- One must use every opportunity to make connections and leave a lasting impression; however, not all situations call for presenting a business card.
- There are appropriate times and inappropriate times to give a business card. As soon as you have social or business means for obtaining and distributing business cards, design and order some. For tips on design and ordering of business cards, use http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com for help. Never forget to bring business cards while at work or social setting in which you may need to give someone your information. Keep some in your wallet, purse and at your desk. Invest in a business card case to keep yours together. Also, update your cards every two years.
- In the United States, a business associate may generally extend his or her business card during introductions. If the conversation moves past a time to give out a business card, then offer the card at the end of the conversation when parties disperse.
- For extending business cards to individuals or companies from the various following countries, follow the following protocols:
- Canada: Print your information in English on one side and in French on the other side, as parts of Canada speak French.
- Mexico: Use a title for yourself because Mexicans love using titles to address each other. Use wordreference.com for finding the right word for your position. Here are a few common positions: Doctor is a physician or Ph.D. Profesor it the title for a teacher. Ingeniero is an engineer. Arquitecto is an architect. Abogado is a lawyer. If a title is not suitable, use Senora for Mrs., Senor for Mr. and Senorita for Ms.
- England: Follow the same protocol as with United States businessmen and women. Pay attention to Queen’s English which differs from America’s English. Use the Oxford English Dictionary in coordinance with dictionary.com. Both dictionaries should aid you in finding British words if you wish to use terms that are more fluent to a British man or woman’s eyes.
- France: Put your information in English on one side and French on the other side. Use Monsieur for Mrs., Madame for Mrs. and Mademoiselle for Miss or Ms. Also use wordreference.com to translate titles.
- Italy: There are two business cards for two areas of life. Have a business card with work-related information and a personal card with more personal contact information handy. Make them white with black print.
- Spain: When handing out your card with Spanish on one side and English on the other side, make the Spanish side face up.
- India: Like other foreign countries, put English one on side and the dialect of the recipient on the other side. Indo-Aryan is spoken by 70% of the population and Dravidian by 22% of the population. Use a translator or English-Indian dialect dictionary if you can get your hands on one for titles and business terms.
- Russia: As with the previous countries, have on side in English and one side in Russian. Use a Russian dictionary for translating titles and business terms.
- China: never write on a business card. Never keep it in your wallet or pocket. Have it in a card case in your pocket, purse, or messenger bag.
- Japan: Do not keep your business card in your wallet. It is rude to display money.
- Australia: Exchanging business cards is common, just as long as you do not give it when not asked for one.
- So be courteous by offering your information in the recipient’s language as well as English and be careful to not give cards when the others in the conversation are not interested. Also, always keep your business cards in a special case and not directly in your purse or pocket.
- Information obtained from http://www.greatfxbusinesscards.com/articles/keep-business-cards-handy.htm and http://www.cyborlink.com.
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