A few weeks ago we wrote about apps that can replace some of your office essentials – the fax machine and scanner – items that were high-tech in their heyday, but alas have seen better days. But not every old-school item has been replaced with a high-tech gadget. In order for higher technology to take hold in a lasting way, the re-make has to be better. If it’s not less expensive, if doesn’t improve productivity, if it doesn’t make things easier – then why bother? Today, we’ll remind you of two business essentials that have withstood the test of time and show no signs of slowing down.
The ultimate self-marketing tool is the business card. Only 2 inches by 3.5 inches, it packs a powerful advertising punch. It was thought to be headed down memory lane in line next to the pay phone, but it still remains a necessary business item and it generates a thrill for new employees when they receive their cards with their name in lights. E-cards and other clever sorts of replacements such as CDs, reader apps and other digital versions just have not caught on yet and though the card is most often transferred into the recipient’s smart phone’s address book, the card still remains an essential networking tool and a ubiquitous item for every business professional. The information on it may change – such as adding social media items – but the basics have not: name, logo, contact information.
Here’s my card – call.
Overheard At Business Meetings Across the Country
We’re not sure if anyone has been able to build a better mouse trap, but it appears no one has been able to conquer the original paper clip because it was patented in the 1800s and hasn’t changed much from the original design. Sales of this lowly paper-holder are a whopping 11 billion in the United States each year. Oh sure, there have been attempts at reinventing it, but they’ve either been too expensive (Acco Klix clips sell for $3.66 for 10 clips on Amazon.com vs. regular clips on Staples.com – 1,000 for $3.00) or too cumbersome (Smart Clipper needs a video to demonstrate how to use their gadget) to make a significant impact.
As far as we’re concerned, the wait is still on for the next big thing related to business cards and paper clips. Do you have a better mousetrap? Please share.
Leisa Weir
Principal
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