How to Network in Sunshine Coast
When you are at a business networking event, or meeting with a client, some things speak volumes about you or them without words being uttered. Obviously, the way you look creates the first impression, the way that you walk and carry yourself is also very important. But are you forgetting something? Did you extend a dead fish, a rock, or did you seal the deal with your handshake?
Think about the last time you shook hands with someone? What did it feel like? Was it firm? Hard? Limp? Sweaty? What did it make you think about that person? How would you rate your handshake? If you are honest with yourself, you’ll know that you do judge a person by their handshake and so do others.
What does a handshake say about a person? What are people meant to perceive from your handshake? Let’s have a look at some of the most common handshakes to see what people think about them.
The dead fish
We’ve all had it and not many people like it. We understand that when it comes to handshakes you should go in like an industrial clamp, but at the same time you have to give a little something. Limp or weak handshakes tell people that the shaker lacks confidence or even worse that they don’t think enough about you to give you a firm handshake. Both men and women respect a firm, but gentle, handshake.
The crusher
Easy there! No need to be aggressive about it! No one is questioning your alphaness! A crushing handshake can give people the sense of an ego problem or a bully, not to mention that if you hurt someone, they are not going to want to do business with you.
The brush off or lingerer
Time is also a factor when it comes to handshake, too quick and you can make the person feel like you are brushing them of and don’t care; too long and it can become needy and off putting.
The perfect handshake says I’m confident, I care about this conversation, and I’m ready to do business. A firm grip, with gentle pressure, keep eye contact, smile and let go after two seconds.
Simple but effective.
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