" for all of the people you talk to each day.

Guest's picture
j f

I haven't used business cards mostly since I am still in school, but would be a good idea when I start looking for a job.

Guest's picture
j f

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook

Guest's picture

We have a family business card. We are military and move around so we have found that once we move and get situated having a business card we can send to our loved ones with our new information. Also if we meet some people and become friends we also provide our cards for that. It's pretty handy!

Ashley Jacobs's picture

What a great way to use business cards! I love that idea!

Guest's picture

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook

Guest's picture
Ashley

I use business cards at work (paid for by my work) and for my own Princess House business (which I pay for). They're handy to get information out quickly (and neatly).

Guest's picture
Jessie C.

I use business cards especially in conferences or seminars.

Guest's picture
Jessie C.

"I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook."

Guest's picture
Jessie C.

https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/156793334193598465

Guest's picture
Raina

I have business cards, but I don't really use them. I've handed out a few at networking meetings, and they're nice to have on hand for drawings that say to toss your business card in the bowl... but I don't fly through them like a lot of other people do.

Guest's picture
Cindy

I use business cards for clients and future clients. I love using one with nice colors that catch the recipients attention.

Guest's picture
Guest

Yes, I do use cards. I am a street photographer and freelance reporter. When I make a photograph or video I give me card to the person I am photographing this serves two purposes one it lets them know I am legit, two they can order a print from me.

Guest's picture
Mami2jcn

Yes, I've used business cards in the past to promote my freelance services.

Guest's picture
Mami2jcn

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.

Guest's picture
mkibrick

I have business cards, but I rarely think to hand them out. It usually seems a little unnatural to me, but I am also bad at getting contact information from friends.

Guest's picture
KelR1

Nope, don't use business cards. I'm a homemaker, so I don't think anybody would want a card from me. I should get some though just to toss in those fishbowls to win free lunches at establishments. :)

Guest's picture

I used business cards for my website - it helped because people often thought the idea was cool, but needed an extra reminder to hit the web when they got home. It worked pretty well!

Guest's picture

I like WB on Facebook!

Guest's picture
Shannon Schleif

yes we use them in our luggage and to hand out to family and friends

Guest's picture
Shannon Schleif

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook

Guest's picture
Shannon Schleif

tweeted...https://twitter.com/#!/Byrdy1999/status/156813588609249280

Guest's picture
cynthia

Yes we use business cards as it is easier to hand out your number and location.. never struggle to find pen and paper

Guest's picture
Sushi

No, but I probably should. I'm trying to get a tutoring business off the ground, and I do several other things (writing and such) that would benefit from having a card to pass around. And there's always the free lunch factor...

Guest's picture
Arvin

I bought a thousand business cards more than 3 years ago and I've probably gone through a third of them... while my work relies on word of mouth most of the contact has been digital so it's very easy to find my business and people to stay in touch... I think as long as they remember your name (or you originally corresponded via email or social media), businesses in my field (entertainment/media) are very smart when it comes to finding someone's presence online which, I might add, is ABSOLUTELY a must.

Guest's picture
Tiffany

Rarely. I prefer connecting with people on LinkedIn, where all their contact info is anyway. Once I've met someone in person or via phone, I search for them and add them. Keeps the clutter down, too.

Guest's picture
Margaret Smith

Yes, we use business cards for my husbands part time business and I use them as personal cards that I give to people with my name, address, email,etc. listed on them.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Guest's picture
Margaret Smith

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook. (Margaret E. Smith)
Thanks

Guest's picture
Nancy B from Many LA

We have a small business in a small town, and we most definitely use them! Plus, our business is not conducive to a web-based business, so we really need the cards!

Guest's picture
Shannon Baas

I have not but with my new business, most likely will be.

Guest's picture
Shannon Schleif

tweeted...https://twitter.com/#!/Byrdy1999/status/156813588609249280

Guest's picture
Nancy B from Many LA

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.

Guest's picture
Guest

Having lost everything, I do not use business cards presently. But I cannot wait to design and use business cards again once I am back on my feet. They symbolize stability and security and the reassumption of my status as a tax-paying citizen.

Guest's picture
Guest

No I haven't just yet,
I believe I do not have a use for business cards, but I surely will be using them once I start my own company

Guest's picture
Frances

I use business cards frequently for networking purposes in the Film industry. Super helpful!

Guest's picture
Andrew Gordon

yes, I use them to get contacts

Guest's picture
Bob F

I use business cards when meeting new clients, but in the age of cell phones, the use has declined.

Guest's picture
Carol Bryant

Yes, but not in a long time. I live in a small town and word of mouth works well.

Guest's picture
Jen

I have used business cards, back before I was laid off and traded careers I used them all the time to make contacts and networks!

Guest's picture
Debbie R

I use business cards to hand out to new contacts at conferences and workshops.

Guest's picture
JANICE Whitaker

no. I have never felt I needed them

Guest's picture
Alicia C.

Yes. I have been writing a blog for a year now. Whenever I correspond with companies, other bloggers, and readers by mail, I stick one in the envelope. I also carry a few around to give to people I may meet who are interested in what I blog about. I don't use them often, but it's much more professional-looking and my infor is less-likely to get tossed into the trashcan this way.

Guest's picture
Guest

Constantly.. I use business cards ALL the time.. I'm an actor and carrying a headshot and resume' isnt a very convenient way to go. Contact number, website, and in the center.. my name..very large... in a red paint spatter look. On the back of the card.. QR code that takes you to my favorite most recent work...
http://thedavidbeach.com/David_M_Beach/intel.html

but.. cant say it works all that well ;-) People still dont recognize me on the street yet.

Guest's picture
Alicia C.

I like UPrinting.com on FB
alicia crenshaw

Guest's picture
mk_writer

I absolutely use business cards - I have yet to go to a networking event where someone hasn't asked me for one. I even did a short write-up on how business cards aren't dead:
http://www.mkwriter.com/2011/08/the-business-card-not-dead-yet-so-make-i...

Guest's picture
Elizabeth

Yes! I use business cards to network at industry events...you never know where one connection will lead you in the future.

Guest's picture
patricia

I am not using business cards right now. I plan to in the future.

Guest's picture
Roger

I use business cards to leave notes for people that I visit in the hospital and other places.

Guest's picture
Nancy B from Many LA

Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/goonyburd/status/156854570230874112

Guest's picture
Susan Smith

No I don't use business cards

Guest's picture
Susan Smith

https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/156861048383741952

Guest's picture
Susan Smith

I Uprinting on FB Susan Smith

Guest's picture
sassy

I don't currently use business cards, though in the past I have relied entirely on them. At this point I just haven't really used them in over a year and a half. I need to start because everyone is always asking for contact information.

Guest's picture
sassy

tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/ThriftySassyMam/status/156865438045847552

Guest's picture
Betty

I was so excited when I first got business cards. I felt successful! I no longer had to give my contact info out on postit notes. Sadly, I don't think too many people want my card anyway.

Guest's picture
Betty

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.

Guest's picture
Kelly

Depends. On my personal small business (etsy) I hand out a ton of business cards to get the word out. But for my 9 to 5? Not at all.

Guest's picture
Guest

I do not! I consider facebook or twitter if I need to promote myself.

Guest's picture
Kara

Yes I use business cards. I built up my childcare business that way. When I was with kids at the park, I would talk to the parents and most of the time they asked me if I was taking more families. I always had a business card to give to them.

Guest's picture
Betty

Responded on Twitter. https://twitter.com/#!/1bets1/status/156883542440280064

Guest's picture

I use business cards for networking and to remind people on where they met me. I usually write that on the back of the card, the time and place we met so then the person can remember me better.

Ashley Jacobs's picture

Great strategy! I love that advice!

Guest's picture
Denise

No, I don't use them because I don't have a business.

Guest's picture

I liked UPrinting.com on Facebook.

Guest's picture
sheena

I used my husband's business cards for soliciting business for him; If I ran into someone I knew and want to give them my telephone number, I'd write it on the back of his card!

Guest's picture
K Traub

As a freelance artist, I use them a lot because it's nice to have a little piece of art you can hand a person. I also sometimes add a pin featuring my art to the card to give it extra interest. In the end, all roads lead to my web site!

Guest's picture
Mel Chua

I use business cards. Mine are deliberately very minimalist with plenty of space for drawing, writing notes, etc -- I'll often use my cards to write down notes for other folks (directions, book recommendations, websites, names of people they should look up) so that they are (1) functional, (2) have my contact information, and (3) remind them that I was the nice person who helped them out with X.

It sounds a lot more thought through than it actually is, honest -- I'm making a lot of this up as I go along. But they have been handy things to have.

Guest's picture
Guest

Sweet. The boy in the swimming goggles is a shot of my boy that I took about six years ago. He's now in 10th grade and that image sells just about every day somewhere in the world.

Cheers.

Gary