Business Card Etiquette

Your business card is a factor in someone’s first impression of you, so never present your card if it is soiled, torn, scribbled on or out of date. If it’s a mess, others think you or your work is probably a mess too. Keep them in a card case so they are in good condition. Present your card so the print faces the recipient. Use your card to represent you by enclosing it when forwarding materials. However, it is not appropriate to enclose a business card with correspondence that has personal or emotional content such as a note of condolence. Don’t take cards from a holder in someone’s office without asking first. Carry cards to a social event but don’t turn a garden party into a sales presentation. In a social situation, card exchange should be private.