Are business cards still a thing?
Although it’s doubtful that Peter Drucker actually said: ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’, these are words of wisdom.
And ones that would surely have helped a certain US global giant investment bank win over a Japanese client a few years back.
Following positive discussions, they agreed to meet after lunch one afternoon at the client’s Tokyo office.
All was going well - at first.
As is customary, seating was dictated by seniority. The Japanese CEO was in the middle, directly opposite the bank’s MD, freshly arrived from New York City.
Introductions made. Business cards exchanged. A cordial discussion began.
Then it happened.
The MD, bothered by a remnant from lunch that was trapped in his teeth, reached for the nearest available instrument to dislodge it.
One of the other bankers at the meeting later described to me his horror, as he watched the MD enthusiastically convert the Japanese CEO’s business card into a toothpick.
Needless to say, that closed the door on any chance of a successful outcome from the meeting, regardless of whatever strategy the bank was going to propose.
Are business cards still a thing?
Fast forward to December 2024, to a post-Covid world and the return of in-person conferences and meetings. Our tale of woe in Tokyo raises two issues to be considered by anyone attending an in-person networking event.
Firstly, are business cards still a thing?
Whilst they were less important in Europe and the US even before Covid, it’s a different story in Asia Pacific. Partly ritual, it was – and for some, still is - a way of showcasing brand and professionalism. Cards are personal and tactile. They can ease the start of a conversation with a stranger. They don’t require the receiver to have a specified app and can be quickly and easily distributed, especially in a group setting.
On the other hand, cards can get lost, and changes in contact details will mean printing new ones. What’s more, given that an estimated 7 billion cards were printed annually pre-Covid, there is an environmental issue to be considered.
This has led to the popularity of replacing cards with a QR code and for ‘near-field communication technology’, otherwise known as NFC. This involves having a small tag on the back of your mobile phone.
The digital approach certainly has advantages. It’s easier to share a greater amount of information, including multi-media and videos. Changes in contact details can be quickly updated. And it’s better for the environment.
All very appealing. However, it does lack that personal touch. Also, it’s quite possible the receiver never opens it, and that it gets buried in a mass of other information.
The use of business cards today in many ways epitomises the current dilemma of embracing new technology whilst not excluding the human touch.
This requires a balance. Our team at Connect have discussed this at some length. We know that many of our clients do expect to exchange cards, whilst others frown on the very idea. With this in mind, we print far fewer cards, and only hand out when appropriate. We also have a QR code, both on the card and on our phones.
But this is a strategy. And yes, it might be eaten for breakfast – or after lunch, as those bankers in Tokyo discovered. As always, it’s vital to be nimble, to stay alert, to treat Culture with respect.
The second consideration arising from that Tokyo meeting: when attending any in-person event, remember to brush your teeth before you go!
Tales from the Media Room
When Rebekah met Robbie Williams
© Robbie Williams - Photo courtesy of Kevin Payravi
Whilst reporting on an arts and features radio show for the BBC in the late 90’s I had the good fortune (or not as the case may be!) of interviewing the English singer and songwriter Robbie Williams.
In this week’s tales from the media, Rebekah James, Connect’s media expert shares her tips on what not to do when being interviewed on live TV and radio; based on her experience with the singer songwriter, Robbie Williams.
Read: When Rebekah met Robbie Williams
Looking forward to CONNECTING again in the New Year!
It’s been such a pleasure to CONNECT with you this year! We really hope our newsletters have been helpful and that you’ve been enjoying them!
Merry Christmas and all the best wishes for the New Year for you and your family! Looking forward to connecting again in 2025! ✨
Warmest regards,
The Connect Family
