Why Business Cards Still Matter
“We don’t know where our first impressions come from or precisely what they mean, so we don’t always appreciate their fragility.”
— Malcolm Gladwell, Blink
First impressions aren’t just fast — they’re fragile. And often, we don’t realise how important they are until the moment has passed.
How many of you have a business card?
Now, how many of you have thought, “Do I really need one?”
After all, you can just pop someone’s number into your phone, right?
We live in a digital-first world. Your phone’s contact app can store names, numbers, emails, even photos. But let me ask you this:
How often have you said to a brand-new contact, “Hey, can I take a photo of you so I remember your face?”
Exactly. It’s awkward. It doesn’t set the right tone.
Here are three reasons why business cards still matter. Maybe more than ever.
1. Being Prepared
Earlier this year, I went to my first Business Chamber networking event. I didn’t bring any business cards. I figured I’d just introduce myself and share my number with anyone interested.
But straight away, I got caught out.
At the registration desk, they asked for my card for the business card draw. Rookie mistake. I had nothing to put in.
Yes, it was a data collection tool. But it was also the first moment to show I was prepared, professional, and open to connection — and I missed it.
LESSON ONE
Always have a card on you. Even just one. Because you never know when that moment to connect will come.
2. Saving the Chaos
That same night, I spoke to loads of people. I explained what I do — brand strategy and design — and they all asked for my card.
Now picture this: I’m saying,
“Hi, I’m Nat. My business is Nat Gatt Brand Studio. My number is… my email is… my website is…” all while juggling a wine glass and a canapé and trying to be heard over a loud crowd.
Then someone else taps me on the shoulder and I do it all again.
Complete chaos.
LESSON TWO
A business card solves everything. It’s a simple, tidy container for your details. Hand it over once and you’re instantly more memorable, more professional, and far less flustered.
3. Memory and Follow-Up
You meet people on the fly. How many times have you saved a number like:
“Greg – green jumper,”
or
“Anne from Wednesday’s group”
…only to never follow up?
Even if you share your number a hundred times, what are the chances people remember who you are, what you do, or why they should care?
LESSON THREE
A business card changes that. It’s visual. It’s tactile. It links your name, your role, and your brand. It gives people a reason — and a way — to reconnect.
So… why do business cards still matter?
Because they help you stand out.
They make your connections more meaningful.
They bridge the gap between personal interaction and professional follow-up.
And they’ve been unfairly written off as outdated.
I used to think the same. But now I know: they’re not outdated. They’re just underused.
So here’s some real questions:
How many contacts are sitting in your phone right now that you can’t place?
And how many people have your number saved as something like “Nat – talks fast, red dress, brand something”?
But when you hand someone a business card, how many more of those people call, refer, or reconnect?
That’s why business cards still matter.
Because in a digital world, they give your presence something real to hold onto.
