Business card might be just a small card for exchange of contact details, but the art of handling it speaks volumes of one’s knowledge of the culture and may even determine the chances of the next meeting.
Starting with the design, one side of the card should be translated into the business language of the country and may be tailored to fit into the culture of the country. For example, gold coloured lettering is favoured in China as it is considered as auspicious. In the case of India, it is good to include university qualifications or any kind of honour received in the cards as business in India places more emphasis on academic achievement.
Upon receiving the business card, one should look at the card for a few seconds as it is deemed as disrespectful to put the card straight into the pocket after receiving it. In fact, it would be good to make some comments about the card, even if it is only to acknowledge the address. In high context culture like Japan, business cards are exchanged with great ceremony and should be kept in pristine condition. During the meeting, the cards should be placed on the table and they should be kept in a business card case or a portfolio when the meeting is over. Interestingly, you should treat the business card you received as you would the person, which highlights the emphasis they placed on business cards. Just imagine what would a Japanese businessman think if you accidentally drop his card and step on it!
On the other hand, card etiquette is relaxed in UK and little ceremony is involved. It is acceptable to keep the cards in pocket and it need not be given to everyone you meet.
Handling of the small card may do wonders or spell trouble. Hence, business card etiquette is an important aspect which should not be overlooked in business setting.
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Hi Jie Li,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about business cards. I've learned more about it from your blog.
I used to think that business cards are just meant to let you give others your contact details. I did not know that in high context cultures, it could be much more than that!
I do understand how it feels when people mistreats your card as I have my own business card. I guess the worse thing to do is to have the person return your card back to you after they have seen it. I suppose in higher context cultures, this could really be an insult. I would also really appreciate it if people actually take a look at the card and make a nice comment about it. I'm sure anyone would feel good if sweet comments are made about their cards. It could help in building a better relationship with the person too.
When someone gives me his or her card in future, I'll definitely treat it with a lot of respect!
Cheers,
Glenn
Hi Jie Li!
ReplyDeleteA fundamental yet interesting topic=)
I never knew that there were so many different aspects to talioring business cards in different countries!
I feel that regardless of whichever country that one is doing business in, one should always treat the business card with respect as it reflects on who you are as a person and might even affect the first impression that one gives to his/her clients.
Anyway,thanks for sharing! =)
Cheers
Cassandra
Hi Jie Li,
ReplyDeleteThat was a comprehensive post which encompassed the many ways business cards are treated in various countries. I was not aware that business cards and the handling of it had differential meanings in different countries.
Nevertheless, I feel that there is a general consensus among cultures that business cards should be handled with respect. It would reflect well on the recipient as well. Moreover, I feel that the person presenting the business card should offer it with both hands. This would reinforce that the business card is valued by the one giving the card and the recipient would likely reciprocate and treat the card with respect as well.
A successful exchange of a business card would indeed facilitate effective communication between two parties. We should remember the importance of handling business cards and act appropriately the next time we receive one. Putting what we learn into practice would make us deliverers of effective communication.
Cheers,
Bryan
Hi Jie Li,
ReplyDeleteAlthough most of us at our age might not have dealt with or carry our own business cards, it certainly has been helpful that you highlighted the importance or handling another party's business card with care and respect. I can imagine that I wouldn't be too happy if someone nonchalantly chucked my business card elsewhere in plain sight of me.
I believe cordial exchanges of business cards with both hands will never appear to others as an over-reaction. Such a simple exchange is suffice to discern the sincerity of the other party.
The importance of business cards should never be slighted. Although an individual may not require your services at the time of exchange, the former may call you up when you least expect it. I personally keep a stash of business cards in my car in the event i require automotive services.
Cheers,
Desmond
Hi Jie Li,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about business cards.=P I've learn something new today.
I'm actually one of those guilty people who inadvertently mistreats business cards. However, now that I know, I will definitely handle business cards with care and respect in the future.
I guess the hallmark of professional communication in the business realm is the successful exchange of business cards. It offers a chance to make a good impression and marks the beginning of prospective business transactions.
Cheers,
Mario
Dear Jie Li,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the etiquettes on business card, which I found very useful. Soon exchanging business cards with others will be part of our life.
As for the design of business cards, I suppose people from the same corporation will follow the same template. If that’s true, we then don’t need to worry much about the design.
You mentioned about the etiquettes when receiving a business card, this reminds me of another issue—when is appropriate to initiate an exchange of business cards. It is natural to give business cards when two are introduced to each other by a third person in a formal business setting. But would it be bold if you approach someone directly, introducing yourself and asking his/her business card?
Cheers,
Nie Jing
Hi June,
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree that choosing the appropriate moment for exchange of cards is also of great importance. In my opinion, it depends on the setting and people involved to determine if it is acceptable to ask for business cards of the other party. If it is a networking session, it would be fine to approach the other party and exchange or politely request for business cards. However, in formal business settings, it might be more appropriate to offer the party our business cards first instead of requesting for it directly.
Thanks for your comments!
Cheers,
Jie Li