i firstly assumed that business cards around the world were just a standard size, but it seems this is not the case.
I found this article below
'Etiquette of Business Cards: How to Avoid Offending Your Hosts?
A business card is an inexpensive, internationally recognized means of representing yourself to business associates and of conveying contact information to them. The card serves as a method of introduction and often includes a simple statement or selling point about your business or service.'
'China
In China it is preferable to present your card before you ask for that of the other person. It is not impolite to present your card before you are asked to do so. Make sure that the translation of your card in simplified Chinese characters is in the appropriate dialect (Mandarin or Cantonese.)
If your business is distinguished by being the oldest or the largest (or some similar superlative) the card should convey that fact. As in Japan, the card should be presented with both hands, Chinese translation facing up, with the type toward the recipient so the card can be read. Bow and thank the person for the opportunity to meet with them. Examine the card and perhaps ask for a clarification of some point to convey interest. Never put a card away immediately and never write on a card you receive.'
In China it is preferable to present your card before you ask for that of the other person. It is not impolite to present your card before you are asked to do so. Make sure that the translation of your card in simplified Chinese characters is in the appropriate dialect (Mandarin or Cantonese.)
If your business is distinguished by being the oldest or the largest (or some similar superlative) the card should convey that fact. As in Japan, the card should be presented with both hands, Chinese translation facing up, with the type toward the recipient so the card can be read. Bow and thank the person for the opportunity to meet with them. Examine the card and perhaps ask for a clarification of some point to convey interest. Never put a card away immediately and never write on a card you receive.'
'Other Nations
Never make the mistake of believing that you understand the card etiquette in one country based on your experience in another. In Iran, for example, only senior-level individuals exchange business cards. In other Arabic nations, like Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, cards are given to everyone you meet. In Hungary, on the translated side, your surname should proceed your given name. In Spain and Turkey the business card should be presented to the receptionist upon arrival.'
Never make the mistake of believing that you understand the card etiquette in one country based on your experience in another. In Iran, for example, only senior-level individuals exchange business cards. In other Arabic nations, like Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, cards are given to everyone you meet. In Hungary, on the translated side, your surname should proceed your given name. In Spain and Turkey the business card should be presented to the receptionist upon arrival.'
'General International Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are internationally recognized as a means of introduction and information exchange but in many cultures they are also seen as a representation of the individual. The basic etiquette rule is to present your card in the best manner in which you would present yourself.
Always have a good supply of cards. You will be expected to present them to business contacts -- sometimes more than once in the interest of good manners. Do not carry your cards loose in your pockets or allow them to become soiled. Never write on your card or on any card you receive unless directed to do so. Invest in a small, discreet card case.'
'Translating Business Cards for International Use
It is considered courteous to provide a translation of the card information on the reverse side. Hire a professional translator or agency. Do not allow any embellishment of the basic information. Card recipients need to know who you are, what your title is, for what company you work, and how to contact you. Make sure your title is accurately conveyed. Transliterating titles has become increasingly acceptable in recent years but it is more important that the rendering of the title indicate your position in the company hierarchy.
Do not translate the address and make sure that numbers are arranged in the order appropriate for the country in which you will be traveling. Also make sure the correct dialect is used and that any cultural nuances are observed. For instance, foreign translations of business cards for use in China are often printed with gold ink, which is considered auspicious.'
Business cards are internationally recognized as a means of introduction and information exchange but in many cultures they are also seen as a representation of the individual. The basic etiquette rule is to present your card in the best manner in which you would present yourself.
Always have a good supply of cards. You will be expected to present them to business contacts -- sometimes more than once in the interest of good manners. Do not carry your cards loose in your pockets or allow them to become soiled. Never write on your card or on any card you receive unless directed to do so. Invest in a small, discreet card case.'
'Translating Business Cards for International Use
It is considered courteous to provide a translation of the card information on the reverse side. Hire a professional translator or agency. Do not allow any embellishment of the basic information. Card recipients need to know who you are, what your title is, for what company you work, and how to contact you. Make sure your title is accurately conveyed. Transliterating titles has become increasingly acceptable in recent years but it is more important that the rendering of the title indicate your position in the company hierarchy.
Do not translate the address and make sure that numbers are arranged in the order appropriate for the country in which you will be traveling. Also make sure the correct dialect is used and that any cultural nuances are observed. For instance, foreign translations of business cards for use in China are often printed with gold ink, which is considered auspicious.'
'Conclusion
One of the greatest mistakes you can make as an international business traveler is to assume that your culture's customs and manners will be regarded as good behavior in another country. Knowing how to behave and what to say (and not to say) are vital business skills. Something as simple as presenting your card incorrectly can set a poor tone for an entire meeting or trip.
Before traveling abroad, consult your company's cultural liaison officer or talk with an associate who has traveled widely in the country you will be visiting. If these resources are not available to you, consult sources online or in your local library, speak to someone in the business department at a nearby university, or contact the Department of State or the appropriate cultural attaché. The information is available but it's your responsibility to find it -- your business may depend on it.'
One of the greatest mistakes you can make as an international business traveler is to assume that your culture's customs and manners will be regarded as good behavior in another country. Knowing how to behave and what to say (and not to say) are vital business skills. Something as simple as presenting your card incorrectly can set a poor tone for an entire meeting or trip.
Before traveling abroad, consult your company's cultural liaison officer or talk with an associate who has traveled widely in the country you will be visiting. If these resources are not available to you, consult sources online or in your local library, speak to someone in the business department at a nearby university, or contact the Department of State or the appropriate cultural attaché. The information is available but it's your responsibility to find it -- your business may depend on it.'
In doing this research I have found some contradicting information this website claims there is an international size of business card that is 85.60 x 53.98 mm (3.370 x 2.125 inches)
United Kingdom - 85mm x 55mm
China - 90mm x 54mm
United States - 88.9mm x 50.8mm
I drew up a quick sketch on illustrator to show the size differences.
I could not find much about how to give/ receive a business card in American culture, which made me think that it would be in a very similar way to how business cards are given out and received here in Britain. I did find this VIDEO that may be a slightly obsessive "How to Handle Your Business" video, but it is quite useful in the sense that it gives me an insight into how a typical American businessman would give and receive a companies business card .
This is quoted from the above website/ video
'What is the appropriate way to handle a business card?
This is quoted from the above website/ video
'What is the appropriate way to handle a business card?
The appropriate way to handle a business card is, let's say you're at a table with people, and someone around the table wants your card, you should not pass it between hands. You get up and you walk around the table, and give someone your business card. Gentlemen, if someone gives you their business card, don't take your wallet out of your back pocket, put it in your wallet, and then put it back in your pocket. In some cultures that's considered an obscene gesture, so avoid doing that. You should treat the business card like a thin piece of glass. For example, if you're handing someone your business card, hand it to them by the edge, with the print facing them, so when they get it they can read it. Don't hand the business card sideways and with two fingers as there's certain things you don't do and this is not appropriate. Hand it with one hand facing the person, and when you receive a business card you can receive it with one hand. Then if you'll point to that business card, look at the person and ask them one question about the business card, just one, as it will make them think you looked at it, and that you care. For example, you could say "Oh, I see you're on the 12th floor of that bank building, what direction do you face?" Or even, "Great logo, tell me what that means". You can also use "Oh, you're Vice President of that company." Any trigger is appropriate when dealing with business cards, and they'll talk and have a good time with you. But, if you just take the business card, which most people do, and put it away, what does that tell them? It tells them that you really don't care, that it's just a cursory waste of your time. It's always appropriate to comment on a business card, in fact, as long as you've got that finger on their card, they'll talk to you.'
No comments:
Post a Comment