Tip of the Month for December 2005
Business Card Etiquette

Present the card with the print facing the recipient so the recipient will not have to turn it around to read it.

Don’t give out a business card that is defective, out of date, or soiled.

Carry cards in a case to keep them fresh and protected.

Before attending an event, always put a supply of cards in your suit pocket for easy access.

Carry business cards in the evening at social events in case a good business contact comes your way. Be careful, especially in a private home. You should not exchange cards with another guest in the presence of your host or hostess. Both parties should be very discreet.

Present your business card to the receptionist each time you visit a company. It helps the receptionist to announce your arrival.

Don’t pass out your business cards like flyers at a store opening. Handing your card out indiscriminately will make you appear pushy and unprofessional. I attended a conference a while ago and watched as man was giving his business card to every person attending. This was as effective as putting his card on the windshield of every car in the parking lot.

Don’t force your card on anyone or offer it early in a conversation. Junior executives don’t give or request cards from senior executives. Let the senior executive request your card, and only then should you present it.

When receiving a card, take the time to look at it. Write notes if necessary on the card but not in the presence of the person who gave you the card.

If you are doing business with an international counterpart you may want to have the other side of your card printed in their native language. Or you may simply want to have two cards printed.

Prior to traveling abroad you should understand business card etiquette. Other countries such as Japan have specific etiquette rules when it comes to exchanging business cards. Although it may seem casual in our culture, exchanging business cards in other countries is a ritual and important in the early steps to building a relationship. It would be a shame to have such a blunder in the early stages of your business trip.

Make sure to update your card if it is outdated. You want your card to represent your business accurately.

© 2005 Amy L. Palec