Do your business cards really work for you? And are you using them effectively? Most business people wouldn’t dream of leaving home without them, and that is a good thing, since business cards are an essential tool for connecting with others — and making that connection stick.

But you have to use them correctly, or they will not serve you as well as they could. Read on for a quick review of seven power business card etiquette essentials:

1) Your business card represents you

Before you hand out your card (and preferably before you have them printed up), check the following:

– Does your card match your introduction or audio logo? — Is it immediately clear from looking at the card what services or products you provide? — Is it branded to reflect what you do and your marketing position? — Is it clean, crisp and of good quality without dog ears or scuffs? — Does it look professional? — Is the information on it correct and up-to-date? Avoid handwritten corrections.

2) Do you have enough of them?

If the answers to the above questions are positive, make sure you have enough cards so you’ll always have them available when you have an opportunity to pass them out. Find places to keep an extra stash – toss a box of cards in your truck or glove box of your car, and keep extras tucked away in your purse or briefcase so you won’t run out.

3) What if you do run out of cards anyway?

Make sure to get one from anyone you meet AND then email a quick note with your contact information or a V card within 24 hours.

4) How do you exchange cards correctly?

You should first establish rapport with a person in a conversation before exchanging cards. If you aren’t asked for yours, ask for theirs first. Most people will respond in kind. If not, simply ask, “May I offer you my card?”

5) Look at the cards you receive

When you receive a card, borrow from the Japanese tradition. Honor it by looking at it and at the person, and then make a comment about it. This focus will help you remember both the card and the person.

6) Take notes

Be sure to jot down quick notes on the back of the business cards you get while networking. These notes can make the difference between a follow-up happening or not. There’s nothing worse than getting back to the office with twenty business cards and you can’t remember who all these people were.

What if you don’t have a pen handy? Just fold over a corner of the card for people with whom you definitely want to connect further.

7) Don’t Get Your Cards Mixed Up

Make sure to keep your own cards separate from the ones you get from other people. Keeping them in separate pockets or sections in your purse or briefcase, for example, will help you avoid the embarrassment of handing out a card that isn’t yours.

So let’s recap:

Business cards are a key to making connections. Make sure they represent you well and pass them out liberally — while always getting cards in return. Then follow up — and watch how quickly you’ll get new clients!

Discover more key strategies during your FREE first month in Sue Clement‘s new membership program Your Marketing Edge! And get ready to take your business to a whole new level.

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Tags: business card etiquette, business card rules, business cards, business networking, networking success