Chinese business etiquette video: Giving and receiving business cards

If you are planning a business trip to China, this short video about giving and receiving business cards in China featuring Mark Kemsley, who has worked as a business consultant in China for 20 years and speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin, is well worth watching. As Mark explains, not having a business card is the equivalent of not having a name as the Chinese place great importance on both greetings and titles. In fact, the Chinese prefer to deal with someone who is of equal importance to them and preferably has a high sounding title – hence, the importance of having a business card that clearly shows your rank.

In addition and when giving a business card, Mark explains that you should always be standing and use both hands while if you accept a business card with only one hand, it is considered extremely disrespectful. Moreover, it's very important that you don't just ignore the business card and stick it in your pocket. Instead, carefully read over it for about three or four seconds before putting it in your pocket.