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| Image Source: tradeready.ca |
Even in today's digital era, the exchange
of business cards continues to be a common practice. A business card is a
powerful tool for both expanding your network of connections and advertising
your company. This is particularly true for an SME looking to expand globally.
A business card is a
representation of your company and can build an imposing first reaction. In
fact, when managed effectively, it can be one of your business's most helpful
marketing tools to advertise and advance the credibility of your business.
Here are some tips for designing and using
business cards when meeting your clients overseas.
Cover
the Precise Details
Along with adding the primary details like
company, name, address, phone, email, and web link—be sure to add your title.
Doing so shows your position within your business.
Include India in your
address to reduce the possibility of confusion. Also, in many parts of the
world people add their advanced educational degrees.
Add
a Crisp Tagline
If your business is new and your business
name does not symbolize what you deal in, a tagline is just what you require.
Just keep it concise, e.g. "custom cord manufacturing" or
"on-site machinery solutions."
Use
Some Professional Help for Printing
You may need to save some bucks by printing
your cards in-house rather than hiring a professional help, but the difference
will be obvious.
Opening impressions matters and business cards are usually one
of the primary ways potential customers learn about your company. When
printing, remember that quality paper and embossed lettering exhibit
reliability.
Make
Sure You Print the Translated Versions
What you can do is print the back of the
card with the translated version of your card details. When meeting your
clients overseas, give the translated side of the card.
You may want translations
of your card in varied languages if you have to travel to a range of regions.
Just be sure to hire a skilled translator to do the translation and a printer
that can support international language characters.
Hold
a Business Card Folder
It is advised having a separate card holder
only for storing business cards. This does both help you look professional and
keep your cards arranged. Not only can you store your cards there in, but you
can also place cards you get from your clients so that they won't be misplaced.
Carry
Sufficient Cards
A general grievance of Indians exhibiting
at their first international trade show is that they too quickly they run out
of cards just when a key prospect arrives. Even though you may be calculative
in terms of exchanging cards, always arrange to carry in abundance.
Similarly,
store a few in the provision, so you are never empty handed. Did you know that
receiving a card without giving one in return can damage your chances of
building a business relationship?
Master
the Proper Business Etiquette
It is not surprising in import and export of India to hand out
business cards in a meeting. But for your foreign clients, the exchange of
cards may have its unique protocol, such as giving a card with your right hand
only in the Middle East or with your two hands in Japan.
In many parts of Asia,
scribbling on the card and putting it in your pocket right after getting it
shows insensitivity. So study the proper etiquette of the country before
traveling.
Stock
the Cards You Collect Properly
It does no good to gather cards if you are
unable to find details quickly. When you return from an international business
trip, you may have a pile of cards that need to be organized.
You can try
scanning them, this enables you to easily organize and search any particular
card and contact people afterward.
Success in any business is directly
influenced by the extent of contacts you make and nurture. Business cards play
a vital role in expanding your network of business contacts.
A professional
looking business card given properly at the proper time can create a deciding
first impression. So make sure you spend enough time and plan accordingly.