How to Handle Business Cards

If you're doing business, you should have a business card to tell others who you are and to remind them of the services you provide. Learn to properly handle business cards and you'll make a good impression on potential clients.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Giving a Business Card

1. Keep your cards in a special card holder so that they are readily available to give to people.

2. Hand a business card personally to each person at the meeting, rather than scooting or flipping it across a table. If dealing with clients from Asia, hold the card in both hands to present it properly.

3. Acknowledge the person verbally to indicate you are giving him the card.

Receiving a Business Card

4. Take the card carefully in your hand and look at it to show interest in the person who gave it to you, but do not stare at it too long. This can be considered rude in some countries of the Orient.

5. Make a comment about the person or business that you have gleaned from his card. This small talk is a good way to start a conversation and is important in the business setting.

6. Deal with the card properly after you have received it. Put it in a special card holder rather than sticking it in your wallet or pocket. In some cultures, the business card is like a person's face, and putting the card in your wallet and sitting on it is impolite.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not draw or write on a business card. This is considered impolite in some cultures, because it is like writing on the face.