Every single day we meet people – fellow employees, old friends, fresh acquaintances. Regardless of how we come in contact with them, it is a known fact that we are always connecting. While connecting and building relationships is quite common in today’s world, it can be difficult to exchange business cards if you feel it is too formal. Are you eager to give out your information, but just don’t feel comfortable handing out your business cards? For centuries, humans around the globe have felt the same discomfort. Luckily, there are alternative ways to still exchange information, without feeling too proper.

In the beginning of the Victorian era, the most appropriate way to exchange contact information was through a calling card. This type of card, which was much more informal than a typical business one, allowed the individual to feel more comfortable exchanging information. Additionally, these personal calling cards were a great way to get into the privileged and influential cliques during that time. Due to the fact that these were so popular in the social scene, Victorian calling cards swept through Europe and the rest of the world, dazzling millions with their fancy designs.

Today, Victorian calling cards are generally referred to as personal calling cards. Students, adults, and children alike can all benefit from these wonderful contact cards. For instance, if you are meeting a potential love interest for the first time, you absolutely want to avoid looking too business-like by handing out your business card. Furthermore, you may not want to give out too much information about your employment. Personal calling cards allow you to appear personal, friendly, and it gives the message that you are open to a new relationship. Additionally, students can benefit from this type of personal calling card. Since most newly graduated students do not have the business experience or a position yet, it can be difficult to actually make a business card. Therefore, personal calling cards can allow any student to network, but still keep the informal contact alive.

In some areas, children use personalized calling cards as gift tags or play date cards. Instead of purchasing a birthday card to go with a gift, the guest simply attaches their personalized calling card and inserts a handwritten “To ____” message.

More styles available – choose from special customized designs to creative fonts, colors, and layouts, anyone can have a personal calling card!

Though business cards are a wonderful way to network, some occasions are just too casual to exchange such information. With the ability to create an individual style at websites such as Printedexpressions.com, these personal calling cards may generate an entirely different trend within the current social scene. A simple card with minimal contact information is key, especially if you do not want to give too much information away. Regardless of your preference, Victorian calling cards are no longer a thing of the past. These personal calling cards allow us to show a creative side – one that expresses who we are, even if it is only on a card.