Improve Your Communication Skills, 2nd Edition

187 Networking: The New Conversation
perhaps); offer a compliment or a positive comment (‘What an 
interesting design’; ‘Ah, I see you’re based in London’). Put the 
card away respectfully, perhaps only after you have parted.
It’s a good idea to make notes on business cards: where you 
met, who introduced you, interesting information, agreed 
follow-up actions. However, you should never write on a 
business card in the other person’s presence. (Unless they give 
you permission to do so, of course.)
The international etiquette of 
business cards
People are increasingly aware that business cards are 
handled differently in different cultures. One website offers 
the following advice.
Middle East
Always present your card with your right hand, never your 
left.
China
Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese 
and in gold-coloured lettering, as that is considered 
auspicious. If your company has been established for a very 
long time, it’s useful to state the year it was formed on the 
card. When offering the card, you should do so with both 
hands.
Japan
To give and receive business cards in Japan is quite 
ceremonial. Status is important in Japan so make sure your 
( c) 2011 Kogan Page L imited, All Rights Reserved.

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188 Improve your Communication Skills
Following up and building your 
network
Don’t waste the opportunities you have worked so hard for. Once 
you have made contact with people, think about how you can 
make use of that contact. Review your cards and notes at the end 
of the event. Record in your diary any obvious or immediate 
plans for follow-up. Don’t let the cards gather dust in your case!
Recording contacts
Find a way of organising your network contacts that you find 
comfortable. Whether on card or electronic, your system must 
title is prominent on the card. And, whilst it’s perfectly 
acceptable to give your card with one hand, make sure you 
accept one with both hands. Keep it on the table in front of 
you. If you are meeting several people at once who have all 
given you their cards, keep all the cards on the table in 
front of you until the meeting has concluded. Place them in 
front of you in the order in which people are seated, to help 
you remember their names.
India
Business in India places a great emphasis on academic 
achievement. Your business cards should state any 
university qualifications you have, or any other kind of 
honour. As in the Middle East, always use your right hand 
when offering a business card.
(http://www.worketiquette.co.uk/business-card-etiquette-
in-various-countries.html)
( c) 2011 Kogan Page L imited, All Rights Reserved.

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