The Handshake

Today I’d like to review one of the most fundamental of networking skills. The handshake In a just matter of seconds your handshake can signal • friendliness • hospitality • openness • confidence • and respect as well as • contempt • ridicule • competitiveness • and control Here are some helpful hints A proper handshake engages the entire hand, mirroring and matching the other person’s grip, thus creating rapport. Clean dry hands are the key. If you’ve eaten or your palms are sweaty wash and dry them completely. Since most people are right handed hold your drink in your left hand. This way you don’t extend a cold wet hand or find yourself needing to wipe your hand on your clothes. A smile and eye contact are two necessary companions to the handshake. A smile indic