THE BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Everyday, one will encounter two people who are exchanging business cards. Then, one will immediately assume that these two people are businessmen. But business cards are not limited to businesspeople only. Any professional must have a business card. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven society, business cards are an important tool for keeping in touch. A nurse, a doctor, a teacher, and even a writer, must carry several business cards in his or her wallet.

Receiving and giving business cards, however, does not mean shoving the business card immediately inside the wallet or shoving one’s business cards in front of the other person 's nose. There are norms or rules of behavior that are being observed in receiving and giving business cards.

When one receives a business card, the first action should be to take a good look at the given business card. This action should last for several seconds, and not a fraction of a second. When one looks at the business card, he should show sincere interest by making a comment regarding the information found in it. The address may be a place which is familiar or the logo is especially unique. The surname may be similar to someone else, and they may be related. Most important of all, one should ask a question or two regarding the business advertised on the card. Once the owner of the business card has left, you should write on the back card some notes that will be used in the future.

The best time to ask for a referral is when you are handing over a business card. Your approach can be like this, "perhaps you know someone who will be interested in my business… ". Presented this way, the business card will be readily accepted by people, even by complete strangers. This is because many people have a need to help others. And passing on business cards to someone they know is considered helping. Of course, it will help if one gives two business cards, one to be kept and the other to be given away.

Dog-eared, watermarked, discolored, or slightly damaged business cards should not be given to anyone. One must only give out the best looking business cards. After all, the business card represents a whole company or a whole lifetime of dedication and work. Besides, a dog-eared business card gives the impression of being sloppy.

If you are asked for a business card but do not have one available, you should write the needed information on a clean sheet of paper. You should never borrow the other person’s business card and write your contact information. Such is regarded as discourteous.

To avoid being caught without a business card, you should be carrying several of them in your wallet.