Get a Grip: Perfect Your Business Handshake With 6 Simple Tips

The Wrong Handshake Can Be 

Bad For Business

Around the world, there is a great diversity of customs when it comes a  when it comes to greeting friends, acquaintances and associates.   

For instance, in Tibet, sticking out your tongue can be a way of welcoming people. In New Zealand, Maori greet each other by touching noses.  Ethiopian men touch shoulders. 

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, male friends touch foreheads.  In many Asian countries, people bow to each other when meeting.  In European and Arab countries, hugs and kisses on the cheek are the norm.  

How do you greet people?  

Generally speaking, in modern business culture, a handshake is the most common way to greet someone when meeting them.  A handshake is also commonly used when: 

• parting 
• offering congratulations 
•  expressing gratitude 
• showing good sportsmanship 
•  completing an agreement 

That adds up to a lot of hand shaking!  In fact, a recent UK study revealed that the average person will shake 15,00 hands over the course of a lifetime.  

No matter how many times it happens, it's important to make sure your handshake leaves the right kind of impression.  

So, what does your handshake say about you? What does it say about the people you are doing business with?   

Here's a look at a few handshakes that can leave the wrong impression, and ultimately, be bad for business.   

Watch this short video...it's pretty funny and it will help you determine what kind of impression you're making each time you shake hands. 

All kidding aside, a strong handshake with confident eye contact creates an immediate image of strength, professionalism and belief in oneself. Now that's a great way to start off a new relationship! But wait, there's more... 

Have you ever considered other ways a great handshake can help you?  

A Fortune 500 CEO once said that when he had to choose from two equally qualified candidates, he gave the position to the candidate with the best handshake. 

He's not the only one who feels that way either! Researchers at the  University of Iowa analyzed interactions during job interviews.  They concluded that handshakes are "more important than agreeableness, conscientiousness and emotional stability." 

Subsequent studies have shown that a good handshake can improve the quality of an interaction, producing a higher degree of intimacy and trust within a matter of seconds.  

So now what? 

Get a Grip: Perfect Your Handshake 

With 6 Simple Tips 

#1  Be prepared

If you're in a situation where you might be meeting people, be sure to keep your right hand free. Shift anything you're holding into your left to avoid fumbling at the last moment.   

  

#2 Use good body language  

A lot goes into a great handshake so consider your body language. Stand up and make eye contact, keep your head straight and smile.  

#3  Plan your approach 

When reaching out to shake hands, keep your hand perfectly perpendicular, neither dominant (palm down) or submissive (palm up).  Approach a handshake with your thumb pointing up. This will enable web to web contact of hands and help to avoid an awkward flip. 

#4  Make contact 

To ensure the right level of contact between hands, keep your palm flat- not cupped- when you reach out to shake.  Once you have achieved good web to web contact, curl the fingers around the hand, as if you're giving a hug with your hand. 

#5 Shake, shake, shake 

Once contact is made, lock your thumb down and squeeze, using about as much pressure as your partner. Shake from your elbow- not your wrist- and give 2 to 3 pumps.  

  

#6  Practice 

Until you get the hang of it, practice with friends or family that will give you honest, candid feedback, particularly before a job interview or networking event.  This type of practice makes a truly perfect handshake that will make an amazing difference when meeting people.  

If you want to make an outstanding first impression during personal, professional and social situations, a speech coach can help.  Contact the experts at Spontaneous Speech Coach today.   


Not only can we help you get a grip on your handshake, we will teach you the skills you need to improve your communication in a way that helps you express confidence, trust and authenticity.


Set up an appointment for a consultation today.  Call us at 361-271-1700  We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.  In the meantime, please like and share this post. 

The handshake of the host, effects the taste of the roast.

Benjamin Franklin

3 Reasons to Update Your Resume and How to Do it in Less than 30 Minutes

When was the last time you updated your resume?

If you’ve been happily employed at the same job for several years, there’s a good chance your resume has been collecting cobwebs.

Don’t let this happen to you!

3 Reasons YOU Need to

Update Your Resume

#1:  You May Want to Pick Up Some Side Work

Even if you’re not looking for a new, full time job, you may decide to pick up some part time or PRN work. If a great opportunity presents itself, you’ll be confident your resume is up to snuff and you won’t be scrambling to get it together.

Don’t find yourself in a pinch; keep an updated file of your resume ready to go. By having an updated resume on hand, you’ll be able to get your application submitted quick, fast and in a hurry. With a push of a button, you can be first in line for consideration when a perfect opportunity pops up.

#2:  You May Have Secret Admirers

Just because you’re not looking for a new job doesn’t mean someone else isn’t looking for you. Recruiters spend their days actively searching for candidates that will be the perfect fit for a job.  Be ready!  Have an up to date resume detailing all of the impressive things you’ve done recently. 

When you have an updated resume on hand, you are able to show off your experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm for a new position. That always looks good!  They just might extend you an offer you can’t refuse.

 #3:  You May Need a New Job

Unfortunately, no matter how stellar you are, or how much you love your job, a situation may arise where you get laid off or let go. If that does happen, you’re going to have enough to think about without the stress of knowing you need to update your resume as well. 

 Do yourself a favor and regularly update your resume… even when you’re not looking for a job. By keeping your resume current, you’re just a cover letter away from getting back into the job searching market.

 How to Update Your Resume

in 30 Minutes or Less

You can bring new life to your resume  in 30 minutes or less when you use a resume building tool.  Resume-now.com is an excellent tool for creating or updating your resume.  Choose a template, enter your information and format it to perfection.  Voila! 

Keeping your resume updated doesn’t have to take a huge amount of time, especially if you’re doing it regularly. In just 15 minutes you can give your resume the polishing-up it needs. Maybe it's time for something altogether new?  In less than 30 minutes, you can build a professional looking resume from scratch! You won't believe how easy it is!

Professional Help Is Available

When it comes to job hunting, it’s a jungle out there! A polished resume will help you get your foot in the door, but it’s just the beginning. If you want to make an outstanding first impression during a job interview, a professional speech coach can help you be thoroughly prepared.

Contact the experts at Spontaneous Speech Coach today.  We will teach you the skills you need to improve your communication in a way that helps you stand out from the crowd and keeps you the front runner for the opportunity or position you desire. 

Call us 361-271-1700…we’ll be happy to chat or answer any questions you may have.

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucius