Business Card Etiquette

Always have business cards with you, put some in your:
● Business card holder
● Wallet
● Purse
● Briefcase
● Suit pocket
● Car
This way you will always have some with you when you need one. Your card is part of your professional image, be sure your cards are clean and uncrumpled.

Never start a conversation by offering your car, rather offer one after you have spent a few minutes in conversation. Your card is a chance to continue or further the connection and exchange contact information. You offer your card, something along the lines of “May I give you my card?” When handing over your card present it typeface up and facing the recipient so they can read it.
Typically the recipient will than give you their card. When you are given a business card:
● Take a minute and look at it
● Examine the person’s title and company
● Watch the presentation
● Offer an appropriate compliment bout the card or information on it
● Be careful how you put it away – show respect

Alternatively you can ask for someone’s card by saying something like “I’d like to follow up with you, do you have a card?”

At an event where you may be meeting a lot of people it is acceptable to write notes on the back of someone’s card to better remember them or to follow up. However, don’t write on the back of a card while that person is present!