What Does Your Handshake Say?

Recently, I attended a business meeting where I was networking and meeting some new colleagues in my industry. To preface this little story, let me say that I have always, at least since business school in college, recognized the importance of a good, firm handshake when meeting someone new. It is something that I always try to do and I find myself noticing when others offer a limp hand or just their fingers for a handshake. It seems the older I get the more I seem to notice what type of handshake someone gives and take note of it. Probably seems odd to most of you and you're probably thinking that I should have more important things to worry about right. Well, call me weird or Miss Manners or whatever you want, but these are the things that are important to me.

Anyway, back to the business meeting. A gentleman came up to introduce himself to me at the meeting and we promptly shook hands. As soon as we shook hands, he complimented me on what a nice firm handshake I gave. Well, as you can imagine, I couldn't have been happier with his comment and we went on to discuss how annoying it is when someone doesn't give you a nice good handshake. Seems like he "got it" too!

I did a little research on this topic and found that a nice firm, but not bone-shattering handshake is considered important and appreciated by most, both in the world of business and beyond. It is also important to remember to make eye contact with the person whose hand you're shaking.

So what does your handshake say about you? Do you appreciate and value a nice handshake when greeting someone? Share your thoughts on handshakes by leaving us a comment here on this post. The best handshake story may just receive a little reward.

Happy Handshaking!