The history and tradition of the business card

The business card, now a widely used networking tool, was at one time exclusive to the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. Members of these upper classes followed strict social rules, including the practice of visiting, which called for the use of a “calling card”, a piece of white cardboard with the person’s name printed on it.

When a person paid a visit to the home of an acquaintance, and the acquaintance was absent, it was customary to leave a calling card with the butler. This was a physical demonstration that the personal had taken the time to pay a polite visit. If the calling card was left with the top right corner folded down, it was an extra sign of respect and friendship. Women often inscribed on their calling cards their “visiting day”, the day of the week that they stayed in their homes to receive guests. The visiting time, often 5 to 7 o’clock in the evening, was also indicated. In this manner the calling card also served as an invitation.

In addition to their personal calling cards, men and women also carried domestic business cards which mentioned their own name and their spouse’s name. The personal calling card was often rectangular, whereas the domestic card was larger and almost square in shape. Often, a man or woman who was employed in a liberal profession would also carry a specific business card mentioning his or her occupation.

Business cards, until the mid 20th century, also had the role of formally announcing events such as births, deaths, and engagements. The details of these events were hand-written on a domestic calling card. A black border was sometimes added to indicate a death. It was also widely accepted to use a calling card as a personal note, dated and without a signature. Often, one would receive a calling card as an invitation to dinner or even a greeting card during the holidays. The tradition of the Christmas card stems from this practice. In fact, during the holiday season, polite tradition imposed the practice of calling on all one’s acquaintances, both personal and professional. These obligatory visits could be numerous and inconvenient. To absent oneself from these visits in a respectful manner, one could send his or her calling card embellished with an expression of best wishes. This practice has continued to today, along with the tradition of sending an announcement of birth or marriage by mail. Simply the format of the calling card has changed, growing larger to allow for more personal texts and elaborate designs on today’s birth announcements, wedding announcements and holiday cards.

The ancient calling card continues to be used in other ways as well. Attaching a business card to a bouquet of flowers, or to a gift, adds a personal touch. Giving a business card to a new contact is, still today, a sign of friendship and trust. Today, as in the past, the business card continues to encourage social connections and facilitate networking.

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