How to get and give business cards

I thought this was basic, and then i got to thinking about how many times i have seen people screw this up.  So here is a great article based on one by Emjae Johnson

Question: So do you give a card to everyone?  or hold out on them like their made of gold?

Answer:  Pass your business cards out only to those who ask you for one.  how?   you get them to ask you for yours by asking for one of their business cards first.

Here's How:

1. When you meet someone, at a network gathering, business meeting, social gathering, or on the street; after you say hello and engage in little conversation, always ask them for their business card. They will be delighted that you asked and proud to give it to you. After this it will be very natural for them to ask you for yours, but if they do not ask, never offer it. When you think about it, putting your card in the face of someone who did not ask would be perceived as being a little pushy at this point. But not to worry, you still have their card and so you can still stay in contact with them.


2. When you receive their card, always thank them for it. Read over what it says front and back. Ask them any questions that genuinely interests you about them or their business after you have looked over their card. Make sure all the contact information is there: name, business name, phone number, address, and email. If there is a piece of information that is missing, ask them for it so that you can add it to the card.


3. Ask them for their permission to contact them. It is good professional manners to ask their permission, even though it is assumed that they would want you to contact them. It is a way of being respectful and you will be remembered for it.


4. When and if they ask you for your card, politely hand them one of yours and be ready to respond to any questions that they may have. If you have coined your own "opener" then this might be a good time to use it. However, never try to sell them anything at this point unless they flat out tell you they want to buy something from you. Remember, the reason why they asked you for your card was probably more out of politeness because you had asked for theirs. There is no need to go into selling mode here, you really only want to connect with the person at this point.


5. Within 24-48 hours send them a note. Always have on hand some blank note cards. These are available almost anywhere they sell cards at and they are sold by the box. If you want to have one with a design on it, that's o.k., but make sure that it is a neutral design. Inside the card handwrite a short note to them stating that you appreciated having made their acquaintance. If you can recall something from the conversation this will help to personalize it even more.


6. Place your business card inside the note card, hand-address the envelope using the information from their business card and drop it in the mailbox. The person on the receiving end will be very honored that you thought of them enough to take the time to handwrite a card and "mail" it instead of "emailing" it. Also, people love to receive cards and they can tell that it is a card even before they open it by the size and feel of the envelope. Don't be surprised if they contact you back with a thank you!


7. Keep their card in an organized file for future reference. If your contacts are also organized in an address book kept on your computer, then also add their information there. If they do contact you back to thank you for the card you sent, if it is appropriate, ask them if you can add them to your email list. Always ask permission, not only because it is respectful to do so, but also because with emails you don't want to be accused of spamming. If they give their permission, do not abuse this privilege. Send only emails that are short and informative to them.

Parapharased from: http://sales.about.com/od/leadgeneration/ht/howbizcards.htm