A BUSINESS card says so much about its owner. Not just in terms of what’s written on the card itself, but also the manner in which the card is given to you. Built on the foundations of respect and “face”, the Asian business universe has the exchange of business cards down to a fine, highly ritualistic, art: deep reverent bows, cards clasped in both hands between thumb and forefinger and the card extended respectfully towards the recipient, ensuring the card is facing their way (the Asian business person is also aware of the manner in which to receive the card as well).

If you’ve received someone’s calling card this way, you’ll appreciate just how special this showiness makes you feel. I don’t expect to be on the receiving end of this treatment in West Australian boundaries but when I do, it makes my day. Compare this to the entirely non-bespoke approach subscribed to by many local business people: distribute your business card as quickly and “effectively” as possible to a roomful of prospective candidates and clients.

Bonus points if you complete your mission within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone and move quickly onto your next mark. “Time is money don’t you know?” Or whatever the overworked, clichéd business mantra of the moment is.

My subscription to Business Review Weekly just lapsed so I wouldn’t be able to tell you what middle management is currently force-feeding its charges. But what I do know is that receiving business cards in this manner makes me feel about as important as a telephone banking customer being left on-hold.

But as much as this bulk flyer drop approach irks me, nothing can compare with my encounter a few years back with an Aussie couple on the same jungle safari tour. After asking me to take a photo of them on tour, they sent their guide over with their email address – I sure do hope they’re staying classy.

Perhaps this rant is a little pompous and indulgent, but with the (corporate) Christmas party season fast approaching, I felt now would be the perfect time to touch on this oft-neglected side of business etiquette.

After all, we do business with people, not business with businesses, correct?