The first known business cards were called ?Visite Biletes?  or ?Visiting Cards? in early France.  They first appeared during the reign of Louis XIV and were used as a formal way of introducing their owners to others.

These early ?visiting cards? were approximately the size of today?s playing cards.  Unlike, the modern business card, the visitor?s signatures, promissory notes and other messages often appeared on visiting cards.

It is believed business cards were not used in the rest of Europe, or in America, until the 19^th century when most cards were finely engraved.  Apparently, the middle class considered the cards as necessities, not luxuries only for kings and noblemen.

Reduced in size and renamed ?business cards,? Americans updated the cards and used them like letters of introduction and evidence of social obligation.

Early business cards left in a card tray at a business, were a way of telling the recipient to return a call or message.  Generally, they were used by business owners and not widely used by people residing in the country or by the working classes.

Early American business cards looked similar to modern business cards used today.

Since business cards were used mainly for business, it was considered in poor taste to use them for making social calls.  When a business card was left with a servant, it was taken as a means of attempting collection of a bill or debt owed.

Today printed cards are widely used, by people of all ages, from teenagers to grandparents. Some have cards printed with just their name and phone numbers to give to their friends and new acquaintances because scraps of paper are so easily lost or misplaced.

Business cards are inexpensive and can be made from a variety of different materials.  You can make or print your own business cards using a home computer or hire or pay someone else to print or engrave them for you. Engraving can be extravagant or simple.

Remember the business card can convey important information about its owner on a very small piece of cardboard.  They are here to stay, and if you open your billfold or wallet, you?ll probably find someone?s business card. 

Whether you own or run a small business or a multinational corporation, chances are your customers, clients and business acquaintances have your name and contact information on your business card.

Today?s business cards are a simple, inexpensive, means of communicating information quickly and efficiently.  You don?t even need a computer.