Yes, I do consider business cards a tool of good manners. For this discussion, I define "good manners" as simply those gestures that we extend to help the folks we deal with feel more comfortable, knowledgeable, or appreciated. Thoughtful use of a business card can easily support this definition.

The first consideration is whether or not you actually have a business card. It was only during my last 5 years or so at Boeing that the technical communicators were automatically issued business cards. But I used one for many years before. It was simply a white card I had printed with my name, followed by "Technical Writer/Editor" and my home address and telephone number. When appropriate, I added my Boeing telephone and fax numbers in ink.

If your employer doesn't provide business cards, there are wonderful blanks preprinted in a wide variety of designs and colors. (Check paper supply stores in your area, or request a catalog from such companies as Paper Direct.) After you add your information to a template and print the cards out in sheets of 10, the cards separate with a microperforation that is nearly invisible. Don't overlook small printing firms; their rates are often surprisingly low. If you include your company affiliation, remember to determine any corporate standards regarding the use of the name and logo of your employer.

As an independent contractor or employee, don't fall into the trap of just handing out a card. Make each one work for you and the person to whom you give it. ALWAYS write something on the back to remind the recipient who you are, where he or she got the card, and any action that one or both of you agreed to. For example, "We met at the conference in Seattle; call me if you ever need an SGML contact at Boeing." "I'll send you a copy of my article on the Internet that I wrote for our chapter newsletter." "Thanks for agreeing to locate the name of a person I can call to subscribe to that newsgroup about designing personal web pages."

The second suggestion regarding notes of appreciation is something most of us do on a formal basis, perhaps when receiving a gift or a special favor. And, of course, for the handmade scarf from Aunt Sally on our birthday. I'm suggesting that you become alert to the many informal opportunities. I try to carry a couple of personalized cream-colored notecards and stamped envelopes at all times. One just never knows when the opportunity to say thank you will occur. When it does, responsiveness is the key.

After a job or information interview, don't wait to get home and create a printed thank you. Stop at the nearest coffee shop, write a thank you note (on the notecards you always have with you) and mail it that afternoon. I guarantee that when that card shows up in the morning mail the next day, you will be remembered. Personally, I strongly recommend handwritten thank you notes. In today's high tech world, it is a gracious touch that many people appreciate.

While I agree that it is important to verbally express appreciation, I am convinced that a handwritten note or acknowledgment of some kind is far more effective. And, of course, in today's electronic age, even an e-mail message can accomplish the same. For example, the Canada West Coast chapter in Vancouver, British Columbia, shared their marvelous newsletter editorial guidelines with the director-sponsors. Cynthia Brock, DS for Region 8, took the time to send the editors an e-mail message complimenting them on the clarity of the information and the design of the presentation.

At the chapter level, its doubly important that guest speakers receive a thank you note within a few days of the meeting. Perhaps there are opportunities to contact first-time visitors with a note thanking them for attending the meeting and encouraging them to join STC. As colleagues, we might begin to be more alert to opportunities to drop a note to the program committee manager after an unusually good meeting. Perhaps the newsletter editor deserves a little recognition for an outstanding issue—or for just getting the newsletter out on time each month.