In other words, next to nothing.

What I do know is that clients want an agent that makes them feel valued, important, and like they’re getting as much exposure as possible.

Michelle Wolfson – literary agent and creator of these business cards – is clearly doing something right.

Rather than using the front of her card to promote her agency, she promotes her clients instead. Each business card displays a different book cover of one of the authors she represents.

Brilliant.

These cards were printed by Moo.com – an innovating printer that allows you to print up to 50 different images per pack of business cards.

The possibilities are endless. Not just for sports agents, real estate agents, and literary agents, but for any business owner who wants a memorable and attention grabbing business card with which to wow clients and prospective clients alike.

As seen on Media Bistro

A $3 business card?

An $8 business card?

How about a $2600 business card?

Yep, that’s 18kt solid gold right there.

And when that’s not luxurious enough (say, when you’re selling an island) there’s also a 22kt solid gold business card. One of those will set you back $3300!

I just came across these at PureMetalCards – purveyors of the most luxurious and expensive business cards I’ve ever seen. They also sell brass, copper, stainless steel, sterling silver, and super-cool carbon fiber business cards.

I’d get one… I’m just concerned it would weigh down my wallet.

That, and about a 100 other customizable products too.

Everything from mouse pads and mugs, to holiday cards, shirts, wall calendars, business postcards, banners, magnets, and more.

Naturally, I’m more interested in the business cards, but my impression for the other products is essentially the same.

Awesome modern designs.

These are not your typical clip art style design templates you see at a lot of online print shops.

The designs actually look cool, and they’re quite customizable.

I’ll update on the quality when I get my order, but for the meantime check out the design templates for your industry. Admit it, Ink Garden is a cut above the norm if you’re looking for design help, low print runs, and affordable prices.

Get 33% Off Your First Order at Ink Garden! Use Code: FRESH2011.

As an eco-conscious individual I like the thought behind them.

As a marketer, I don’t.

I just came across a great article on the topic from someone who did what I have not. Michelle Mastin of PC World actually tested a whole bunch of digital business card apps – CardFlick, Snapdat, CardCloud, and Bump among them – and despite some general praise for the apps themselves, she makes a good case against them.

Here’s her article: Digital Business Card Apps Tested: The Future is Not Quite Ready

My belief has always been that a paper business card is simply a more effective marketing tool.

It makes a stronger and more lasting impression than a digital card, or bump, or whatever.

Michelle makes another great point…

These apps are supposed to be convenient, but when you’re networking it can be a pain in the you know what to take out your phone, unlock it, open the app, and then perform the necessary function to exchange info.

To that I say: Yup.

Of course, unlike her, I’ve yet to actually try them.

They’re also FSC Certified and are taking steps to become one of the first printing companies to be certified under the Los Angeles Green Business Program.

Kudos PrintRunner!

If you’re interested in printing with an eco-conscious printer, check out their wide array of products here.

Every time you put the card down somewhere else, she changes her underwear!

The brainchild of Cardnetics, the “small iris” pushes the boundaries of business card design and makes for an irresistibly attention-grabbing marketing tool.

That is, of course, if you’re a photographer. Or say, a photojournalist.

At $6 a piece, they’re not inexpensive. Then again, when you really need to make a statement and impress a potential client, it couldn’t hurt to have a couple of these lying around.

Given the selective nature and cost, they may be more of a viral sensation than anything else, but that doesn’t detract from just how freakin’ cool these really are.

Grab a few or assemble them yourself…

This is from the same crew of mad scientists that brought you the business card catapult.

Free shipping on everything.

No minimums.

Every order.

Every day.

“Because no one likes shipping charges” reads their tagline.

So true 123 print. So true.

Two rubber inserts give the recipient a realistic impression of the results that can be achieved.

A business card like this is sure to get passed around and generate referrals – the mark of a great business card.

I would love to get my hands on one of these (for the collection, of course).

(as seen on scary ideas)

In my opinion, it’s quite the contrary.

I see the medium as going through something of a rebirth. Where creativity rules, and designers and marketers alike are one upping each other as they stretch the limits of what’s possible.

Neat shapes. Stellar designs. Functional cards. Edible cards. Cards that sprout leaves. Cards that transform into something else. 3D cards.

It’s incredible… an art form, even.

But maybe I’m deluding myself. After all, I’m a business card enthusiast. It’s regular folks that will determine whether the business card will follow the typewriter into relative obscurity.

And regular folks just aren’t using paper business cards anymore.

Wait… they are?

Well how about that!

According to a recent Globe and Mail poll,  (at right), 94% of respondents still use the good old fashioned paper business card!

And a considerable majority of those are using paper cards EXCLUSIVELY over electronic options.

If you ask me, results like these confirm that medium is alive and kicking.

Sure, there are other options out there… but traditional cards will have a place in our society for a long time to come.

Now keep those brilliant designs coming.