May I Have Your Card?

Global business card dimensions vary. So does card stock, font, color and the content on the card. Add in different languages, titles, methods of exchanging and storing cards, and your potential for faux pas increases exponentially.

- Terri Morrison

That is, if you even remember to bring your business cards with you.

When Sidney Elston III, author of the political thriller Razing Beijing, was a top GE engineer, his roles was as technical spokesperson for the GE90 aircraft-engine (which powers Boeing 777s), a job which resulted in many international marketing trips.

After one prestigious presentation in Tokyo, Sid found himself having dinner and drinks with Japan Airline’s board of directors. Unfortunately, as the formal exchange of business cards began, Sid realized his were sitting on a bureau back in the hotel room. JAL did not ultimately select the GE90 – (for whatever reason) – but Sid now carries plenty of business cards at all times.

Gen Xers in the US sometimes seem to regard business cards as a boring necessity. Why bother with a card when ubiquitous Internet access lets you Google, FB or get LinkedIn to everyone anyway?