What do faux pas and business cards have in common?

Business cards have different values, forms of presentation and design in different cultures. Marie Mammen, Marketing Manager at Cewe-Print.de, reveals three tips on international business card etiquette:Contents, size, structure Every country has its own peculiarities in how business cards are structured and designed. There is no international standard as to what information should be on cards or what size is ideal. In terms of format, the cheque card format (approx. 85 millimetres wide and 55 millimetres high) has largely established itself in Central Europe, while business cards in Finland, Australia and Japan are slightly wider at 90 millimetres. There are also country-specific differences in terms of content. While titles and academic degrees are rarely included in Germany, they can be found on every business card in France and Austria. The information that should not be missing on business cards internationally includes the name, position, telephone number and e-mail address of the business contact as well as the name, homepage, logo and address of the company. Further information such as academic degrees, fax numbers or pictures of the contact person are optional and vary from country to country. There is also international leeway with regard to the design: in Central Europe, for example, the lettering on the cards tends to be classic and in muted colors, while in Eastern Europe more striking font colors such as gold or silver are popular and accepted. Companies should pay attention to their target group here and, if necessary, have two versions of their business cards printed. Incidentally, one thing is a "no-go" internationally: adding handwritten information to business cards if details have changed. In such cases, companies should have new cards printed in good time.English, German, ChineseThere is a large international specialist audience at well-known industry events in particular. Bilingual business cards also help to make these business contacts. If the visitors to the trade fair come from different countries, it is worthwhile for participants to have their business cards produced in English, the international business language. If, on the other hand, they want to make contacts at a trade fair or meeting in a particular country, the business card should also be translated into the respective national language - this can score points with potential business partners. With translations, however, it is generally important to ensure that both the translation and the spelling are correct. This applies in particular to job titles. Companies should pay particular attention to the translation of languages with other characters - for example for business contacts in Japan, China or Russia. Despite the brevity of the text, it is worth commissioning a professional translation service.Who, When, How There are also cultural differences when it comes to handing over business cards. In Asia, for example, there are strict rules for exchanging business cards. Traditionally, the highest-ranking person has the privilege of handing over their business card first. If no order of precedence can be established, this right falls to the oldest person in the conversation. Business cards are handed over respectfully and almost reverently with both hands. The card is handed over between thumb and forefinger with the written side facing the business partner, followed by a slight bow. The recipient should also accept the card with both hands and acknowledge this action with a slight bow. The recipient then studies the card carefully, taking as much time as possible. At best, he or she will ask a question about the card, e.g. about the logo or the company headquarters, to show respect for the other person. The business card should not simply be put away afterwards - especially not in a trouser pocket - but stored in a special business card case. While business cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting or conversation in Central Europe, in Poland this traditionally happens at the end. In Italy, on the other hand, there are different business cards for private and business use. The private ones are slightly larger than the business ones and contain the name, private address, e-mail, landline and mobile number of the business card holder. Mixing them up is absolutely frowned upon. Business cards are an international business driver. The useful cards help to make new contacts and maintain existing ones. There is always a lively exchange of business cards, especially at trade fairs. However, these are usually attended by an international audience, which means that exchanging cards can quickly become difficult due to different behaviors. However, if you prepare thoroughly and pay attention to country-specific characteristics, the small cards can help you achieve business success.