Let’s Shake on That

The handshake … the universal sign of peace, greetings and salutations. Yet it is sad to see the number of business people, particularly women, who do not use the handshake or fail to shake properly.

Have you ever stuck your hand out to greet someone who left you hanging? I have, how terribly awkward and pathetic. I’ve also been greeted by people who want to give me a ‘high five’ or a ‘pound’ (fists touching). Those improvised handshakes may have a place, however it’s not protocol in business.

Male or female – gender should make no difference. The proper time for a handshake would be if you are greeting someone, being introduced to someone, introducing yourself or are leaving. And by all means, please shake like you mean business.

I cannot stand it when I get a wimpy limpy finger shake. What the heck is that? My dog shakes better than that. I do not want a wussy paw shake. The proper way to shake hands is webs touching. The web is the area between your thumb and forefinger. Your hand should be extended firmly, palm facing in, thumb pointed up, and then once hands are joined, squeeze for approximately three seconds.

Don’t try to overpower the person and jam rings into the sides of fingers to show who is in control. No one likes that. However a woman who can give a firm handshake will sometimes surprise our male counterparts. Too many woman either don’t shake or do the wimpy limpy.

Sweaty hands? Ick. Please wipe them off first. Use your socks if you have nothing else appropriate to wipe them on. Also while one may find it sweet to shake with two hands, it’s a little too personal for those whom you’ve just met. It’s more endearing than professional. It’s also protocol to stand when shaking. It’s disrespectful to remain seated.

To recap – male or female should shake with a firm, full hand web to web handshake. Shake when greeting, being introduced or leaving. Stand up. No wimpy limpy. You’re a business professional, not a canine. No high fives and no pounding. Deal?

Great. Now let’s shake on that.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

About the Author: Laurie Ayers is a WAHM from Michigan. She started her first home business in 1988. As a single parent, Laurie has supported her family by working at home. She is currently an Independent Consultant and Star Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles. You can find Laurie at www.ThrivingCandleBusiness.com

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