In an era where various industries have transitioned to e-cards, the presence of traditional business cards remains noteworthy. A business card holds significance in shaping your professional image and I do believe that the exchange of business cards is a vital aspect of the self-introduction process for business professionals, enabling them to leave a lasting impression.
In this blog, I’ve got 10 super handy tips on the etiquette of business cards which will help you elevate your professional presence.
- Always leave your house/office with enough business cards. Make it a habit to keep a good supply in your car, in case you ran out of cards.
- Place your business cards in a business cards holder. This will help you keep them clean and find them easily whenever needed.
- Whenever any of your contact information change, don’t forget to update your business card, and get rid of all the old cards you have.
- Do not hand out your business card to every single person you meet. Be selective, choose wisely while networking, and exchange business cards with potential employers, clients or leads.
- Hand your business card using your right hand or both hands.
- If you are doing business abroad, have one side of your card translated to the language of the country you are visiting, and follow the local etiquette guidelines when exchanging cards.
- Hand your business card in a way that the person receiving it can read it without having to turn it around.
- When someone offers you their business card, look at it for a moment and make a comment before you put it in your business card holder. This is a sign of respect and interest. During meetings, place the business card on the table, but never leave it there after the meeting.
- The general rule is not to write notes on someone else’s business card. However, if you really need to write a note on the business card as a hint or a reminder, you can do so only when you are out of their sight.
- A big etiquette faux pas: Getting rid of someone’s business card while you are still at the event.
Practice these guidelines during your future networking events, and when mastered, you will definitely stand out from the crowd.
