How Are Business Cards Used in Spain

If you are going to Spain and looking to make a good first impression, then you have to ask how are business cards used in Spain. This is an important question as cultural differences make doing business in Spain a unique experience.

Spain is still a monarchy and as such the Kingdom of Spain has a land mass of 194,992 square miles. The population of Spain totals over 40 million people and is vastly Roman Catholic. With this being said, the family unit is incredibly important and family values taken into consideration when doing business.

The lives of the Spanish people are a lot more relaxed than in other countries. This relaxed way of living, combined with family values, creates a siesta between 1:30 and 4:30 in the afternoon when businesses are closed so that families can break bread.

When you travel to Spain to conduct business, here are some things to know:

How are business cards used in Spain in ways differing from the US? Business cards are a very important aspect of any business, and the Spanish value the business card as a first means of contact. You are giving your contact information, valued as personal; to someone you do not know. Even in business, this is considered a sign of trust and respect.

Your business card is one of the first things your Spanish contact will see when dealing with you. Though they are a very stylish people, they are also very conservative in business. Your business card should not be too flashy. Keep with white or ivory card stock and use an elegant font in either black or gold flake.

Include all pertinent information including:

• Name
• Position
• Phone Number
• E-Mail Address
• Business Name
• Business Address
• Hours of Contact

Remember your card is important to you and your business. Sometimes the most simplebusiness card design says the most about you.

Like most things in Spain, etiquette is an important factor in anything and everything that you do. This is no different when presenting your business card. When you do, remember these basic tips:

• Begin with basic business etiquette:
  • Introduce yourself by name then association
  • Shake hands using the two hand method (shake with the left hand and grip their right forearm)
• Have your business cards for your trip produced with Spanish on one side and English on the other
• Hand your business card to your contact with the Spanish side showing
• Palm the card as you hand it to your contact (hold the card in your palm not by the corners) to promote a handshake
• If entering a place of business hand your card to the receptionist with the Spanish side showing

In Spain there are certain gestures or signals you can make, either intentionally or unintentionally, that can either be good or bad for you:

• Pulling down on your eyelid insinuates that you are alert or to be alert
• Crossing your fingers is a sign of good luck and is a friendly gesture
• Kissing of the finger tips and throwing your hand in the air is a sign of approval
• Rubbing or scratching your cheek with your forefinger is a sign that a man is womanish or effeminate
• Tracing the side of your face just below the ear to the chin is a hand gesture to indicate that someone is part of the Mafia or untrustworthy
• Rubbing all of the fingers together with the thumb is a signal that someone has a lot of money

Remember that doing business in Spain does not have to be a chore. Keep in mind the cultural of the people, the gestures that can help (or hurt) you, and what your business card says about you.

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