The Basics in Business Card Etiquette

One thing you should not do with your business cards is to leave them sitting in the box that they came in when they are already delivered in your door. The objective of having them printed is to hand them out as soon as possible. 

In fact, the faster you send them out, the better. Notwithstanding the fact if they were printed by an online business card printing company or a traditional one. 

Here are ideas on how you can get other people to see them: 

1- Keep them nearby. Whether you put them in your pocket, your bag, your briefcase, and wallet or even on your desk, the purpose of the exercise is to keep them near you that every time there is an opportunity for you to network, you will be able to hand one out. Remember that every place and every person is a chance for you to introduce yourself, so never leave home without them. 

2- Present a stylish and professional card. Always keep your cards in holders that would not be able to bend them. When you hand them out, it would be to your benefit if you do not give garbled and bent ones just because you were not in the right mind to buy a good holder. In addition, if you have your contact information change, be sure to have new ones printed right away. 

3- Place them where they can be seen always. Think bulletin boards, church announcement boards, supermarket panels, in your shop, in the restaurant, in other people’s stores – the idea is to have your target clients to get as many of your business cards as possible. 

4- Include them in all the bills and letters you have to send out. You will never know who will open your envelope. It would be another opportunity for you to network yourself and your business. 

5- Use the back of your cards to jot down notes. Do not put your ideas on table napkins or scraps of paper. Writing down notes about the person you are talking to makes them feel important, hence, providing them a reason to keep it. 

6- Give your target audience a reason to keep what you handed out. Put a discount, print a coupon, or write a calendar of activities at the back part. 

One business etiquette that you have to remember though is to never force your cards to anyone. Make sure that you do it appropriately. Present them when the time is right and be sure to ask for their business cards as well when you are networking or meeting prospects.