What kind of a impression can a virtual business card make?

Steve Feinberg is the owner of Appletree Business Services, llc http://www.appletreebusiness.com/ and a great colleague and customer. When he commented on virtual business cards in Facebook today, I had to get a word in.

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 Write Stuff

The best promotional products are ones that will be used every day.
Regardless of how far technology has progressed, we will always have a need, want and desire to write something down.

So, it is no suprise that pens continue to be one of the most popular promotional products received.
In fact, according to the Promotional Products Assn. Intl. www.ppa.org, writing instruments historically come in 2nd at 10% of all promotional products annually sold, led only by Wearables (typically at 30%)!

But how do you know what pen to choose?
It should be the one that you would be upset over if you lost it.

And while you can't "please all of the people all of the time," I wager it a safe bet that if you like it, the majority of your customers will, too.

So, what is it that sets your pen apart?
If it is a click or twist pen, is it the mechanism?
Is it the ink flow? Or is the medium gel?
Is it the feel and/or weight?
Is it refillable?
What does it do for your image?

The disposable pen pictured here is made from corn plastic.
When it is no longer usable and disposed of in a landfill, it will 85% biodegrade in about a year.
It was chosen as a trade show giveaway by the Green division of a building & contractors organization in MA.
So, the point is it comes down to more than getting your name out there.
It is the impression that you want to make.