Business Card Etiquette in Asia
If you are going to be doing business in Asia soon, or are entering into negotiations with a colleague of Asian descent, being aware of business etiquette in this part of the world is essential. Business cards are treated with special care and respect in Asia, and being familiar with the way the cards are presented will help you to make a positive first impression on your potential business partners.
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Giving and Receiving Business Cards
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In Asia, colleagues give business cards to one another with both hands. This is viewed as a sign of respect, as business cards are seen as very valuable. It is also appropriate to bow in greeting, or to shake hands lightly with Asian professionals during the beginning of the meeting, which is often when business cards are exchanged.
When to Present Cards
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When doing business with Japanese professionals, it is not necessary to wait for a business person to ask for a business card. However, it is more polite in China to offer a business card before asking for one. In Japan, the business meeting will not start until all business cards have been presented. Business people in Korea prefer that the international professional present his or her card first. It is appropriate to nod one's head to acknowledge receipt of the card and to express thanks.
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Business Card Information
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The business card should contain all necessary contact information for the professional, including the business person's direct line, company phone number and URL, and employee email address. It is also appropriate for international business people to translate one side of the business card into Korean, Japanese or Chinese, depending on the country where the negotiations are conducted, or the nationality of the Asian professionals present.
Order of Presentation
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In a business meeting in Japan, the individual with the highest professional rank is presented with a card first. After this, other professionals can be presented with business cards, in order of their position in the company. After presenting the card to the CEO or highest ranking professional in the meeting, it is appropriate to bow and state your name, so that the business person can repeat it. This is also recommended when giving a business card to an Asian professional during a one-on-one meeting.
After Receiving the Card
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In the People's Republic of China, it is considered rude to put a business card away immediately after receiving it. Proper etiquette suggests quickly scanning through the card to become familiar with the professional's name and job title. However, in Korea, staring at the business card for too long is considered inconsiderate and a sign of ignorance. Once the card is received, it should be placed in a folder or organizer that will keep the card intact. Business cards should not be written on or folded.
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References
- Photo Credit business man hand show visiting card image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
