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Asian Business Etiquette: Exchanging Business Cards - P1
By Angi Ma Wong

Before you reach for your business card, take a few minute to envision it in your mind. Has it been professionally typeset and printed on a handsome card stock? Are your company's name, address, and telephone number current? Is your name and title clear? Are the telephone, fax numbers and e-mail address adequately separated so that someone reading either in a hurry doesn't accidentally dial the wrong one?

Gentlemen and ladies, imagine taking your business card out of your billfold or purse. Contained inside are your many personal items such as credit cards, photographs, driver's license, paycheck stubs, and for men, trouser lint, etc. Those personal effects are exposed for all to see if you keep your cards in your wallet. Moreover, men, you sit on your wallet, thereby ironing your cards to confirm to your rear end! I suggest that you keep them in the inside pocket of your suit or blazer which is usually hung up at the office until you need to wear it. Women, carry them in your blazer's pocket or within easy reach so you don't start awkwardly digging around the bottom of your purse.

Better still, invest in one of the many attractive metal (non-crushable) card holders, available at stationary stores to keep your business cards crisp and clean at all times.

When asked for your card, bring your card out from its storage place (pocket or holder). Glance down at the card and make sure of two things: 1) it is YOUR card (most of us store collected cards together with our own) and 2) that the printing is facing the recipient.

Present your card with dignity, holding the top right corner with your thumb and index finger of your right hand. Better yet, present it holding the upper two corners while giving a slight bow. If someone gives you his card with one or two hands, show how respectful you are by receiving it with TWO hands, taking it with your thumbs on the bottom corners.

While we treat our business cards casually, even flippantly, most Asian business people do not, especially the Japanese who make much ceremony of the exchange of meishi. A business card represents the person whose name appears on it and therefore must be treated with the same respect as you would the person. Do not flip it over and start writing notes on the back. To do so is a serious affront. Even though you are exchanging cards over a Chinese banquet table, do so seriously.

Next: Exchanging Business Cards - Part 2

1. Bowing
2. What If Someone Bows To You First?
3. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 1)
4. Exchanging Business Cards (Part 2)
5. Shaking Hands:- "The Grip" (Part 1)
6. Shaking Hands: "The Dead Fish" (Part 2)
7. Shaking Hands: "The Non-Handshake" (Part 3)
8. "Silence is Golden"