Gimme a Nice Firm One...

I knew that title would get your attention... And you're all a buncha perverts for thinkin' what you're thinkin'... But, I came here today to talk about hand shakes and hugs because it's come to my attention lately that some people seriously suck at hand shakes and hugs.

In case you're just stumbling across my blog for the first time today, I work in the business world. There is a lot of hand shaking that takes place in the business world from the initial meeting with someone, possibly in the middle of the meeting to seal agreement and then of course at the end of the meeting to conclude the events that transpired.

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I did receive a lesson on hand shaking when I was in college. Your hand shake can say a lot about you as a person. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about - we've all had the experience of the person that shakes our hand and we swear we're not sure if there are any fingers on our hand that were left unbroken... But, then there's the hand shake that I can't stand - The "finger tip" only hand shake or the hand shake that doesn't seem sincere - it's sort of weak and not really strong or sincere.

I was taught there are three things you should always do when you give a hand shake - male or female - I suggest practicing with a spouse or partner if you've got an interview coming up because as of late we've had some poor ones...

1. Straighten Up and Speak Up: Pull those shoulders back and life your eyes to look the world head on. CONFIDENCE IS KEY.
2. Extend Your Arm and Hand With Confidence and Meaning: Don't make people question what you're doing (is she trying to shake my hand right now, is she initiating something?). This goes back to Number 1 - be confident - put your hand out and...
3. Grab Hold of The Person's Hand Like You Mean It: ((Don't be creepy or anything, there is a time limit on this hand shake)) - But, look the person in the eye, speak up and introduce yourself (first and last name) and for pete's sake, BE CONFIDENT!

Seriously, I'm so sick of these petty hand shakes that I've been receiving as of late - If I can't even hear you introduce yourself and if you don't say something with conviction - sorry, but you just lost some credentials with me... I understand some people are nervous coming into the situtation, but this is the business world - better get used to it.

And the same goes with hugs - I really hate hugs that don't seem genuine or from the heart. Sometimes it's tough to give an all-out hug to someone, but if you're putting the effort into giving a hug to begin with, make it count!

I know this is a petty post, but seriously - one of my pet peeves! If you're going to hand shake in the business world, do so with some confidence and with conviction. Same goes for hugs!

Make it count people! There's only one you in this world, you've already got that going for you so don't be afraid to flaunt what you got!

((End Rant))