Use Business Cards Properly with These Tips

Business cards are effective promotional tools, but you’ll need to use them properly. Read on to learn how to do so.

Tip #1: Always Have Them on Hand

You must have your cards at all times: at work, during meetings, and even while travelling. Remember not to place them in your wallet—let a business card holder do that instead. Pulling out your wallet or purse during a business card trade (then subsequently digging through its contents) can look very unprofessional.

Tip #2: When Receiving, NEVER Put a Card Away Without Looking At It

If you’re ever on the receiving end, never put the card straight into a card holder, your wallet or your pocket as doing so shows a complete lack of interest in the person you’re networking with. What if the person gets put off by the gesture and he happens to be an integral figure? By the time you recognise your mistake, he’s already lost interest in doing business with you.

Tip #3: Ask for a Card under the Proper Circumstances

A business card is not something that can be given away without discretion. You can only ask for a business card if it’s related to business, nothing more. If you’re simply looking to get in contact with a person, just ask for their personal phone number. Lastly, never ask someone for a card in front of a group of people; always endeavour to do so in a private, one-on-one situation.