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Doing Business
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Business Cards & Attire
Business Cards
Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
They are used to provide contact information, so should include a full name and title and the best way to contact you.
Writing on a card is acceptable.
Mobile and home phone numbers may appear on cards if people wish to be more accessible.
It’s common and not disrespectful to put a card in a wallet or purse or back trouser pocket quickly without looking at it.
Business Attire
Levels of formality in business dress vary widely by geography, day of the week, industry and company.
It’s safest to dress conservatively for a first meeting, unless you know for certain that an office is casual dress: women should wear business suits, dresses or pantsuits, and men should wear business suits.
As a rule, the East and Midwest dress more formally than those in the more West.
Executives may dress more formally, regardless of where they live.
Many industries recognize Friday as business-casual day, with some companies allowing jeans. Executives don’t necessarily dress down, nor do employees who are scheduled to meet people outside their company.
High-tech and entertainment companies are often casual every day of the week.
