Business
Card Etiquette
Business
Card Etiquette
by Neil
Payne
The author of this article is a specialist in language and culture with
Kwintessential, based in the UK. For more information on cross-cultural
training, click here.
When
doing business abroad it is important to understand the local culture.
Culture includes areas such as a country’s norms, values, behaviours,
food, architecture, fashion and art. However, one area of culture that
is important for the international business person is etiquette.
Understanding
business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with
foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do
and say in the right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.
One
aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is the
exchanging of business cards.
Unlike
in North America or Europe where the business card has little meaning
other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details,
in other parts of the world the business card has very different meanings.
For
example, in Japan the business card is viewed as a representation of the
owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats the business
card with respect and honour.
Below
we have provided you with a few examples of international business card
exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.
General
Business Card Etiquette Tips:
- Business
cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal
contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply.
-
Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting
yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette
does not always have disastrous consequences.
-
When travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side
of your business card translated into the appropriate language.
-
Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the
end of an initial meeting.
-
Good business etiquette requires you present the card so the recipient’s
language is face up.
-
Make a point of studying any business card, commenting on it and clarifying
information before putting it away.
Business
Card Etiquette in China
- Have
one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified
Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious
colour.
-
Ensure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect,
i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin.
-
Your business card should include your title.
- If
your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should
be highlighted on your card.
-
Hold the card in both hands when offering it.
-
Never write on someone's card unless so directed.
Business
Card Etiquette in India
- If
you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business
card.
-
Always use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
-
Business cards need not be translated into Hindi as English is widely
spoken within the business community.
Business
Card Etiquette in Japan
- Business
cards are exchanged with great ceremony.
-
Invest in quality cards.
-
Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
-
Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
-
Make sure your business card includes your title.
- The
Japanese place emphasis on status and hierarchy.
-
Business cards are always received with two hands but can be given with
only one.
-
During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of
you in the order people are seated.
-
When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card
case or a portfolio.
Business
Card Etiquette in the UK
- Business
card etiquette is relaxed in the UK and involves little ceremony.
-
It is not considered bad etiquette to keep cards in a pocket.
-
Business cards should be kept clean and presentable.
-
Do not feel obliged to hand out a business card to everyone you meet
as it is not expected.
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