7 Rules for Proper Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are the staple of business success. You may be able to smooth talk your way through a crowd, give firm convincing handshakes and dress to the nines, but if you're unfamiliar with the etiquettes of giving and receiving business cards, you may be wasting your time and effort. So to avoid losing those potential leads and sales, here are 7 basic rules to follow to ensure a productive exchange of business cards.
1. Never leave your home or office without your cards.
Make sure you have plenty of them on hand. There is nothing more unprofessional or uncomfortable than someone asking for a business card that you can't provide.
2. Know where your business cards are at all times.
And be able to locate them quickly. If you have to search through every jacket and pants pocket or every nook and cranny of a briefcase to find a business card you lose credibility immediately.
3. Invest in a business card case.
This will keep your cards protected from wear and tear. Handing out a crumpled business card makes a poor first impression and can make it seem as though you're not organized.
4. Avoid appearing aggressive with business cards.
Wait to be asked for yours. If that isn’t happening, ask the other person for a card. Reciprocity generally follows. And be sure to hand them out with discretion. Handing out stacks of your cards not only sends a message that your cards aren't worth much, but can come across as desperate.
5. Give the card so it can be seen.
The person who is receiving it should be able read it without having to turn it around. Always make a comment about a card when you receive it. Note the logo, the business name or some other piece of information. This places value on the card. And hand your card to the reciprocant with your right hand. This can make a difference when doing business internationally.
6. Don’t write notes to yourself on someone else’s business card.
You may want a reminder as to why you requested someone's card, but don't jot down notes during the exchange unless they appear relevant. For example, if someone asks me to send information about a service or product, it makes perfect sense to write “Send email about services” on the back of that card. However, that would not be the time to write “good lead for...” on the card. Do that at a later time when you're out of sight.
7. Keep your business cards up to date.
When any of your contact information changes, you NEED to get new cards printed. It is substandard business etiquette to hand out cards on which you have crossed off an old phone number and written in the new one.
By following these 7 rules for proper business card etiquette, you'll have a better experience in building relations with potential clients and getting return business. For more great ideas on building your business marketing and branding, visit our website or contact Lake Printing today. We don't just create impressionable business cards, we create print marketing at the Lake of the Ozarks for all of your businesses needs. From business cards to mailings to promotional products, we're the best print marketing company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we want to help you succeed!
1. Never leave your home or office without your cards.
Make sure you have plenty of them on hand. There is nothing more unprofessional or uncomfortable than someone asking for a business card that you can't provide.
2. Know where your business cards are at all times.
And be able to locate them quickly. If you have to search through every jacket and pants pocket or every nook and cranny of a briefcase to find a business card you lose credibility immediately.
3. Invest in a business card case.
This will keep your cards protected from wear and tear. Handing out a crumpled business card makes a poor first impression and can make it seem as though you're not organized.
4. Avoid appearing aggressive with business cards.
Wait to be asked for yours. If that isn’t happening, ask the other person for a card. Reciprocity generally follows. And be sure to hand them out with discretion. Handing out stacks of your cards not only sends a message that your cards aren't worth much, but can come across as desperate.
5. Give the card so it can be seen.
The person who is receiving it should be able read it without having to turn it around. Always make a comment about a card when you receive it. Note the logo, the business name or some other piece of information. This places value on the card. And hand your card to the reciprocant with your right hand. This can make a difference when doing business internationally.
6. Don’t write notes to yourself on someone else’s business card.
You may want a reminder as to why you requested someone's card, but don't jot down notes during the exchange unless they appear relevant. For example, if someone asks me to send information about a service or product, it makes perfect sense to write “Send email about services” on the back of that card. However, that would not be the time to write “good lead for...” on the card. Do that at a later time when you're out of sight.7. Keep your business cards up to date.
When any of your contact information changes, you NEED to get new cards printed. It is substandard business etiquette to hand out cards on which you have crossed off an old phone number and written in the new one.
By following these 7 rules for proper business card etiquette, you'll have a better experience in building relations with potential clients and getting return business. For more great ideas on building your business marketing and branding, visit our website or contact Lake Printing today. We don't just create impressionable business cards, we create print marketing at the Lake of the Ozarks for all of your businesses needs. From business cards to mailings to promotional products, we're the best print marketing company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we want to help you succeed!
You Can Trust Lake Printing for Your Large & Small Print Needs
You Can Trust Lake Printing for Your Large & Small Print Needs
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