Article DetailsA Business Card History |
| Date Added: May 13, 2008 06:29:22 PM |
| Author: ali maserrat |
| Category: Business & Finance: Marketing and Advertising |
| A business card, as we use the term today, is a card containing the business information of a company or an individual. Business cards are exchanged during introductions, and serve as a convenient memory aid and a portable means of contact. A typical business card will include the individual’s name, company affiliation, multiple modes of contact, logo, and tagline or slogan. Beginning in the 15th century in China and the 17th century in Europe, visiting cards (also referred to as calling cards) served as a means to announce one’s arrival. Royalty and aristocrats would present these visiting cards to the servant of the host’s home to introduce themselves. Eventually, these visiting cards became a part of proper etiquette and adopted specific rules governing their use. Any respectable upper and middle class lady or gentleman would not be seen without a visiting card. These cards were a symbol of class and sophistication, and therefore were not commonly used among working class individuals.From visiting cards evolved trade cards which first came into play in the 17th century in London. Trade cards were used as an advertising medium for businesses to direct their potential clientele to their location with the inclusion of a map on the card. A business’s trade card was a form of identification and distinction. As printing and design technologies became further advanced, trade cards began to incorporate more creative graphic elements into their appearance. Throughout the 17th century, elaborate color images were rare, and thus these cards became collectors’ items, and eventually a popular hobby. Trade cards continued to evolve until they eventually became like little pieces of art – ever more similar to business cards as we know them today. Since a business card itself is no longer unique, individuals and businesses in recent years have spawned a whole new concept of business cards. Business cards have become mini billboard advertisements for a company – not just a convenient contact card. The most creative business cards aren’t even printed on cards anymore, as many businesses choose to print their information on stress balls, pens, plastic, metal, and even chocolate to stand out from their competitors.Although a business card today may not be the same shape or form of visiting or trade cards in the past, they still serve very valuable purposes. Business cards help to publicize and grow companies in a big way and are an essential tool in every marketing mix. Given today’s circulation of incredible talent and the ongoing technological developments, business owners have ample resources at their disposal to create original and unforgettable business cards to represent their companies. |
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