A good handshake is almost as essential as a business card in the world of selling, yet so few salespeople actually know what constitutes a good handshake.
When you think about it, the handshake is the first element of a first impression, so shouldn’t you know how to do it well?
Here are some good rules of thumb for how to “put it there”:
Your handshake should be firm, but don’t try to crush the other person’s hand.
A good handshake lasts no more than 3 seconds; anything past that becomes awkward in a hurry.
One or two pumps is enough; don’t crank someone’s hand as if it were a old-fashioned water pump.
A good business handshake involved only the right hand; there’s no need to double grip their hand or grasp their arm.
Look the other person in the eye as you shake their hand.
At social events, hold your drink in the left hand to prevent giving anyone a cold, wet handshake.
If you are not sure how your shake measures up, ask your closest friends or co-workers to give you an honest assessment, and be prepared to practice it a little if you find out your handshake is less than professional.
© 2009 YOU ROCK!™ Communications
THE REQUEST LINE IS OPEN! - IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A SALES OR MARKETING TOPIC, OR HAVE A SPECIFIC PROBLEM YOU WANT HELP WITH, SEND ME AN E-MAIL WITH FULL DETAILS AND I MAY GIVE YOU SOME ANSWERS IN AN UPCOMING SALES TIP.
When you think about it, the handshake is the first element of a first impression, so shouldn’t you know how to do it well?
Here are some good rules of thumb for how to “put it there”:
Your handshake should be firm, but don’t try to crush the other person’s hand.
A good handshake lasts no more than 3 seconds; anything past that becomes awkward in a hurry.
One or two pumps is enough; don’t crank someone’s hand as if it were a old-fashioned water pump.
A good business handshake involved only the right hand; there’s no need to double grip their hand or grasp their arm.
Look the other person in the eye as you shake their hand.
At social events, hold your drink in the left hand to prevent giving anyone a cold, wet handshake.
If you are not sure how your shake measures up, ask your closest friends or co-workers to give you an honest assessment, and be prepared to practice it a little if you find out your handshake is less than professional.
© 2009 YOU ROCK!™ Communications
THE REQUEST LINE IS OPEN! - IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A SALES OR MARKETING TOPIC, OR HAVE A SPECIFIC PROBLEM YOU WANT HELP WITH, SEND ME AN E-MAIL WITH FULL DETAILS AND I MAY GIVE YOU SOME ANSWERS IN AN UPCOMING SALES TIP.
