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Permalink Reply by Steven S. Bammel on July 28, 2011 at 1:16am

I had a client inquire about business cards (Japanese, in this case) but then decide against it, explaining as follows:

Hi Steven

I spoke to people in my industry who said the shipping industry is so international that a Japanese business card is not necessary and we plan on having a sales agent based there anyway with his own cards.

Thanks

Daniel

I didn't make an issue of this with him, because, yes, he's right to a degree. You "can" get by without business cards in Japanese (or Korean). However, it's often the small things that matter and the extra effort can go a long way... As this client was in the position of seller, he should have done more. It does, however, depend on the situation.

For another perspective on what that extra effort can mean, here's a testimonial from page 4 of my Definitive Guide to Business Cards in Korea:

 

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Permalink Reply by GREG SHEEN on July 28, 2011 at 10:32am

Having done this in both Japan and Korea for over 20 years, there are situations where having localized business cards is actually a disadvantage.

I agree in case of businesses like yourself, as well as visits like the gentleman from the Charlotte Engineering Company it makes a great positive impression to locals and I for one have done this many times to great effect, however, I have also been on the other side of the fence and agree with the other perceptive where I have actually purposely removed all local language text (Japanese & Korean) from my business cards as it has a far greater impact with the executives of those local customers when they believe they are dealing directly with Corporate HQ and not a locally attached or just reporting to HQ type person.

Can work well both ways. As you rightly said, all depends on the situation but we also must factor in the industry. I think it also highlights, as with any 'prop' in business whether it be marketing material, powerpoints, gifts or just simple business cards, at the end of the day its more important how we as people come across that makes the difference.   

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Permalink Reply by Steven S. Bammel on July 28, 2011 at 11:24am

Thanks, Greg. Yes, you're right. If you're in a position to show authority and get more respect by making it clear that you're NOT making the effort, then that would be a nuance to consider.

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