Adventures in Entrepreneurship with Jeremy Hanks

In this case, it seems to me that Bob Bly’s comments on business cards fall into the category of “I need to think of something different so that my idea will stand out from other commonly accepted opinions”, and while some of his ideas on the matter may have some validity to them, it all just seems pretty flaky to me.

Maybe the reason that people never look at your business card and throw it away is because it stinks! In fact, now that I think about it, that was really the only reason he said you shouldn’t carry them or hand them out. If people don’t look at them, maybe you should change them so that people will want to. In addition, think about the situation where some highly professional, potential client hands you a card and then asks you for one, and you have to sheepishly admit that you company thinks that “spending any significant effort worrying or thinking about business cards … or strategizing their use … is an absolute waste of time,” so you don’t have one. Think of the impression that would leave!

Also, as an employee, the fact that your employer feels it important enough to spring the few dollars it takes to get you business cards really does alot for your morale. It says, “Hey, I must be doing something important, ’cause they gave me something with my name on it.” While this sounds pretty corny, just think about it for a minute and you’ll realize there’s some truth to it. People like to feel important, and the company that can help their employees do that will do a better job of keeping them around.

In this case, it seems to me that Bob Bly’s comments on business cards fall into the category of “I need to think of something different so that my idea will stand out from other commonly accepted opinions”, and while some of his ideas on the matter may have some validity to them, it all just seems pretty flaky to me.

Maybe the reason that people never look at your business card and throw it away is because it stinks! In fact, now that I think about it, that was really the only reason he said you shouldn’t carry them or hand them out. If people don’t look at them, maybe you should change them so that people will want to. In addition, think about the situation where some highly professional, potential client hands you a card and then asks you for one, and you have to sheepishly admit that you company thinks that “spending any significant effort worrying or thinking about business cards … or strategizing their use … is an absolute waste of time,” so you don’t have one. Think of the impression that would leave!

Also, as an employee, the fact that your employer feels it important enough to spring the few dollars it takes to get you business cards really does alot for your morale. It says, “Hey, I must be doing something important, ’cause they gave me something with my name on it.” While this sounds pretty corny, just think about it for a minute and you’ll realize there’s some truth to it. People like to feel important, and the company that can help their employees do that will do a better job of keeping them around.

As I think about the stacks of business cards in my office, kitchen, bedroom, car, etc., I have to laugh. Mr. Bly certainly does not speak for everyone. Although I will concede that when some people receive my business card they may “throw it away without a second glance”, I don’t agree that “most people” do. [1] I don’t give cards out to “just anyone”– I give them out to people who show a genuine interest in me or my businesses. [2] Many people read the card in front of me and ask questions about my services. So much for the “without a second glance” theory. [3] People call me back and/or pass my name and number on to others.

I, myself, enjoy networking. And, as someone who networks, I am always eager to add a new card to my collection. I’m also happy to pass on someone else’s card when a friend asks, “Do you know anyone who sells insurance? …details cars? …sells Widgets?”…or whatever. That would be a pretty daunting task if I didn’t have that piece of paper that Mr. Bly thinks is a “waste of time.”

I agree with Bryce’s post regarding employee moral. Everyone likes to feel that what they are doing is important. I can still remember the first time an employer gave all of us business cards with our names and titles on them. I was not in a position where I actually needed to have business cards, but it made me feel pretty good. Our boss even encouraged us to share them with our family and friends. It “validated” what we were doing. Like Bryce said, it made us feel like, “Hey, I must be doing something important, ’cause they gave me something with my name on it.â€?

Thanks for the opportunity to post. And, by the way, I love the “Hello” format of those cards…might have to change mine…!

In every organization that I’ve been employed at, the business card was always a sense of “belonging” for the employee and I applaud your effort to make sure that every employee gets one. I also think it’s great that the design was personalized in a way like saying “hello” on a 3×2.5 piece of paper. When I first started as a freelance designer, I made new business cards for myself every month with a new design. This allowed me to give out business cards to not only new people, but frequent contents with the preface “do you have one of my most recent business cards?” Not only did it get my name out there multiple times, but also allowed me to hand out a tiny portfolio to each person I came in contact with. Thanks for the post!

In every organization that I’ve been employed at, the business card was always a sense of “belonging” for the employee and I applaud your effort to make sure that every employee gets one. I also think it’s great that the design was personalized in a way like saying “hello” on a 3×2.5 piece of paper. When I first started as a freelance designer, I made new business cards for myself every month with a new design. This allowed me to give out business cards to not only new people, but frequent contents with the preface “do you have one of my most recent business cards?” Not only did it get my name out there multiple times, but also allowed me to hand out a tiny portfolio to each person I came in contact with. Thanks for the post!

As I think about the stacks of business cards in my office, kitchen, bedroom, car, etc., I have to laugh. Mr. Bly certainly does not speak for everyone. Although I will concede that when some people receive my business card they may “throw it away without a second glance”, I don't agree that “most people” do. [1] I don't give cards out to “just anyone”– I give them out to people who show a genuine interest in me or my businesses. [2] Many people read the card in front of me and ask questions about my services. So much for the “without a second glance” theory. [3] People call me back and/or pass my name and number on to others.

I, myself, enjoy networking. And, as someone who networks, I am always eager to add a new card to my collection. I'm also happy to pass on someone else's card when a friend asks, “Do you know anyone who sells insurance? …details cars? …sells Widgets?”…or whatever. That would be a pretty daunting task if I didn't have that piece of paper that Mr. Bly thinks is a “waste of time.”

I agree with Bryce's post regarding employee moral. Everyone likes to feel that what they are doing is important. I can still remember the first time an employer gave all of us business cards with our names and titles on them. I was not in a position where I actually needed to have business cards, but it made me feel pretty good. Our boss even encouraged us to share them with our family and friends. It “validated” what we were doing. Like Bryce said, it made us feel like, “Hey, I must be doing something important, ’cause they gave me something with my name on it.â€?

Thanks for the opportunity to post. And, by the way, I love the “Hello” format of those cards…might have to change mine…!