Success in Sales and in Life Depends on a Great Handshake

Perhaps no other skill tells more about your business experience than shaking hands. If you Youdontknowme going to be in business and interact with others, a good handshake ball jointed dolls essential. Shaking hands does not come as naturally as one might think. Those who meet a lot of people and shake a lot of hands know that this is a skill that needs to be developed to be effective.

When shaking hands you should avoid extremes. "Dead fish" and "china doll" handshakes are just two extremes to avoid. At the other end of the spectrum, you should also avoid the overly ambitious "death grip". In hand shaking as in life, moderation is the key. You should endeavor to be firm but flexible, attempting to mirror the handshake of the person with whom you are engaged.

The Bigbluffer key to a good grip is to be certain that you get web-to-web with the other persons hand. The perfect handshake has the area between your thumb and forefinger touching the area between the other persons thumb and forefinger. Too often an overly anxious person will close their hand on another and just end up the ends of the fingers in their palm. To avoid this, slightly push your fingers away from the palm of the other persons hand until you are web-to-web.

Once you are web-to-web, close your fingers around the heel of the other persons hand. The heel of the hand is the bottom of the hand from where the pinky finger attaches to the base of the hand to the wrist. When closing your hand be certain to equal the grip of the person you are greeting unless they are overly firm or soft. A handshake should only last from one to three seconds. Just release your fingers from the bottom of the hand and your handshake partner will know it is time to let go. Resist the temptation to pull away until both hands have released. This sends a message that you are uncomfortable with the person you have just greeted.

Also consider the position of your hand. Regardless of your height, observe the position of your arm and elbow in relation to the other persons hand. Is your hand on top? Is your elbow elevated and away from your body, creating a downward angle to the other persons hand? This may indicate that you are attempting to dominate the other person. Is your hand Thomasj the other persons hand with your elbow tucked closely to your body? This may indicate that you are insecure. In either case, it may not be you causing the positioning. It may be the other person. Be aware and always attempt to equalize the positioning so that both of you are peers.

Many times we meet people at events where food is served. Make sure your hands are dry and clean. Keep a napkin nearby and use it often. And avoid excessive lotion or antibacterial hand sanitizers. Be sure to apply theses long before your first handshake to provide ample time for the lotion or sanitizer to be absorbed into the skin.

Practice and you will get the hang of it. Having a great handshake says you know how to do business and you are serious. Be professional. Have a great handshake.

Glen Gould is a business growth and networking expert who works with Fortune 100 companies and chambers of commerce to grow their business through effective systems and word of mouth marketing. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including Meet Me At Starbucks. The founder of Inspiration Agents, Inc., Glen is a regular contributor to numerous publications including The National Networker and co-hosts The Natural Networker Radio Show. Visit http://www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com for tools to improve your networking effectiveness and http://www.InspirationAgents.com to learn more about Glen Gould.