Business card presentaion - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Powderedmaggot · 02-14-2005, 08:42 PM

I recently spent a weekend looking for a used car. I went to about 15 stealerships and used car lots and ended up with a pile of cards. But one salesman stands out in my memory strictly because of his business card presentation. Most salesmen/women just handed me thier cards without much attention to how they did it but one guy "presented" his card to me. He handed it to me held by both hands with his index fingers and thumbs touching the card just enough to hold the card. He held it out squarely in front of himself with the face showing so that when I took it from him I could not miss seing his name. It was done with some thought to what he was doing which made it stand out from all the rest. I got thinking on my way home in the car I didn't buy from him (he didn't have what I wanted) that I'm going to "present" my cards from now on.

How do you distribute your cards when you meet someone?

ironmaiden7o7 · 02-14-2005, 09:18 PM

Hmm, I never really presented my cards to anyone. At work, I usually have a pile that people takes from when they come to see me. There were maybe 4 or 5 times where I actually placed them in another person's hands but that was a while ago and not much thoughts were put into it. Plus, I'm a pharmacist, I don't need to have a fancy way to present my business cards. :-p For a sales person, their job depends on their appeal and their presentation. They need to make an impression, so taking the time out to stand out while handing someone a card would have to be close to perfection. Hmm, I shall pay more attention from now on, I never really noticed the ways people would present their cards. :-)

Cynthetiq · 02-14-2005, 09:21 PM

Asian culture has lots of this type of action which I learned when living in Singapore.

one presnets the card, the receiver should also no just tuck it away but pause and read it at that moment.

I always hand my card to someone casually in casual atmospheres, but when I'm in business mode... it's always presented, and anyone who hands me one, I pause and read it right then and there. Sometimes, I'll even comment on the card itself from job title, card stock, color, font, etc.

Halx · 02-14-2005, 09:23 PM

Yes, was the guy asian?

I think the very fact that you're pointing it out to us highlights something we can all learn from if we want to be more successful at presenting ourselves and getting people to receive us.

Powderedmaggot · 02-14-2005, 09:43 PM

He wasn't asian. I'm pretty bad with determining where someone's ansestral origins are from thier appearance. I'd say he was from Canada but his parents came from the middle east or Africa or Europe.... (fuct if I know).

I have noticed Japanese present thier cards often with a little bow when both presenting and recieving. I spent a couple months in China working and never noticed much ceremony in the presentation of cards. I did howver notice a voracious appetite for foriegn business cards. I took a box of 200 on a cowerkers suggestion and arrived home with one, the one in my luggage tag.

Dyze · 02-14-2005, 11:45 PM

I also heard about that Asian presenting thing. I guess I even saw a picture of how it follows some rules. I like it and as you said, this dealer stood out from the masses.

d*d · 02-15-2005, 01:29 AM

I present mine ninja star style aimed at the forehead, trust me my card is one they remember

Cynthetiq · 02-15-2005, 07:09 AM

I just found this article:

Quote:

Business Card Etiquette
Link
When doing business in an Islamic country -- and many parts of Africa and Asia -- you should always offer a business card with your right hand: The left is considered unclean.
That's just one of the many rules of handling business cards around the world. When traveling, take time to study the proper etiquette of business cards, lest you are considered a boorish American.

Business cards play a very important role in trade. They serve as a means of introduction and as a way to ensure that your acquaintance can at a glance glean -- and later refer to -- your professional details. Given the fact that most companies spend a great deal of time and money designing their business cards, it makes sense to treat them as an effective business tool.

Take your time while handing your card to people. It is impossible to convey respect if you simply toss your card at someone -- you will come across as being brash and rude. In many countries, it is considered an insult for a guest to be the first to proffer a business card.

If at all possible, have your card translated into the local language. One side of the card should be in English and the opposite side in the local language. This conveys that you are considerate, polite and most importantly, that you are aware of -- and sensitive to -- the nuances of conducting business internationally.

In Japan, presenting a card with two hands conveys respect. When using both hands, hold your card by the two upper corners.

Make sure you are carrying more cards than you will need. In some countries, you will need two for each one-to-one visit, as it is customary for the secretary to keep one card. Ideally, you should carry your business cards in a small, discreet case. If you don't have a card case with you, put your cards in a front or side pocket.

When you receive a business card from someone else, pause and take time to read it. Use the opportunity to repeat the person's name out loud, especially if it is in a language you're not familiar with -- you will be corrected if your pronunciation is off the mark.

While it is acceptable for you to write on your own card, never write on someone else's business card -- it shows a lack of respect for the owner of the card.

and

Quote:

Business Card Etiquette
By: Neil Payne
LINK

When doing business abroad it is important to understand the local culture. Culture includes areas such as a country's norms, values, behaviours, food, architecture, fashion and art. However, one area of culture that is important for the international business person is etiquette.

Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do and say in the right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.

One aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is the exchanging of business cards.

Unlike in North America or Europe where the business card has little meaning other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details, in other parts of the world the business card has very different meanings.

For example, in Japan the business card is viewed as a representation of the owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats the business card with respect and honour.

Below we have provided you with a few examples of international business card exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.

General Business Card Etiquette Tips

Business cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply.

Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous consequences.

When travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into the appropriate language.

Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the end of an initial meeting.

Good business etiquette requires you present the card so the recipient's language is face up.

Make a point of studying any business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.

Business Card Etiquette in China
Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour.

Ensure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect, i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin.

Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be highlighted on your card.

Hold the card in both hands when offering it.

Never write on someone's card unless so directed.

Business Card Etiquette in India
If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.

Always use the right hand to give and receive business cards.

Business cards need not be translated into Hindi as English is widely spoken within the business community.

Business Card Etiquette in Japan

Business cards are exchanged with great ceremony.

Invest in quality cards.

Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.

Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.

Make sure your business card includes your title. The Japanese place emphasis on status and hierarchy.

Business cards are always received with two hands but can be given with only one.

During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.

When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.

Business Card Etiquette in the UK

Business card etiquette is relaxed in the UK and involves little ceremony.

It is not considered bad etiquette to keep cards in a pocket.

Business cards should be kept clean and presentable.

Do not feel obliged to hand out a business card to everyone you meet as it is not expected

Charlatan · 02-15-2005, 07:39 AM

I deal with Asians all the time... and can attest to Cynthetiq's notes above.

My Japanese clients almost as a rule are very formal with their cards, as are many of my Chinese clients.

NEVER take a card and put it in your wallet and then put your wallet back in your pants pocket. The best place to put it in a case in your inside jacket pocket (next to your heart) or in your portfolio... and don't write on the card or staple it to something... (until they are out of sight anyway).

I had never read that it is good from to put the card on the table in order of the way people sit... I just do this because I am bad with names and it allows me to reference their names as the meeting progresses.

Bill O'Rights · 02-15-2005, 08:51 AM

Damn. Who knew? Mine just sit in a little holder, on my desk. People, prospective vendors mostly, just take them as they need/want them. No ceremony involved.

Janey · 02-15-2005, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironmaiden7o7

Plus, I'm a pharmacist, I don't need to have a fancy way to present my business cards. :-p :-)

How is pharmacy as a career? is it interesting/lucrative? are you your own business person?

Powderedmaggot · 02-15-2005, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

I had never read that it is good from to put the card on the table in order of the way people sit... I just do this because I am bad with names and it allows me to reference their names as the meeting progresses.

I do that too for the same reason.

clavus · 02-15-2005, 09:03 AM

I usually shout over the sound of machinery, "HERE'S MY CARD" as I pull out my card-case. This inspires everybody to dig into their pockets and produce cards of their own. I put their cards into my case. They put my card wherever. Usually at least one card has oil and/or ink on it, so my card case keeps the mess contained.

02-14-2005, 08:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
Powderedmaggot Banned	Business card presentaion I recently spent a weekend looking for a used car. I went to about 15 stealerships and used car lots and ended up with a pile of cards. But one salesman stands out in my memory strictly because of his business card presentation. Most salesmen/women just handed me thier cards without much attention to how they did it but one guy "presented" his card to me. He handed it to me held by both hands with his index fingers and thumbs touching the card just enough to hold the card. He held it out squarely in front of himself with the face showing so that when I took it from him I could not miss seing his name. It was done with some thought to what he was doing which made it stand out from all the rest. I got thinking on my way home in the car I didn't buy from him (he didn't have what I wanted) that I'm going to "present" my cards from now on. How do you distribute your cards when you meet someone?

02-14-2005, 09:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Asian culture has lots of this type of action which I learned when living in Singapore. one presnets the card, the receiver should also no just tuck it away but pause and read it at that moment. I always hand my card to someone casually in casual atmospheres, but when I'm in business mode... it's always presented, and anyone who hands me one, I pause and read it right then and there. Sometimes, I'll even comment on the card itself from job title, card stock, color, font, etc. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

02-14-2005, 09:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Yes, was the guy asian? I think the very fact that you're pointing it out to us highlights something we can all learn from if we want to be more successful at presenting ourselves and getting people to receive us. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

02-14-2005, 11:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dyze Crazy	I also heard about that Asian presenting thing. I guess I even saw a picture of how it follows some rules. I like it and as you said, this dealer stood out from the masses. __________________ Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.

02-15-2005, 07:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I deal with Asians all the time... and can attest to Cynthetiq's notes above. My Japanese clients almost as a rule are very formal with their cards, as are many of my Chinese clients. NEVER take a card and put it in your wallet and then put your wallet back in your pants pocket. The best place to put it in a case in your inside jacket pocket (next to your heart) or in your portfolio... and don't write on the card or staple it to something... (until they are out of sight anyway). I had never read that it is good from to put the card on the table in order of the way people sit... I just do this because I am bad with names and it allows me to reference their names as the meeting progresses. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

02-14-2005, 09:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
ironmaiden7o7 Insane Location: NYC	Hmm, I never really presented my cards to anyone. At work, I usually have a pile that people takes from when they come to see me. There were maybe 4 or 5 times where I actually placed them in another person's hands but that was a while ago and not much thoughts were put into it. Plus, I'm a pharmacist, I don't need to have a fancy way to present my business cards. :-p For a sales person, their job depends on their appeal and their presentation. They need to make an impression, so taking the time out to stand out while handing someone a card would have to be close to perfection. Hmm, I shall pay more attention from now on, I never really noticed the ways people would present their cards. :-)

02-14-2005, 09:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Powderedmaggot Banned	He wasn't asian. I'm pretty bad with determining where someone's ansestral origins are from thier appearance. I'd say he was from Canada but his parents came from the middle east or Africa or Europe.... (fuct if I know). I have noticed Japanese present thier cards often with a little bow when both presenting and recieving. I spent a couple months in China working and never noticed much ceremony in the presentation of cards. I did howver notice a voracious appetite for foriegn business cards. I took a box of 200 on a cowerkers suggestion and arrived home with one, the one in my luggage tag.

02-15-2005, 01:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
d*d Addict	I present mine ninja star style aimed at the forehead, trust me my card is one they remember

02-15-2005, 08:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	Damn. Who knew? Mine just sit in a little holder, on my desk. People, prospective vendors mostly, just take them as they need/want them. No ceremony involved. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

02-15-2005, 09:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	I usually shout over the sound of machinery, "HERE'S MY CARD" as I pull out my card-case. This inspires everybody to dig into their pockets and produce cards of their own. I put their cards into my case. They put my card wherever. Usually at least one card has oil and/or ink on it, so my card case keeps the mess contained. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.