According to our friends over at Wikipedia, the business card has been around for hundreds of years, just in different forms then they appear nowadays.

Business cards are a fusion of the traditional trade cards and visiting cards.

Visiting cards, also called calling cards, date back to the 15th century in China and the 17th century in Europe. Visiting cards were basically delivered to the person indicating that the person on the visiting card would be coming soon. They also served as a reminder of those whose visits should be returned.

Trade cards became popular in London in the late 17th century as business owners used them to help customers find their stores as there was no real street address numbering system being used at that time. These trade cards might include a map with the directions

Today business cards bear the name of an individual and/or a company. The information on the card usually includes:

• Company's Name
• Individual's Name
• Company's Address
• Company's Phone Number
• Individuals Cell Phone Number (optional)
• Email Address (company and/or Individual)
• Company Website Address

The development of the business card has led to more graphic cards in order for them to be more eye catching to the person receiving them.

Follow the link below to read a story about how parents are giving their toddlers business cards to hand out to current and potential new friends. It seems kind of funny, but in a way it make sense.

Kiddy Card Story

Now here is a link to a company that sells them.

Kiddy Card Seller

Leave me a comment on your opinion of the kiddy cards.

The standard size for business cards in America is 3.5 x 2 inches, but may vary if die cut, cd or specialty business cards are made. But as for other countries the size seems to be a little different. Next are some example of the different sizes.

• Japan - 3.582 × 2.165
• Italy - 3.346 × 2.165
• China - 3.543 × 2.125
• Australia - 3.54 × 2.165

It is not a huge difference, but there are differences. 

Now that you have designed your business cards and have had them printed now what are you going to do with them.

Next we will talk about just that, how to market your business using these brand new business cards. Let's begin!

Business cards are an extension of your business and they should reflect your business on them.

Tell Your Customers What You Do - Be clear about the products and services that you and your company offer. If you are in the automotive maintenance field, be direct and say that you specialize in front end alignments.

Explain The Benefits - Let your customer know the benefits of using your services. Are you the cheapest, fastest, offer 100% guarantee? Let them know.

Offer Them Something- If you offer the customer something on your business card, it is more likely to get used. Offer a free consultation or a coupon for 10% off their next visit.

Smile, Smile Smile - It is contagious! Put a great picture of you on the Business card of you smiling. Give the card to them smiling and receive them at your business smiling. People love when other people are happy, so they will flow to you. And when this works, you won't have to pretend because you will be smiling from all of the new business.

Design For Success - The smarter the design of the business card the more legit that your customer will see you as and the more likely to use you.