Japanese business etiquette II: Business cards
Although, Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Our daily business interaction hasn’t changed much in the last decades.
What do you mean? You may ask
I mean that our ways to interact, to connect, to build relationships in business are still traditional. We still don’t rely on social media as most people, in other countries, do because we don’t trust it much yet.
We still go old school when it comes to “network” We go through the whole process. We make phone calls, send faxes (yes, you read that correctly) we make appointments, wait for appointment confirmation. Then on the day of the appointment, we dress formally, make our way to the meeting place, while being sure to arrive at least ten minutes before the agreed time, wait in the lobby room and greet our counterparts one these arrive.
And once we get inside the room where our meeting will be carried out then we finally exchange business cards.
There are also few steps for this simple and yet crucial moment.
1.- Hold your card with both hands. Do not simple handle the card. But offer it.
2.- Then respectfully receive the business cards you are being offered.
3.- Once you get back to your seat, lay all the business cards you have received and read them.
As you can see, business cards, physical business cards are a must, because business cards tell the person you are meeting that you are trustworthy. And if you translate your card even into simple Japanese, people would be grateful. And you’ll be showing your commitment and your willingness to go the extra mile, which will speak highly of you. Moreover, as Japanese people tend to be shy, your business card will be giving them “a hand“ because they will make small talk based on the information you provide on them (your business cards).
In other words, business cards are still ,in this time of internet and social media, the best way to introduce yourself in Japan. And secure the beginning of a good business relationship with your possible clients and business partners.
Originally published at @consult_culture.
