Wrong. A business card is a representation of the person from whom it came. Consider your own card. You took time, care, and spent your hard earned dollars having your own, one-of-a-kind business card designed and printed. Maybe you even invested in a unique company logo, and included that on your card. You feel proud of your card and want people to notice it, and remember you.
The same goes for others who carry business cards on them. Some good business card rules to follow:
1. Card first, then chat.
If you know ahead of time that you'll be swapping business cards, then it’s often a good idea to get it out of the way first thing. This way, not only is the exchange taken care of and you don’t have to worry about it later, but you can make a mental note of the person's name with whom you're speaking, and their company name as well.
2. Look at the card before you put it away.
When someone passes you their business card, thank them and acknowledge that you've been handed a gift of sorts. You may feel nervous and want to slip the card into your pocket right away so that you can rush right into the conversation. However, the person with whom you're about to speak will be much more impressed if you take a moment to observe and comment on their business card.
3. Tell them you'll be in touch (and not the other way around).
Sometimes there can be a little confusion over who will be doing the contacting. Did Joe say he'd call you...or were you going to email him instead? To avoid this problem, always take the initiative. Once you're handed the business card, tell them, "I'll give you a call before the week is over." Or, if you have no real reason to speak to the person immediately, say that you'll be following up with an email at some point and then do that.
4. Do your cross-cultural business card etiquette homework!
If you plan to attend a networking event that takes place in another country, then brush up on your international business card etiquette. For example, did you know that in Japan it's proper to accept a business card with both hands? And if you're doing business in China, you should have your information translated into the dialect of the Chinese locale where you'll be visiting and printed on the back of your business card.
When you are handed someone's business card, whether it is during a career networking event, a meeting of chance, or any type of work conference, give that little paper card its due respect. The person on the receiving end will notice and remember the extra attention you gave them. A little respect and attention go a long way toward your future success.
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