Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do and say in right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.

One aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is exchanging of business cards.

Unlike in North America or Europe where business card has little meaning other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details, in other parts of world business card has very different meanings.

For example, in Japan business card is viewed as a representation of owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats business card with respect and honour.

Below we have provided you with a few examples of international business card exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.

General Business Card Etiquette Tips:

The Internet is an excellent vehicle for networking. Relationships can develop in newsgroups, forums, and via email. Though nothing really beats good old-fashioned face-to-face networking to start process of building a relationship and trust, which is why industry conferences can be so important.

Not all contacts will be useful or worth pursuing. There will be leads that don't provide much information. Use your judgment on whether information and relationship is worth spending more time on.

Relationship networking opens new doors, often it's "who you know, not necessarily what you know".

Tip to Build Network Relationships: 1. Provide genuine assistance to others. 2. Be open-minded. 3. Remember personal details. 4. Respect cultural differences. 5. Research people and companies. Know their goals and interests. 6. Reciprocate. 7. Introductions.

Where to Network: So many people wear multiple hats; everyone and anyone could possibly be a networking opportunity. However, just like targeted search engine traffic, more targeted networking higher chance of success. 'Targeted' networking offers most potential.

1. Trade associations or industry specific organization. 2. Trade shows. 3. Friends. 4. Schools. 5. Focused newsgroups and topic specific forums. 6. Customers. 7. Suppliers. 8. User groups.

Constantly refine and grow your network of relationships, as they are valuable and need cultivating. If you are perceived as someone who is only trying to get something your network will likely not increase. Networking is about building relationships and mutual interaction benefiting both parties. Share information and help others grow their businesses.