Why do people exchange business cards (or name cards, as they call them in Hong Kong)? Correction. Why do people exchange business cards even before they take a good look at each other, say hi and shake hands?
I went to a lunch seminar today. As soon as the host finished the introduction and announced that lunch would be served, I introduced myself to the lady sitting next to me and started chatting while waiting for the food. Then I started noticing people standing up and going around the table exchanging business cards. Our conversation was interrupted because one of them insisted on passing his business card to the lady whom I was chatting with. Then he came to me doing the same because I was the “next in line.” To be honest, I wasn’t too interested so I gave him my old business card. Hey, I’m a greenie. The old business cards are perfect for lucky draws and situations like this.
Last night, I was at a couple of social events and the same thing happened. A few months ago, I went to a wedding of some esteemed business professionals. Same. People greeted me with a business card. I was reluctant to do the same because I was NOT working. I just wanted to chill and enjoy a social event or my friend’s wedding. However, they would stand there and wait for you to give them back a card or they would come back and actually ask for one.
Having lived in Japan and Hong Kong for a while, I do understand business card is some kind of communication tool, and in some way, a symbol of status and “face”. I have no problem giving mine out but I am very hesitant about those who just ask for my card without bothering to do some small talks. Conspiracy theory, you may say, but I feel that I am opening myself up to get spams and be signed up for newsletters without my permission, which has happened many times, whether I was in the United States or here.
I’m not a business card kind of gal when it comes to my “me” time. Find me on LinkedIn. Subscribe to my public updates on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter. Or beam me your vCard. Do whatever, but just don’t ask for my card because I will feel obliged to go into the kind of spiel about what I do, where I work and what each brand is about.
Life is more than just work, or business cards, especially on a weekend.
Very well said. There are disconnects everywhere unfortunately, including how the food got to the table.
I am in agreement with you and feel the same. This world has become disconnected. We have forgotten about the most important thing that there is…each other. May be this seems “to deep” or too “lovey-dovey” for some people..but it is true. This is not just about business cards. It is about stopping for people to pass, opening the door for someone, smiling, seeing a person (a stranger) that appears to be having a bad day and taking the time to ask what is wrong or if you can help. In short, respect and compassion for others. When people as a whole become conscious that in the end all of the stuff and $$$ will not matter..that is when the world will change and that is when the business cards will be non-existent (in theory).