When I think of the word “Virtual” the next word to follow is “Reality.” In the late 1950’s, when computers were used for crunching numbers, Virtual Reality was a radical idea. Douglas Engelbart, an engineer and former radar technician, came up with the idea to add a digital display– much like a radar screen – to a computer and use both to solve problems.
Today, we experience virtual reality every time we boot up, log-on, or send an email. Two weeks ago I attended a Virtual Trade Show. No traffic, no lines, no waiting. Got to order samples of the latest products and chat with colleagues in the comfort of bunny slippers. It was perfect to a fault.
Thankfully we live in a world where we can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. While “virtual” may work for some businesses, it does not work for mine.
You see, promotional products or “physical advertising” is the only medium that can stimulate all five senses. And if you can stimulate any (or all) of a person’s senses, chances are they will have a distinct feeling about what that product represents.
For instance, I can show you this image of fair trade espresso beans and tell you they are covered with organic dark chocolate. I can describe how aromatic they smell when you rip open the bag. I can suggest that popping one into your mouth is like catching a glimpse of paradise. Or I can hand you the bag and in five minutes ask you for your opinion.Business cards are a considered a promotional product and enjoy a long history dating back to 15th century China.
Beginning as social or calling card, it transformed to a trade card often listing a map or directions. (Mind you this was the 17th century and the street numbering system that we use today did not exist.)
Today our streets are as well marked as our storefronts are. And while Steve’s “virtual” location can introduce his business to the world, it is his “actual” location in Londonderry, NH that customers and prospects will visit before they conduct business.
As our virtual world continues to expand, we will need tools to keep it organized. Virtual business cards can be an asset in that respect.
But it is in the “real world” where quality branding – like Steve’s ivory linen, two sided, PMS color matched business cards – sets a business apart.
The physical business card is an extenstion of me. One of the first things I give a prospective client is my busienss card, so it's important that the prospect is able to see it, feel it, and in general, experience Steven Feinberg aka Appletree!
ReplyDeleteSo all of us can talk about exchanging business cards with LinkedIn, but it's still not going to replace the personal touch.
Thank you, Kathleen!
"The physical business card is an extenstion of me..." Isn't that the truth!
ReplyDeleteSince I have relocated, I know Ive put a great amount of thought into creating my new business card which is finally at the printers in Montana!
Kathleen, A small world and it's far easier to play devils advocate when I know you. I have to ask ... have you been to Montana? met one of their sales people and most important, do you have one of their business cards?
ReplyDeleteI actually think WOM is far more important than a business card, and for some people and businesses, there are some pretty interesting online business cards like http://whywebpr.com/robertcornish/ ... that go far beyond what any physical card will accomplish for a long time (until they're credit card format with chips inside & a video we can play when we pop them into our computer perhaps?)
Hope life is going well for you in Arizona and missing you & black dress parties in NH. However, you can enjoy my virtual business launch because it's online, http://www.hometips4women.com/events/home-connections-tour