Regarding your latest podcast on the "business card" - I'm not sure if this more of an observation/question from my "academic" or "consumer behavior" side of my brain… but here goes.

Both of you effectively discussed your strategies regarding business cards but I kept asking myself on the treadmill, while listening, "Regarding the earlier podcast about - friction" costing losses in sales, information comprehension, etc. - how does friction play a role in your business card strategy?

A few examples for both academic and business settings…

1.) What would you suggest to students who are trying to leverage all social networking streams to build their network? What business card strategy would work for them?
2.) Universities - instead of the generic "branded" card; spend the extra money to have specific "purposeful cards" that can help specific marketing functions of the institution (i.e. I'm a marketing professor so relate the offer/call to action to students, alumni and business leaders).
3.) Are you concerned that the inherent "friction/anxiety" individuals feel internally when they realize they are getting a "recorded message" will be a "turn-off" to some consumers?

Great segment… I really enjoyed it.

Best,
Andy Lynch

I agree that your time is your most valuable asset and want to avoid all the phone calls and email that come with your personal information listed on your card. Put the "call to action" on the card and pre-screen interested parties. Great topic. I'm about ready to re-order my cards and was questioning myself if I wanted to put my cell number on my new card. Think I'll leave it off and work on my call to action.

Steve
TheCardBoard