19/06/2025
Red card, yellow card, business card!
We all know red and yellow cards still get used on the football pitch every weekend – but what about business cards? Are they still in play in today’s digital-first world?
I’ve been to a few networking events recently, and I was struck by just how many different ways people now share their contact details. Phones seem to have taken the lead – tap LinkedIn, scan a QR code, or wave a key fob, and your information is magically transferred. I’ve even seen wooden pendants engraved with QR codes. Clever stuff.
But here's the thing, I still carry a physical business card.
Why? Because not everywhere has a reliable phone signal. And not everyone wants to fumble with tech just to make a connection. Sometimes the old ways still work best.
A good business card does more than share your name; it leaves an impression. The typography, colours, logo, and layout – all the design choices say something about you. Then there’s the physical tactile quality of the card, is it smooth or textured, rectangle or square, minimal or bold, premium or budget? As a designer and photographer, I notice these things, and so do others.
When I receive a business card, I remember the person who gave it to me, the conversation, the setting, and the energy. That tactile, visual association is powerful in a way a digital file can’t replicate. I keep every card I get, and flicking through them often brings back a flood of memories and connections.
So no, I don’t think the business card is dead. I’ve just had a new batch printed, because for me, it's not just about making contact, it's about making an impression.
What about you?
Are you still handing out physical business cards, or have you gone fully digital?
I’d love to know, pop your thoughts in the comments below.
