How to Exchange Business Cards Like a Gentleman
Career success is a combination of many factors: qualifications, experience, soft skills, a little bit of luck and a lot of networking. It’s important to put yourself out there and business cards are one of the tools you can use. They’re presented during an introduction with the purpose of subsequently acting as an aide-mémoire for both sides.
Knowing how to exchange business cards is a manifestation of your professionalism and speaks louder than words as to how you view yourself and others. So, apart from a great suit and a winner attitude, here’s what else you need to observe when you hand out your card.
8 rules you need to know about business card etiquette
1. Have some
Let’ start with the basics. Always carry a few business cards with you, because you never know who life might throw your way, and stock up before attending conferences or networking events. No one wants to present their business card only to hear that you forgot yours or ran out.
2. How do I look?
Your business cards need to project class and professionalism. Invest in quality and think about layout and branding. Once your order arrives, keep your cards clean and safe from crumbling. Never hand out worn or dirty cards. If your details change, print new ones because it’s extremely sloppy to amend them by hand.
3. There’s a time and place for everything
Handing out your business card isn’t an aggressive sales pitch. Wait for the right moment, e.g. when the conversation turns from general introductions to business. Always ask for the other person’s card before handing out yours and never give out your card during a meal.
4. Presentation skills
Keep your business cards within reach to avoid trawling for them when the time comes. Your suit jacket’s inside pocket is a perfect spot for them. When you’re ready, hand out your card face up and only touch the top corners so as not to cover your details.
5. Receive with grace
When a card is presented to you, accept it with politeness and respect. Spend a few seconds reading it and try to come up with a positive comment, either about the card or the company the person represents.
6. When in Rome
If you’re conducting international business, it’s important to know that in some countries, such as Japan and China, the exchange of business cards is somewhat ritualistic and clearly more formal. Research local etiquette and observe what others do.
7. In bulk
Never, and we mean NEVER, give more than one business card to a person or ask them to pass your business card on. This would suggest the recipient isn’t the acquaintance you were hoping for and you just see them as a stepping stone to someone else. You’re welcome however to indicate you’re hoping for an introduction to someone else.
8. Follow up
In a networking event, you’re bound to meet a large number of new contacts. It can be difficult to remember what was discussed but don’t scribble away on people’s business cards, especially in their presence. You can make a note when they’re out of sight, if you must, but create a system, e.g. database, of contacts and where they work.
Never forget that exchanging business cards is not an end in itself. Your aim is to build a professional network where your skills are acknowledged and respected so follow up with all the interesting people you meet, either on LinkedIn or via email. In fact, you may want to first read our Email Etiquette Rules For the Modern Gentleman to start on the right foot. And, if you’re looking for the perfect suit for a conference or professional event, check out our collection of limited edition business suits.
