The Handshake
May 22nd, 2006
I have to admit, I’m a big fan of the handshake. As a Texan, I was taught early on about the importance of the gesture. I would watch my grandfather buy and sell land and cattle – with many zeros attached to them – with just his word and a handshake. And he made sure we knew that it wasn’t just “something you do.” It is as good as giving your word. He also taught us to always offer you hand first, give a good, firm grip, don’t pump too many times and look the recipient in the eye during the act.
You can tell a lot by the way a person gives and receives a handshake. And, believe it or not, I use it as a new business tool for first impressions. It’s usually a pretty good indicator if you’re dealing with a trustworthy soul. (Okay, not always, but you know where I’m trying to go with this.)
I think that’s true when companies introduce themselves to one another. A good “handshake” is very telling and it all comes down to that first impression thing. So make sure you’re following the handshake rules both in your personal life and your business life. Besides, it’s free and has great rewards.
Other posts by Spike.
admin says:
You know, I agree with you on this one, Spike. I like a good, firm handshake. It gives me confidence in the other person and lets me know that they mean business. Dudes that give you the limp hand, or the “barely there” shake do not give any indication of self confidence. On the flip, dudes who crush your hand usually make me nervous, like, “Is this guy going to eat my children and steal my wife?”- cant really trust those dudes either. Also, there is something to be said for a woman with a good hand shake, havent met too many with one.
May 23rd, 2006 at 5:32 amJohn Bowen says:
In business, the interesting thing about handshakes is that it can be a good indication of the road ahead. An initial handshake along with the chance to read the other person’s face will let me know if I going to need a lawyer or just a handshake to complete a deal. One handshake I remember (and hold dear) is one I got from an old friend when he agreed to come on board to help our company through a particularly hard time. We have no written deal, just the handshake. He has stuck with us through thick and thin. Oh, and by the way he’s a New Yorker that has adopted Texas as his home for the last couple of decades.
June 6th, 2006 at 9:56 amSpike says:
Great point, John. Thanks for the comment!
June 6th, 2006 at 10:52 am