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When you give someone your business card, you’re introducing yourself on paper. A business card is a representation of who you are so be sure that the card is in pristine condition before you hand it over. You wouldn’t wear a wrinkled suit to an interview, would you?
Presenting your business card
Always present your business card in your right hand, or in both hands. Never (and I do mean NEVER) pass out your business cards as though you were dealing a poker hand. If you travel for business, you’ll save yourself embarrassment by following this rule. In some countries, presenting your business card in your left hand is a serious insult.Look the individual in the eye and smile when presenting the card. Not only is it good etiquette, it shows them you’re engaged with them.
Receiving a business card
When being given a business card, accept the card in the same way it was presented—either in your right hand or both hands. Take a few moments to study the business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.
Don’t ever slide a business card into your back pocket and sit on it. Always keep your business cards in a separate case. When you are back in your office, add the information from the card into your database as soon as possible. You never want to be in a position where you have to ask that person for another card. That’s a big etiquette faux pas.
Business cards are an internationally recognized means of presenting personal contact information—so be sure you have a good supply on hand.
If you travel abroad for business, do a little research on business etiquette for your destination before you go. The etiquette “rules” in the UK, for example, are far more relaxed than in Japan. Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable and will help build trust when building business relationships.
Do you have etiquette questions? Follow me on Twitter [2], LIKE me on Facebook [3], or connect with me on LinkedIn [4].