How to Mind Your Business Card Manners for Swapping Success
by Brook Katona
Business card etiquette is somewhat like dinner etiquette. When
keeping your elbows off the table, the reward you hope for is an
invitation back for another dinner. However, when minding your
business card manners a potential part of your income is at stake.
Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind:
Your business cards should be clean and up-to-date
It is not worth saving a few pennies to hand out wrinkled, stained,
or torn cards. Likewise if any of your information has changed:
"Business cards with words scratched out gives the impression of
disorganization."
Do not force your card on those who have not asked for it
You should wait for the opportunity to come up naturally, such as
when someone specifically asks for it or you are engaged in a
conversation about business. Do not mistake the salutary or polite
question about what you do as a good opportunity; the card will
probably be thrown away if the recipient lacks genuine interest when
receiving it.
Treat cards with respect when receiving them
"Act as though you have received a gift." Upon accepting a card, you
have the opportunity to repeat the name and be corrected on
pronunciation--to be corrected on pronunciation after this is a bit
more of a gaff. You should also ask any questions that the card
itself may bring to mind and comment on the design if practical. The
idea is to show interest in any contact's card, which will make them
more likely to be interested in yours.
Do not enclose business cards in personal or emotional
correspondence
Condolences, get well soon, and even congratulations should be
handwritten with no business card accompanying it. These types of
correspondences need to show care and time spent by handwriting, and
a business card along with it almost seems to say "enough about you,
now about me."
Wait until someone of higher rank asks for your card or a third
party has introduced you
The CEO will appreciate the respect you show for his/her time by
waiting for the proper opportunity to present your card.
In America, it is perfectly okay to leave a card out once you have
received it, so why not have it where you can see it for the entire
conversation? You are less likely to stumble on names and titles.
When the conversation is breaking, you want to let them know you
intend to keep the card (only discard cards discreetly). Signal this
by tucking it securely away in a day-planner, portfolio or business
card case.
Portions of this article in quotes were referenced from:
"Simple Rules for Good Business Card Etiquette." Aleigh
Acerni. Charleston Regional Business Journal. February 24, 2003. (http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/issues/6_4/news/2793-1.html)
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