How to Have Proper Business Card Etiquette
Adhering to the right manners in a business scenario is very important as it shows the other person how groomed and informed you are. Business cards are our short introduction to people and it is customary to exchange cards with people with whom we want to remain in contact after that first meeting. They contain your name, short profile and contact details. Business cards hold great importance in business dealings. Like everything else in life, giving and receiving cards both have their own etiquette that responsible businessmen are expected to follow. Although, the etiquette differ culture by culture, there are still some standards.
Instructions
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1
Keep an ample supply of cards at home. This will prevent you from the embarrassment or inconvenience that comes when you need to give your contact details but do not carry a card. Your cards should be flat and crisp and not wrinkled. Since they are an extension of your own personality, treat them like that.
Make sure that the information on your card is correct and up do date. There is no use of giving around cards with outdated phone numbers and addresses because the basic existence of a card is for communication. -
2
While handing over your business card, do it with a right hand. The right hand has a positive image in most cultures and different good connotations are attached with it. Do not give the card in a throw away gesture. Place it in the hands of the receiver and give him a smile and your full attention. The card should be face up when you present it to an individual. You can also use both your hands to give the card but not just the left one.
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3
When you receive a card, take it with your right hand or both hands. Give your attention to it and confirm any questions that arise. Do not forget the card in an inner coat pocket where it will eventually crumble and get washed. Keep a card case and place your business cards in it. Such cards can turn out to be great assets.
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4
If you are travelling abroad and have chances of being involved in business dealings there, it is a good idea to research about the business card etiquette of that particular culture. If you are going to a country with a different language, say from US to China, you can translate one side of the card into the Chinese language so that your counterparts can understand it.
