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July 1, 2009 By 6 Comments

Don’t Throw Your Business Card

I had a meeting with someone today and was turned off by a behavior that I sometimes see from people as they are networking. We had chatted for a few minutes and the conversation was progressing normally. When we got to the part where we exchange business cards, he pulled out his card and casually tossed it across the table to me. It was very dismissive and it gave me an unfavorable impression of him and his business. I thought to myself, “wow… he doesn’t think much of his business.”

In Japan, where improper business card etiquette can kill a business deal, they show respect for the process of exchanging business cards and take great care to give this ceremony the attention is deserves. I often wish we were quicker to show that kind of respect in this country.

Whether you think about it or not, how you treat your business card says a lot to other people. Your business card is part of your brand. At the same time, similar respect should be shown to the other person’s business card.

Take a cue from the Japanese and think about this next time you exchange business cards. How you treat it reflects how you represent your business. Don’t throw it.

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  • http://www.thera-ssage.com Laura Allen

    SO TRUE! And even worse are the people who don’t even carry them. I am always appalled at networking events when people say, “Oh, I forgot to bring my cards.” It’s a networking event! What ARE they thinking! I advise massage therapists, if you are the forgetful type, to open your closet and put a few cards in the pocket of every coat and jacket you own. Use some other event as a trigger to fill up your card case, such as every week, when you water your plants, fill up your card case. If you’re the type that switches purses frequently, take a bunch of cards home and put some in every purse. There is no excuse for being caught without your cards.

  • http://www.bsu.edu/careers Lorri Markum

    I couldn’t agree more, Michael. I too have been negatively effected by those that toss, throw or nonchalantly engage in exchanging business cards. It absolutely gives the receiver the impression that #1 – you [recipient] are not important and are wasting the other person’s time or #2 – the ‘giver’ of the card doesn’t hold much integrity or value in his or her business, as you mentioned.

    Thank you for posting this message. Hopefully those who offend the etiquette will take note.

  • Jenn Baron

    I agree that we need to be mindful of how we present ourselves and our businesses to others including how we hand things to others. I also agree with Laura in that you need to take time to be prepared with cards. You can miss out on opportunities and look unprepared if you’re without cards. A bit of mindfulness and planning makes all the difference.

  • http://www.cumberlandmuscletherapy.com Toni Roberts

    Michael, you mentioned a protocol the Japanese use to exchange business cards. Could you elaborate on that?

  • Michael Reynolds

    Toni,

    Sure! Click on the link in the blog post and it will lead you here:

    http://boingboing.net/2009/02/19/business-card-etique.html

    You will see a short video with examples :)

    Thanks!

  • http://www.buy-direct-mailing-lists.com david_bdml

    I have to admit, I have done this multiple times. I have thrown my business card with a spin also, sort of like playing cards. I have even slide my card across a long desk. I do have a nice touch, because of my finger flip and the card was presented in the proper direction.

    I have never noticed or realized the message I was portraying. I believe in my business and what we do for our clients. It is my passion, but I guess I have been looking like a Jackass.

    I can honestly say, thanks for the post.

    Live and Learn…Thanks again Michael.