Business Card Etiquette

I often ask clients and people I meet to share their opinions and ideas about a wide rage of topics and would like you to share your opinions, ideas and tips on business card etiquette.

I once met a local Congressman at a campaign rally who took my business card and began crumpling it up in his hand while speaking to the group who surrounded him to hear his words of wisdom. While I knew his action was only a manifestation of nervousness, I was still rather perturbed that he treated my card that way. I also know that he kept the card, because weeks later I received a rather impersonal letter requesting a donation for his re-election campaign even though I lived far from his district.

That experience set me on a quest to improve my own etiquette when it came to the age-old prospecting ritual of trading business cards and I am looking for the things that help make each of us successful when meeting new people, etc. Here is a list of suggestions that I developed so far and would be pleased to add your tips as well:


For your business cards…

• Don’t hand out your business card to everyone you know, as if you are spreading the wonder of who you are. First see if people need or want your card. Handing out your cards like chewing gum makes you seem like a cheap salesperson – not the image you want to project.

• Make sure your business cards are clean and in good condition. They are a part of your business image. A business card that is dirty, or curled at the edges leaves a poor first impression. Use a business card case to keep your cards clean and fresh.

• Don’t leave home without your cards. You shouldn’t give your cards to everyone you see, but have them ready when you need them.

• When your cards are damaged or out of date, print new ones. If you start crossing out information on a card and write new information on top of it, it makes it difficult to read and looks messy. Business cards are part of your image. Make sure yours are well designed and up to date.

For others’ business cards…

• When you receive a card, take a moment to look at it. Make a positive comment about some aspect of the card: the logo, the company name, or business location. This shows respect for the other person, and demonstrates your interest in them. As well, this is an excellent way for you to find out more about them, such as their job title. It also helps you remember their name, or reminds you of their name in case you forgot – a very common occurrence.

• After you’ve looked at the card, place it carefully in a card case, or in a front pocket – not a back pocket. Treat the card with respect.

• Be careful about writing on people’s cards. Now, this goes against convention with most networking books and articles. But in many cultures, specifically with people from Asia, a business card is an important part of their persona, and should be treated with respect. Other people spend time and money designing a professional card and may not appreciate your writing across it. If you need to record information, write on the back not the front. Ask first, “Do you mind if I write on your card?”

• If someone hands you a card that you don’t want, don’t refuse to take it. Accept it, look at it, and put it in a pocket. Throw it out later.

I hope this information is helpful and please do share your suggestions as well. I will include them in future blogs and newsletters.

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