Business Cards
Business card exchanges are a tradition that goes back to Victorian times in the west, and has been taken to the level of a ritual by the Japanese.
Card Design and Treatment
The author goes into great detail about selecting a card (when it is your option to do so): high-quality paper, conservative design, white of off-white paper, black lettering, and a second color for the logo.
If you belong to certain kinds of firm (toys or children's entertainment, art and design, etc.) it may be acceptable to be more creative or colorful. Otherwise, be very conservative. A good analogy is that a cheap or garish card is like a cheap or garish suit.
Another note for those who order or provision cards: quality should be from the top-down. A business card is a representation of your firm, so even the lower-level employees should be issued quality business cards, or it reflects poorly on the company.
Also, take care to keep the cards pristine. You should discard any card that has a frayed or bent edge or a mark of any kind rather than handing it out. Also, a card case is essential to keeping cards in good shape.
Presenting a Card
The most formal way of presenting cards, done by the Japanese, is holding it at the top two corners (generally, with a bow), though it's also acceptable to hand someone a card with a less formal gesture.
While there is no exact method, it should be handed to them (placed in their hand) rather than flung at them or laid on a table before them. Make sure that you present the card so that the recipient car read it immediately (the printed side is facing them, right-side-up), and that your thumb does not cover any pertinent information.
If the other party has presented a card to you, follow their lead when you present yours to them in exchange.
Receiving a Card
When receiving a card, handle it respectfully: your treatment of the card and reaction to it is, in a very direct way, an indication of the value you assign to the person who has given it to you. Accept the card and study it for a few moments, as this is what is expected. Glance from the card to the person, as a method of associating the information you read with that person's face.
When the time comes to put the card away, place it in a pocket above the waist (specifically, not a pants pocket) - the inside breast pocket of a suit jacket is the ideal location. If you're in a meeting, place it on the surface of the table for the duration of the meeting.
Do not make notes on the other person's card when you receive it. Some consider that to be insulting. If you wish to add notes to the card, wait until later (not in their presence). Instead, carry a note pad with you for taking notes.
However, if they provide additional information (a cell phone number that is not on the card), it is acceptable to ask "do you mind if I make note of that on the back of your card?" and, with permission, to do so.
When to Exchange Cards
When visiting an office, present a card to the receptionist. They will use it when the announce you (and it will help them get your name, title, and company right), and they will often save the card for future reference when persons in the company wish to contact you. Naturally, you should not request their card in return.
Cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting, as part of the formal greetings that take place before the scheduled discussion begins. It is acceptable to place the cards of other individuals on the table surface, near your portfolio, as an aid to remembering the names and titles of the individuals there.
At a networking event, you may present your card when introduced to someone, or in parting. However, you should ask for permission: first, ask for their card, then offer yours in return. Do not simply offer your card as a matter of course - it seems push and arrogant to assume the other person wants it.
If you are visiting a business, be discreet about handing out and asking for cards from various individuals - you are coming to see one person, specifically, and attempting to make direct contact with other individuals seems like you are looking to work around him rather than with him.
It is not acceptable to offer a senior executive your card - they will ask for it if they want it. Also, do not request their card in return. Generally, high-ranking corporate officers provide their cards only to others of similar rank.