Inclusive Business Cards
Is your business card designed to be inclusive of those from different cultures and backgrounds? Does your business card include the most up-to-date technologies? Is it designed with the end user in mind?
At a recent conference, we discovered a standout business card from Edwin Alvarez, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity of CVS Health. This card utilized large font on one side and braille on the other.
In contexts where someone regularly interacts with colleagues of another culture, you may see them include a second language, such as English on one side and Japanese on the other. Or, where there may be language barriers, including a headshot on a card can help make it easier to connect names and faces! Also, consider including your pronouns on your business card. We often talk about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) but seldom do we see a card like Edwin’s! If you’re regularly conducting business with people of another culture, and let’s face it, who isn’t as our global world gets more and more connected, consider it a best practice to add these features to your business card.
Seva Global includes a QR code on our business cards so the recipient can easily access the company website, connect on LinkedIn, and learn more about the services the company provides. We’ve also seen NFC (nearfield communication) chips embedded in some cards so the recipients tap it to their smartphone.
What inclusive features have you seen on business cards? Let us know, along with any other suggestions, for incorporating DEIB and accessibility best practices into business cards.
Follow us on Seva Global LinkedIn for more cultural tips.
Build Your Own Cultural Competency Series!
Have you considered incorporating cultural competency knowledge throughout the year with Seva Global’s customized series programs?
Seva Global has a host of offerings that can help companies and organizations develop team cultural knowledge and broaden overall company DEIB initiatives. Capitalize on our subject matter expertise to create a custom-tailored experience centered around your company’s priorities. Series programs can be hosted in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid. These programs allow Seva Global to deliver your team members a global experience that enhances their cross-cultural communication and cultural acumen.
Some of the most popular series requests include:
Full-day programs cover up to three segments. Popular combinations include LGBTQ+, Jewish, and South Asian social events and an Asian Day with a focus on China, India, and Japan.
Road Show Series include full day programs in various cities throughout the year for team members, clients, and/or stakeholders.
Webinar Series allows for knowledge sharing regardless of location and enables teams to connect and tune in to a series of webinars. Length of webinars and frequency can be customized to meet your needs.
Review our current services for more detailed information. Contact Seva Global today to design a custom program series.
Upcoming Holidays
Rosh Hashanah*
Friday, September 15 - Sunday, September 17, 2023
Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 16 - Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Yom Kippur*
Sunday, September 24 - Monday, September 25, 2023
Indigenous People's Day
Monday, October 9, 2023
Canadian Thanksgiving
Monday, October 9, 2023
*Holiday starts and ends at sunset
Note from our Founder and CEO, Seema Jain
t’s hard to believe that three years ago we were experiencing the height of a global pandemic. In July 2020, I first conceived the idea of Seva Global. Many of the initial presentations were virtual, as social distancing made in-person meetings challenging. My youngest daughter, who helped me build the company’s brand, put QR codes on my slides to connect attendees to our company website and share our contact information.
I hope you find value in our cultural tip in this quarter’s newsletter. The act of exchanging business cards varies around the world. I am most fascinated with the Japanese culture and its ritualized exchange. Business cards are presented after introductions and the card is held with both hands, fingers grasping the top corners of the card. Upon receiving a card, you should treat it with the same respect as it was presented to you. For example, in Japan:
The business card represents the face a person extends to the outside world;
Examining the received business card demonstrates respect; and
They treat the business card as they would treat the person.
We recommend not placing the card in your pocket or writing on it. Respect it as you do the person. I find the Japanese ritual to be so gratifying and caring that I have adopted it in my own business etiquette.
Meet The Team
Seva Global offers a wide array of services to foster cultural competence across organizations. Through our customized solutions and consultations, we can help to increase employee engagement, enhance customer experience, and drive bottom line results. Our goal is to help teams become more culturally competent when engaging with people from different backgrounds. We would love your feedback on this newsletter. Please share with anyone you think it may interest!
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