The information on a meishi business card is formatted differently than a standard western business card. Western business cards tend to focus on the individual. The meishi business card focuses on the company first than the person. For instances, a typical meishi business card would list the company name at the top of the card and that information would be followed by the job title of the card holder. It is similar to a Japanese business introduction, in which they state the name of their company followed by their own name.
When you have your meishi business card designed there are a few things you should keep in mind. The card should be meishi sized, which is approximately 90 by 55 mm. Your company name along with your name should be printed on the card in Japanese. Some people have begun utilizing the reverse of the meishi to list information in English, but that is optional.
Presenting and receiving a meishi business card involves certain protocol. First, keep your meishi cards in a leather case so they do not become worn. Hand the meishi card out using two hands hold the top two corners using both hands and present it with the information facing the recipient. When you are given a meishi hold the bottom two corners using both hands. Do not obstruct any information with your fingers, do not write on the card, and do not place the meishi business card in your pocket.
Meishi: Giving Japanese Business Cards
It isnt just the Meishi, or Japanese business card that is taking western businessmen and women by storm, but it is also the practice in which these business cards are exchanged. The Mesihi is the official business card used in Japan, but unlike westerners who often look for discreet areas to slip their business card or leave it without proper introduction on someones desk, the Japanese have a different approach when it comes to business cards.
When new business workers meet, it is common practice to give or exchange Meishi. In fact, if you exchange or present your potential business prospect a damaged Meishi, it is considered a sign of disrespect. Forget about tacking your business card to bulletin boards and hoping someone will notice it, the Japanese have initiated a formal approach to exchanging Meishi that is directly influencing the way westerners transact business.
It isnt just the fact that the Meishi is given to new business prospects in such a formal manner, but it is also the way that the Meishi is presented that is special. When the Meishi is given, it is held out with the fingers grasping both upper corners, one corner with each hand. As the Meishi is presented to the recipient, the businessman or woman also ensures that the recipient can clearly read their name and information. It is actually rude to hand a Meishi to someone in such an abrupt manner that the recipient cannot clearly read the name.
Also impressive is the fact that it isnt only the presentation of the Meishi that is performed in a formal manner, but the reception of one as well. When receiving the Meishi, the recipient takes the business card by holding each of the bottom corners of the card, and likewise, doesnt cover the information with his or her fingers. Instead, when the Meishi is received, it is read over often aloud, and then the recipient carefully places the Meishi into his or her briefcase. The exchanging of the Meishi is a sign of respect and the beginning of a successful business relationship.