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I don't know about most people, but I never used my business cards when I was working, except to put them in jars at certain restaurants where I could potentially win a free lunch. Nobody ever asked for a business card, and I never found the need to pass them out. My husband doesn't have business cards, and he has no desire to have any. He connects with people through LinkedIn or simply through e-mail.

If you will be going to networking events business cards will be essential.

My agency hasn't updated my business cards to reflect my new desk number and that changed two years ago! I also never have anyone hand me a business card during meetings bc they always have my contact info prior. Although, my husband hands his out all.the.time.

Totally depends on industry and what you do. I'm in a position that is heavy relationship management and public facing, and I use business cards all the time. I'm also in the public sector. I could see how in tech or other areas where people use something else these days.

When I was working business cards were essential. It was much more efficient exchanging. Business cards with new contacts than asking them for their information and writing it down. I think it depends on the industry and company culture though. I worked for a Japanese company so it is a big part of their culture to carry business card and exchange them when meeting new people.

Yes, essential.

Haha, there must be an industry and/or generational gap here? I'm in my 20s and I work in tech and I can't imagine any of my peers calling business cards essential.

Depends on your line of work, I need them when I run into potential students. Something already prepared I can just hand over.

Is it possible to do a very simple pack of the print yourself cards (like from Avery) or print on cardstock and cut with a paper cutter to gauge how many you may or may not need since you are just starting out?

I'm in engineering, but my industry (transportation) is surprisingly traditional/conservative.

In my regular day-to-day work, I don't need them at all. The clients I work with already have my information.

However, when I do public outreach, it's essential I have them. The sales side of my industry definitely needs them as well. I use mine most in the professional organizations and networking events I go to.

I would say you do need them based on what you described. If you are meeting new people, you don't want to be fussing with your phone trying to get/give information. I would especially feel foolish if everyone is exchanging business cards and you are left there empty handed.

I don’t think they are “essential”, but I’d probably go ahead and order a very small batch just to have some because there are times when they are extremely helpful to have. I’ve only ever handed out my business cards at networking events, and having them on hand then has been great.

Another alternative is my company gives us traditional business cards, but also like index sized cardstock with our info printed on them, along with space to write a note. Those are actually more helpful a lot of times, because if you’re talking with someone, they could jot down what it is they want to remember about you, and then also have your info handy.

I got relatively inexpensive cards when I was on the market a few years ago without a full admin behind me, VistaPrint.

In my current role, essential. I don't use them every day, but it is something that a lot of traditional business people rely on and (as an MBA recruiter) having something traditional and in their hands is huge. Cards also don't get tossed or lost as easy as emails, I don't think, so it's a helpful memory jogger when you're trying to get attention.

As a new business venture, feel free to go cheaper on them, but have something.

I think it depends on the industry. I was in advertising (media buyer) and I interacted with so many sales people I would have never been able to keep them straight in my head if they didn't give me business cards when they called on me!