EVOLUTION OF VISITING CARDS

A digital card (also known as virtual cards) is an online means of sharing contact information.
A digital card, virtual card or cloud card is an online hosted, digital virtual representation of
any plastic card or a generic identification method in Identity Management. Digital business
card is a file that contains essential information on you and your company. A digital design
like that can be shared online in one click. Along with a name, position, and contacts, you can
enhance your card with interactive elements, such as links. Unlike its paper prototype, an
electronic business card allows you to reach out to a bigger audience.

HISTORY

Business cards began in the 17th century in Europe, where they were used to announce the
impending arrival of prosperous or aristocratic people to their local town or even their home.
They were shaped and sized in a similar way to a playing card and became a staple of the
elite by the middle of the century. In time the cards became engrave with gold and exciting
typefaces and by the 19th century the cards were a must have by anyone, who was anyone in
the middle class circles of the day. Houses even had card trays, ornate in construction, made
so those visiting your house could leave their card in.

By the 18th and the 19th centuries these ‘social cards’ were taken from each lady upon her
first visit to a house. People were offered the card tray upon the opening of the door to the
door and had to place their card in it as a matter of etiquette. This card was then delivered to
the lady of the household, who would examine it – in many ways it created the first
impression of the person.
JOURNEY OF VISITING CARDS

The earliest use of a business card dates back to 15th century China, where a “visiting card”,
or business card, marked the desire for a meeting between two individuals. These cards were
essential in the self-promotion of traders and businessmen. They could even be delivered to
the doorstep of wealthy elites, where a servant would receive and organize all of the cards
delivered to the house. Then, the businessman could review all of the cards he had received,
and decide who to arrange a meeting with. 

Later, in 17th century Europe, the use of the business card exploded across the continent.
Engraved with gold and adorned with delicate textures, the business card became a must-have
in the emerging industrial world. Britain, France, Germany, and others all began relying on
the business card as a convenient and savvy way to arrange meetings. In the 19th century, a
different type of business card emerged, which was referred to as the “calling card”. This new
derivative was used more in a social setting, but still possessed a strict and complex set of
protocols regarding its use.

Finally, the revolutionary tool for business made its way to America. In the 20th century, as
the United States continued to evolve, its business practices became more complex and
formal. The perfect addition to this evolution of American business was the business card.
Executives, CEOs, and even people simply looking for work began to advertise themselves or
their companies with their favourite new tool. Around the globe, the business card had
become an invaluable asset in the world of networking.
CARDS IN MODERN DAY

Time has eroded much of the etiquette regarding business cards, however rules do persist.
Cards should not be handed out by the left hand, should never be written on and should
always be translated to the language of the specific country they are being handed out in on
the rear of the card. They should never be carried loose and presented in the best condition.

These days cards should have the name of the card holder, their title, the company, their
location, and relevant contact information such as address, email, telephone and anything else
you feel the need to add. Cards are usually printed in black ink on white paper, though this
varies by country.

Today, as every transaction is going digital and crypto currencies are believed as a potential
investment, the businessmen who are into trading bit coins rush to design innovative business
cards made of metal to create a lasting impact.