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Whether it is a conference, seminar, cocktail party, or association meeting, your ability to make a lasting, positive first impression depends on your Professional Netiquette. Let’s start with…
1. Business Cards
North Americans have adapted the business card exchange protocol from the Japanese. You ask for a card, you do not offer your card first.
If you ask someone for their card and they don’t ask for yours, offer your card if it is important to you that they have your contact information.
In Asking for a Card
1 Once you have chatted with someone for awhile and before you disengage, ask for a persons’ business card.
2 Accept the card with 2 hands, read the card and make a comment about something on the card, such as their office location or the design.
3 When you put the card away, put it in a business card holder or in your left jacket pocket.
When Accepting a Card
1 When you are asked for your card, pull it out of your right pocket, not left. The left pocket is where you put cards you will collect.
2 Hold your card with the thumb and forefinger of one or both hands, pass the card with the card facing the person so they can read it easily. You can use one hand to pass your card if you prefer.
Name Badges
Badges are meant for other people to read, so make sure your badge is as visible as possible.
Name badges are attached in a myriad of ways. There are the ones you pin on, stick on, clip on and hang around your neck – these tend to dangle just below the waist so make sure you tighten the string so the badge hangs in the centre of your chest.
Name badges are to be worn on the right side of the body, not the wrong side and not the left side, the RIGHT side!
When people shake hands they stand right shoulder to right shoulder. With the badge on the right side, one merely has to take a quick glance at the badge which is directly in front of you.
You are now off to making a lasting professional impression as you work your way around the room.
