Today I was thinking about the entire concept of business cards and I started to wonder if there was a certain “business card etiquette” around the world, or if it varied. Here’s what I found out:
Business cards originated as social cards or trading cards and eventually combined forces to create the modern day business card. Check this out to catch up on the history.
In the U.S. we use business cards as a point to showcase our title, position, ranking, etc. along with what we are affiliated with and basic contact information. We are proud of our business cards and we pass them out modestly so as not to seem too obsessed with ourselves. We even hesitate to ask others for their business cards depending on the social situation and may consider it a personal success to obtain specific cards, because it ultimately means that we are expanding our own network.
Things to know:
- In Japan, when receiving a business card, you put down whatever is in your hands and you take the card with both hands and bow to the giver to acknowledge receipt. Business cards display your ranking in society and from that initial interaction, the receiver can determine from your card on the formality or informality with which to greet you in the future.
- In some Latin American Countries, a person will bend the corner of his/her business card to signify that he/she has delivered the card to the recipient in person. Personal relationships are extremely important in Latin America and are a priority before proceeding with any business transaction.
- Unlike Japan, when receiving a business card in Korea, put it away immediately because it is considered rude to stare at a business card in front of the giver.
- In India, a golden rule is to always give and receive with your right hand. This applies to almost every situation (I’ll discuss this more in later posts). For now, this certainly applies to business cards.
I must say that when I get a business card, I usually toss it into my pocket, purse, wallet, etc. I usually don’t pay them much attention. I try to record the information I need as soon as possible and tend to lose the cards after that. It seems that in other societies that business cards hold a much larger meaning than a paper product with contact info.
The card signifies trust, respect, a relationship and more.