Business Card Etiquette

If you always find yourself without a business card, you're probably losing money; or at least the chance of making money. Your business card, more than any other marketing collateral, is what your contacts rely upon to remind them why they should do business with you.

Being asked for a business card is a compliment. Not having one with you at that critical moment is subtly offensive. It puts both you and the person requesting the card in an embarrassing situation. Additionally it nonverbally tells your potential client that you're not quite the business person they thought. You're not really serious about your business, or too careless and forgetful to be entrusted with theirs.

Here are a few simple business card rules to keep in mind:

• Do not force your card on those who have not asked
  
  You should wait for the opportunity to come up without prompting. Those that are interested will specifically ask. Do not mistake the salutary or polite question about what you do as a good opportunity; the card will probably be thrown away if the recipient lacks genuine interest when receiving it.
  
  
• When receiving cards, treat them with respect
  
  Act as though you have received a gift. Upon accepting a card, you have the opportunity to repeat the name and be corrected on pronunciation. Address any query that the card itself may bring to mind and comment on the design if practical. The idea is to show interest in any contact's card, which in turn will make them more likely to be interested in yours.
  
  
• Look after your business cards
  
  Make sure they are clean and crisp with no frayed edges or pen marks. The best method of keeping your cards in neat form is a business card case.
  
  
• Make sure your contact details are up-to-date
  
  It is not worth saving a few dollars to hand out wrinkled, stained, or torn cards. Likewise if any of your information has changed: Business cards with words scratched out gives the impression of disorganisation.
  
  
• Draft and practice a business card presentation
  
  Unless you're comfortable and confident when handing out your card, chances are you won't feel compelled to do it. More importantly the words and actions that accompany your business card can really cement a positive first impression.
  
  
• Don’t write on them
  
  While it is acceptable for you to write on your own card, never write on someone else's business card - it shows a lack of respect for the owner of the card.

If you haven't ordered your business cards within the past two years, there's a good chance that your contact information is out of date by now.

Blog