When doing business internationally, knowing and understanding the local culture gives you the competitive advantage. Any foreknowledge of the norms, behaviours, food, rituals and etiquette is going to also vastly improve the impression you make on your hosts.

Understanding your host allows you both to feel more at ease and relaxed in your dealings. This will manifest itself in improved relations and hopefully, results. One important aspect of business etiquette is the exchange of business cards. This is something we take for granted in the US as it’s pretty standard with no real rules to speak of. Other places in the world however view it completely differently.

Generally the reasons for having and exchanging the cards are the same the world over. They are a means of marketing your company, yourself while providing easily accessible contact details to your clients. They are exchanges at the beginning of an initial meeting after greeting your host. It is suggested that you have professional business cards with one side in the local language. This is a very simple but effective way of creating a good impression as it shows an appreciation for your hosts culture and language and demonstrates an attention to detail. Both good qualities to display.

Make a point of looking carefully at any business card you receive. Many Asian countries take it as an offence if you don’t. Also treat them with respect. Don’t play with them or throw them into your briefcase as if they meant nothing. This is also offensive.

In China it is advisable to add anything that improves your status. For example of you have a degree or higher qualification or your company is the biggest or oldest at what it does. Status is important and if you can publicly display it your hosts will acknowledge it.

The Japanese exchange cards with great ceremony. Definitely invest in professional business cards when visiting there, as the quality of the card reflects the quality of the company. When receiving a card from a Japanese, treat it with respect, as if it were the person themselves. Great offence would be taken if disrespect was shown to the card.

In India you always present and receive cards with your right hand. As a large part of the country is Muslim, the left hand is seen as unclean, so best to err on the side of caution and use the right. This is the same for most other things, like shaking hands, passing glasses or bottles and that sort of thing. Indians above many other cultures revere academic achievement. Adding any higher qualifications to the card will increase your status in their eyes.

Knowing a little about the culture of the people you are visiting is essential in understanding them. Tailoring your equipment, such as the business cards, and approach to take into consideration these differences can mean the difference between the success and failure of your visit. A few minutes preparation to save, or make you hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars on the international market.