Biz-Edge Video Series: Episode Five – Are Business Cards Passé?
Welcome to Biz-Edge where we answer YOUR business questions. In the fifth of the Summer 2012 Series, I address a question about the importance of physical business cards in the networking process.
With the prevalence of technology engrained in almost everything we do, is it time to get rid of physical business cards and begin using a v-card?. Learn how I responded by watching this week’s video.
Have a question about business growth? Here’s your opportunity to ask questions about business challenges you face so you can gain an EDGE in business. Plus, hear advice that we’ve given other small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them make bold leaps forward. Complete the form at the Biz-Edge Website andI will try my best to answer it via video.
While I am currently pursuing my doctorate in education at Johns Hopkins University (part-time), I remain passionate about helping small business owners and entrepreneurs accelerate growth. I founded my consulting firm, Marketing Edge Consulting Group, in 1999 and established the company's training division, Edge Institute, in 2013 with a focus on helping small business owners, executives, students and entrepreneurs better understand how their key stakeholders think, what they value and what influences their purchasing decisions. I then show them how to apply this knowledge to create targeted business growth programs that drive revenue growth while increasing profitability and customer loyalty.
I teach entrepreneurship and marketing courses at Babson College. Previously I taught marketing courses at the Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University. I also spent 13+ years at the Boston University Questrom School of Business where I taught entrepreneurial sales & marketing courses, ran their New Venture Competition for ten years and served as the Faculty Director for the university’s top ranked Online Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship Program from 2005 to 2014.
I have conducted business growth workshops throughout the US for organizations ranging from publicly funded groups like the MA Supplier Diversity Office to Fortune 500 companies like Fidelity Investments and Carrier Corporation. I served as the Lead Instructor for Interise’s nationwide training program, run in conjunction with the US SBA: Small Business Association's Emerging Leaders (e200) Initiative, providing training to hundreds of business owners throughout the U.S. I was also the Managing Director for the BU Urban Business Accelerator Program, an educational program that brought students to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Boston with the goal of improving financial capacity & business.
For Babson Global, I was on a 3-person MBA design team that created an innovative MBA program for the Mohammad Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Saudi Arabia. I also led the design teams for the Masters in Entrepreneurial Leadership and the 4-year undergraduate marketing degree.
I specialize in custom-designing classroom and online business growth training programs ranging from 1/2 day workshops to intensive 9-month programs for a companies as well as government agencies and organizations. I have taught in the U.S. and abroad including: China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
I have more than 30 years of direct industry experience and hold an MBA from Boston University and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Brandeis University. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in education at Johns Hopkins University School of Education.
View all posts by Beth Goldstein, Edge Institute
2 thoughts on “Biz-Edge Video Series: Episode Five – Are Business Cards Passé?”
This is an interesting question and you make some good points. I suppose for some, using a v card is a great way to demonstrate that you are on top of technology, but it’s nice to have the back up.
Thanks for the comment. It’s fine to be on top of technology (especially if you’re in that field) but it’s more important to achieve the ultimate goal of networking – making connections that will improve your business. There are lots of options out there to have both including products and services that take your cards from paper to virtual without you having to do much work.
I suggest you make your card stand out and/or add value. That was my approach – I added tips on the back to help people improve their elevator pitches. i’ve seen others add credentials (especially if you are focused on government contracts – adding all of your certifications/qualifications is effective). Be creative but whatever you do, make sure it aligns with your customers’ needs and interests.
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This is an interesting question and you make some good points. I suppose for some, using a v card is a great way to demonstrate that you are on top of technology, but it’s nice to have the back up.
Thanks for the comment. It’s fine to be on top of technology (especially if you’re in that field) but it’s more important to achieve the ultimate goal of networking – making connections that will improve your business. There are lots of options out there to have both including products and services that take your cards from paper to virtual without you having to do much work.
I suggest you make your card stand out and/or add value. That was my approach – I added tips on the back to help people improve their elevator pitches. i’ve seen others add credentials (especially if you are focused on government contracts – adding all of your certifications/qualifications is effective). Be creative but whatever you do, make sure it aligns with your customers’ needs and interests.