The almighty handshake

Shaking someones hand upon meeting them is something you may have learned at a young age, but have you ever noticed HOW your handshake measures up?

Years ago, when I was just nineteen years old, I applied for my first “grown up” job at a bank. During my interview with the customer service manager, I was invited to the branch manager’s desk and when I approached, I immediately reached out and shook her hand. While I did it thinking it was the “polite thing to do”, that branch manager told me several months later (after getting the job) that she was immediately impressed by me because I had shaken her hand. At the time, I hadn’t known the importance of a handshake, but boy was I glad I had done it!

Have you ever reached out to shake someones hand and have your handshake be returned by a lifeless, limp handshake? Maybe not even a shake, but a weak “sawing” back-and-forth motion? Or even worse, have you had someone not even take your full hand, but just shake your fingers? (What is THAT, anyway???) How did that made you feel? Probably like the person wasn’t very interested in meeting you, or is afraid of…cooties, right?

Keep in mind that your handshake as a part of your introduction is one of the FIRST things that will attribute to your first impression with the other person. A firm handshake can go a long way in showing someone that you’re pleased to meet them.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember:

DO make sure your offered hand is visible: Outstretch your hand to where they can see your hand being offered for a handshake. It’s embarrassing when an offered handshake isn’t returned.

DON’T crush the hand or pump the shake too firmly: Especially with us “delicate flower” ladies…a gentle yet firm handshake is all that’s necessary.

DO make eye contact: Show respect by looking the person directly in the eye upon shaking their hand – don’t look past them to see who else is in the room that you’d like to meet.

DON’T offer your hand if it is dirty, sticky, or sweaty: Simply apologize that you’ve just touched something sticky (blame the appetizers!), and continue to exchange pleasantries. Don’t try wiping your hand off on your clothes first and then shaking their hand – yes, there are people who do that. Also, if you’re suffering from a cold or illness, do the same by letting them know why you’re not shaking their hand – they’ll appreciate your consideration.

DO be considerate and not too “touchy”: Personally, I shake with my right hand and tend to “close the shake” by placing my left hand on top of our shaking hands (it just comes naturally to me), but if you choose to do this, be careful, some people don’t like “touchy-feely”. This includes touching their left arm or shoulder while shaking hands – no one is saying you can’t do that, just be sure to “read” the person to make sure you’re not offending them by doing so.

Really, it’s just about being respectful – and shaking hands with someone the way you would appreciate receiving a handshake. Keep it simple, yet firm and show that you are truly interested in the other party – that’s all you need to do.

(2008) Barbara Beal-Lopez, “The Elevator Pitch Coach” with Brightfarm Productions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introduction. If you’re ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for free weekly tips.

Hello, my name is…?

Do you remember to wear a name tag to networking functions? It may seem obvious to do so, but I am constantly surprised at how many business professionals don’t wear one.

How many times have you attended a business function, been introduced to someone, and within less than ten seconds forgotten their name? It’s happened to me on more than one occasion. With a simple name tag, that little crisis can be easily avoided.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind, revolving around name tags:

Have one professionally made: While some very organized functions will have one made for you upon registration, how often have you spent the entire time smoothing out a paper name tag that curs at the edges as is about effective as not wearing one? A professionally made name tag adds professionalism as we as credibility to you and your business. Bite the bullet and spend the few bucks it takes to have one made.

Make sure it’s clear and easy to read: Your name tag should only include your name, your business name and your logo (optional but effective). Make sure the size of the font is large enough to read from a short distance, and use a clear, easy to read font.

Wear it on your right side: It may seem natural-feeling to you to put your name tag on the left side of your chest, but actually it is more effective to have it on the right side. When you reach out to shake someone’s hand, the right-hand shake naturally leads the eyes to the right side, in direct line of your name tag.

Keep your name tag somewhere handy: Try keeping your name tag relatively at your fingertips so that you always have it on hand for the next function. Ladies, if you’re going to keep it in your purse, make sure it’s in a side pocket or somewhere else easy to access – there’s nothing more frustrating when you’re running late than fishing for your name tag at the bottom of your purse. I keep a little dish next to my front door that holds my keys, my name tag and a few business cards – so that I can just grab them when heading out the door. I know some people who keep theirs in their car for grab-and-go access as well.

Although it’s a very simple tool, a professional name tag will give you an extra edge when attending networking functions – don’t forget to wear it!

(c) 2008 Barbara Beal-Lopez, “The Elevator Pitch Coach” with Brightfarm Productions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introduction. If you’re ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for free weekly tips.

How do you STAND OUT at networking functions?

If you’re one to step out to various networking functions to promote your business, services, and products, you know the importance of spending your investment (both time and sometimes money) wisely.

Unfortunately, a lot of business professionals think that just by showing up, they’ve done enough. That really isn’t the case. You may luck out and make one really great connection, but the key to making the most at a networking funcion is to be sure you stand out.

Why is it important to stand out? By standing out, you will encourage the following:

Recognition: You’re more likely to be recognized the next time you attend the same group’s functions.

Remembered: When you choose to follow up with someone, they’ll remember you more easily.

Branding: You can take this opportunity to work on branding your company and what you have to offer.

Standing out doesn’t mean you have to walk into the room and blow a bullhorn. Even the most introverted of personalities can do so by subtly incorporating things that will help them stand out.

Need some ideas? Try one of these three ideas before hitting the field for your next networking function:

1. Wear something that will spark a conversation or make you memorable. One thing I personally do is wear something BRIGHT – like a brightly colored top or accessory. I usually try to wear something with my company colors (green and orange), but I’ve found that anything bright usually sparks a reaction. Other simple ideas are something with your company logo, or a unique piece of jewelry. Anything that is just a little out of the norm, and will cause someone to comment on it.
2. Bring a prop. If you have something on hand that easily portable, and related to your job, bring it with you to an event. If you’re a photographer, have your camera around your neck. If you’re a financial planner, have some Monopoly money pinned to your lapel. If you’re an accountant, have a calculator sticking out of your pocket. You get the idea. Have something identifiable with you that will make people start a conversation – it will also be easier for them to remember what it is that you do.
3. Wear and bring your smile. If you’re too shy to wear something bold/bright or carry something with you, then use your most important tool – YOUR SMILE. People like being around happy people. And smiling is infectious. If you look like you’re HAPPY to be there, people will naturally want to be around you. If you’re lokking at your watch and waiting until you think you’ve killed the appropriate amount of time by being there, guess what – people will quickly catch on and they won’t waste their time talking with you. So, if nothing else, bring your happy smile.

Another great way to stand out? With an effective Elevator Pitch!

Barbara Beal-Lopez, “The Elevator Pitch Coach” with Brightfarm Productions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introductions. If you’re ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortable, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for weekly tips.