Should an unemployed journalist have a business card?
When I mentioned that yesterday to a neighbor, he asked for one of my business cards to pass off to a friend.
I don’t have one. I didn’t want to spend the money. I never knew what to write on one. Being young and transient, I feel like my information and location would change to quickly. …I think I’d feel uncomfortable slipping one to someone.
A good friend Neal Santos, a talented new media journalist and celebrated young photographer, keeps cards around and I’ve seen him divvy them up. What’s more, he has gotten calls from people to whom he’s given a card.
Still, every time I have gotten close to making the purchase, I’ve felt I might get a job that would it silly to do so. Even now that I am in a serious hunt for a job in Philadelphia, I’m hesitant. I envision business cards as a top down process. Someone with more power gives one to someone with less power – or in a situation of real collaboration. I have no power and, really, no means of collaborating.
Won’t my card just become the trash of a potential employer or wallet-clutter for friends?
I suppose I could print some with little more than my name, “journalist” title and address to this site. But, really?
Who has them? Who doesn’t? Does anyone have any advice or thoughts for young professionals of any flavor?
Image from Business Card CD – my editing.
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Christopher Wink is the co-founder of publishing strategy firm 
Colin Lenton
21 Nov, 2008
Business cards nowadays are practically useless, give someone your name and your URL – on anything.
That said, if your business card is AMAZING and memorable, it can serve a less traditional purpose and still work for you.
http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2008/08/07/24-creative-business-card-designs/
Stover
26 Nov, 2008
Tiff Zeno has business cards that she handed out to the class before leaving for NYC — generic cards with her title (freelance producer, professor, media consultant). You can get them free online…why not?
Christopher Wink
26 Nov, 2008
Business cards can be a good draw from personal introduction to an actual visit of your site. A way for that person to remember you, if only be accident or nuisance. And Stover. Who doesn’t provide a link to said “free” business cards?
Frank, I need your help,need you to contact spirit- Revelle Balmain. Please ask her where she is? Thankyou
19 Jun, 2009
Hi! I would like to know do you know of any paper or magazine that employs international journalists via email? Thanks
Christopher Wink
19 Jun, 2009
If you find one, you let me know, OK?
-cgw
Jade
19 Aug, 2009
Hi.
I’m a student (only 17 years old) and am currently running my own music journalism blog to help set up a steady career in the future, with examples already at the plenty for when I leave college (Or University if I continue)
I just saw this and thought that I would contribute.
I am unemployed (obviously) but I attend a lot of music gigs and concerts and for this reasons, I have gotten business cards. I find them very helpful and always good to carry around with me.
You don’t necessarily have to pay excessive amounts either, you can download certain software that lets you make them yourself for free.
I think you should go for it, it doesn’t do anybody any harm. Besides, it’s worth a short, right?
=)