Business cards - what can they do for me?

In this digital day and age are business cards still important? I had my doubts as I was not going to be networking at events or tying my business cards to goodies at seminars. I myself have a little pile of business cards I have collected in the past and how often had I used them? Honestly, I rarely look up details and that is only for example for an existing relationship. I sometimes need to look up the name of our new account manager or see if there is a telephone number on the card which is not in the e-mail. Other than that the card will remain in my draw until a moment comes when I start the next Spring clean and deposit it in the bin. 

I did not want that to happen to my card so why get one? 

After a little bit of networking (there is no getting out of that) and even after an interview for a new assignment, on both occasions the person I was talking to knew who I was and still asked for a business card. We had already connected through other channels and spoken in person so why the hard copy? Personally, I think it may actually be used for the details. Sure, you can find me online and sure my whole CV, working career and services are also available, but when you want to make a quick call a glance at the card will give you the details you need. Hopefully once we are connected you can even hand over the card to someone else who is looking for someone like me. That is the most powerful marketing tool available - references and word of mouth, and the business card is there for a little bit of back-office support. 

After the vote I posted on LinkedIn a few weeks ago, a new card was designed with a combination of the 2 favourites.