When you begin networking for your small business you will be meeting other small business owners on occasion for the very first time. Very often it is the case that you will find yourself shaking hands. Not surprising, it is quite a common greeting. The unfortunate thing is that not everyone knows how to leverage that handshake for optimal positive memorability. That means simply that you seem professional make a good impression, don't crush their hand to pudding and stand a good chance they'll remember you (fondly) the next time you come calling. Follow these tips to have your business card, face and handshake planted firmly in their memory.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Be Ready for the Handshake
When approaching another small business owner for a greeting you should start bringing your hand up for the handshake before reaching them. This shows you are confident and outgoing as well as approachable and personable.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Make Eye Contact
It's hard to respect someone that talks to their shoes and irritating to talk to someone that looks to the side the whole time you are talking, make sure you look prospective business contacts in the eye. According to research, it only takes 3 seconds of meeting someone's gaze to set them a little more at ease and build their feelings toward you. Smile, it will help to make a good impression and people at ease even if it usually makes your friends wonder what your up to.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Use the Right Strength in your Handshake
It's important to use the right strength when you shake someone's hand. You don't want the crushing ex wrestler grip, it tends to turn people off quite a bit. Take a second to pause and gauge how firm a grip the small business owners grip so as not to over do it.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Avoid the Sweaty Handshake
A soggy handshake makes for a great way to make people uncomfortable. Always make sure you keep your hands clean and dry. Humid climates and wearing a heavier suit can make it a bit difficult to keep your hands dry but a nonchalant swipe on the pant leg is actually less obvious and less nerve making than dragging out a kerchief and ostentatiously scrubbing your hands. It's also a good idea to dry your hands if you see someone approaching that might wish to initiate contact.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Stick to the Right Hand
Even though you might be a lefty custom has it that we shake with our right hand. Although we have modern marvels like toilette paper now it is still considered customary to avoid the left hand when shaking hands. Not only does it tend to confuse most people (and actually is seen as a grievous insult by others) it can put them off balance and might generate a minor amount of irritation and make people less comfortable around you.
Small Business Network Tips for Success - Adapt
Various people have different methods for shaking hands. Some simply grip and twitch a bit while others while grab your arm and shake it like they're trying to jar apples free from the branch of a tree. Handshakes even vary from country to country so if your small business networking takes you to other regions pay close attention to how people greet one another. Having the right handshake and the right style can help to cement you in the memory of the contacts you make.
Author Resource:
Referral Vault is the number one source for Small Business Networking in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. If you want to build better working relationships with other businesses and improve your Business Leads then join today for free.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")