Business cards for international use
Taking your business global is the beginning of doing many things differently, including using your business card in a different market. Contrary to what many people might think, translating a business card into a foreign language is not a simple, literal translation from one language into another. When it comes to making a good impression in doing business internationally, consider the following tips:
Your business card should be simple. It should convey the most important information about you – who you are, your title (also must be simple), your company and how to contact you.
Try to have business cards printed only on one side and in one language. While it is strongly recommended to leave one side blank for notes, it is ok to use the other side for translated information.
Make sure the translation of your title is accurate. The translation of a title into another language must convey the position within a company from the receiver’s perspective.
Do not translate your address. Translating or transliterating your address will only confuse the post office.
It may be useful to transliterate names including company names. It will help the receiver pronounce them properly.
Make sure you use the correct regional language. For example, in some parts of Belgium the main language is Flemish Dutch, while in other parts, it is French.
Be aware of some cultural nuances that make a business card attractive or unattractive in another culture. For example, in China using red and gold is taken for a sign of success.
Always use an expert for translating business cards, preferably a local professional translator who is aware of cultural nuances.
Finally, when it comes to giving/receiving a business card in a foreign country, be aware of basic cultural dos and don’ts – which hands should be used? What should you say or do when handing it out?
Today’s technology has changed the ways people connect & communicate. However paper, palm size business cards are still the first exchange we make in business. So until that also becomes a click of a button on some application, having your business cards professionally & thoughtfully translated into a foreign language can help in igniting & cultivating new international relationships.
