Consumer Website Brings Business Cards Into The Web

An entrepreneur has brought business cards into the digital age with an innovative website that helps Americans make contact with businesses in their city.

The website, www.ItsBusinessBaby.com, was launched by Lawrence Lugar in 11/06 and is now used by thousands of people across America.

It allows businesses to post their Business Card online for consumers, who can locate what they are looking for by clicking on their city on a map of America and then narrowing their search using a custom made search engine.

Lawrence Lugar, from San Diego, California, says he created the website to help consumers and businesses connect - via Business Cards.

"Unlike the yellow pages you get in the mail, this website allows you to search nationwide. I wanted to make sure the interface was attractive, different and easy to use so people could find what they were looking for without wading through pages of information."

The website now has more than 1,000 business cards online from trades people, retail stores and other goods and service providers from all of the 50 US states.

"I just wanted to develop a different way of doing things. Instead of searching via text listings and directories on other sites, I thought it'd be cool to search via the business card images to find local information."

In addition to the main business cards' search feature...the website incorporates online city-specific forums where local businesses and consumers can post messages about everything from products and events to news and politics. And the founder's personal blog.

It's currently free for businesses to submit their business cards and there is no charge for consumers to use the site.