If your company permits, do not have your direct line or phone extension printed on your business card — and definitely not your cell. Why? Because it makes you look humbly accessible to anybody. Instead, hand-write it and say, “Here is my direct number (or extension) which gets you right through to me.” This makes the recipient feel honored that you’re helping them bypass the militia of gatekeepers who protect you from common callers.

A final caveat on business cards: When someone gives you theirs, never just plunk it in your purse or pocket. Read it slowly as though you were inspecting a rare gem.

Then respectively tuck it away in a safe place like a hundred dollar bill.

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