by Paul Gibson
Home >> What Your Business Card Says About You
The Business of Etiquette
(Syndy Seid, Etiquette Coach based in San Francisco)
The Asian culture has influenced the world in how we give and receive, use and keep business cards. They believe it is an extension of introducing yourself on paper. So whether you are traveling the world, or simply conducting business in your own hometown, this ritual of Asian style business card exchanges is now considered an international business protocol.
Presenting a Card
The Asians believe it is a representation of who you are and you are that business card. Be sure to present your card in clean pristine condition, no different than you would your own body. Always present your card in your right hand, or with both hands, facing the person to whom you are giving it. It is not appropriate to pass out cards as though you were dealing in a poker game. Never give a card in your left hand. It is considered a total insult in Muslim and other countries. So again, always present it in your right hand or with both hands. By presenting your card with both hands, it is the highest form of respect.
Receiving a Card
Always receive a card in the same manner you presented it, either in the right hand or with both hands. Take time to study the card. This is your golden opportunity to help remember the person long after meeting. Ask the person a question or make a nice comment about the card.
It’s natural you may want to make notes on a card, especially when the person asks you to please send them a brochure, but be sensitive especially while still in front of the person, never to write on the face of the card. The Japanese believe it’s like writing on the person’s face. Instead, write any notes on a separate note pad.
Remember never to take a card and immediately put it away. And gentleman, do not pull your back pocket wallet out, place that card in the wallet, return it to your back hip pocket , and then sit on it! It’s like sitting on a person’s face.
Keeping Cards
Always keep cards in a separate card carrying case. No more rubber bands or paper clips, which always dent them terribly. Keep the case in a purse or pocket that is located on the upper part of your body. And again, never place them in a back hip or pants pocket. Never ask a person for another card because you lost it. It is perceived as though you have lost their face. So do get those cards filed or entered into your database right away for safe keeping. So there you have it… a few simple tips on how to exchange business cards anywhere in the world.
(*Video content and transcripts reproduced here with written permission from the CNET Network)
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thp365/2403320741/
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Posted on http://www.weeklyletter.com at 2008-04-22 11:00:00 +0200
Copyright (C) ITT (http://www.itt.es) and Planet Lingua (http://www.lingua.es)
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That is a fascinating article made so much better with the video. I like the business cards that are also cd-roms so you can put the card in your PC and see a presentation about the card owner’s business.
Maybe in the future business cards themselves will be small rectangular screens with a presentation.
I remember my first business card…
When they hired me in my first job, within the first two days, they gave me a “small pack” of business cards with the insignia of the company, my position, telephone and email. I was quite enthused and proud to be working in the company – it actually did a lot for me.
On the other hand, when I started working here in Spain for an insurance company, they gave me company cards and asked me to write my name and phone number on the back. I think we have come a long way since then though…
This VIDEO was an eye-opener. I can’t begin to tell you how many people I know who receive a business card and stick it in their pocket without even looking… what a total lack of business etiquette and downright good manners!
Thanks Dónal…glad you like the new look!
Hi, Paul,
Several times I have though that Business Cards were something old fashioned, but with your article I have noticed that they are very important in the Business Etiquette. But in the article, they are speaking about Asian people. They are very careful about the costumes and the protocolaire ways of doing Business.
Here, in Spain I don’t thing that the Business Card can be so important.
Conchi Calvo
Thanks for your comment Concha!
The article may seem to talk about Asian etiquette, but this etiquette is most certainly applicable to Anglo-Saxon business etiquette. With the exception of bowing or kissing I suppose!
It is very interesting to hear about kinds of etiquette these days…I have students that tell me it is not about etiquette, but about respect. Others say that it is perfectly fine to throw garbage on the floor inside bars, (even though the person doing it is a VIP for a multinational). Still others admit that they too put their elbows on the table…all the time!
But the most intelligent one mentioned that each place has its own etiquette..just like your comment!
Paul