"I'm authentically Glad To Meet You!" This post is going to introduce you to the proper way to greet man at a networking event, or authentically any other time as well.
There are different rules for different cultures, as we all know (at least I hope we do). In the far East, one should bow when meeting. In some parts of Europe, habitancy kiss each others' cheeks. This primer is predominately for those of us in North America, which includes to some extent, Canada.
Ice Crusher
Of policy in Canada, things are just a wee bit different. For example, in Canada when meeting someone, it would be common to say something like, "I'm very pleased to meet you, eh?" Or how about, "The delight is all mine, eh?" Or even, "How nice it is to meet you, eh?"
You get the idea.
O.K. Let's get right to it. There are many ways to shake a person's hand, and most of them are inappropriate to networking and creating a basis for a good relationship. In this primer, I'm going to mention only a few of the most common.
The Limp Fish Handshake You've all experienced this one, I'm sure! This is the one that, when man offers their hand and you take it, you want to use your left hand and put it on their carotid artery in their neck and check their pulse. You approximately want to forcibly withdraw your hand and yell, "Yuck!" A woman would think, "If he can't even get his handshake firm....." This is the man that you would most likely have to follow-up with over and over and over and over, because they never return your calls.
The Bone Crusher Handshake Ah, yes. This is the one where the other man is trying to do a power play on you, show you who's boss. It kind of says to you, "You want some of this?" Your first reaction is to yell out in pain and then give him (usually it's a 'him') a knee in the groin followed by an uppercut. Doing business with this guy would be such a pleasure!
The Finger Squeeze Handshake These are the folks who won't commit to giving you their whole hand. They stop short of the full grasp and just grab your fingers and squeeze. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn't, but it all the time leaves you wanting more. Commitment issues? Possibly.
The Don't-Look-You-In-The-Eye Handshake What can I say? They will never remember you 'cause they can't identify you. They don't know what you look like. On the other hand, maybe they're submissive and you can sell them anything if you use a harsh commanding voice. Worth a try, don't you think?
The Limp Wrist Handshake You might think that this is the same as the Limp Fish Handshake, but it's not. It's more of a courtly gesture towards women kind of thing. The other man takes your hand by the fingers and raises it to mouth level so that your palm is down. They don't authentically kiss your hand, or even get it close to their mouth, but you approximately think it's coming. You don't contact this one very often but if you do, you should probably curtsy back in response. Unless you're a guy, of course. Then you bow.
The Fist Bump, Backhand Slap, Finger Twiddle, Hip Bump Handshake - (Also known as the inexpressive Ghetto Handshake) This one is difficult to do with panache. You know what panache is, right? I concept so. You're a savvy networker, aren't you? O.K., so this handshake should be reserved for habitancy you already know. You might find that, after having completed this handshake, others are staring at you. You may have a tendency to grin widely. Suppress the grin! You want to look cool, not silly. Cool habitancy do this handshake when they're trying to impress others (or they're drunk). Hey... My opinion, O.K?
The 15 Pumps Or More Handshake These habitancy are your long lost buddies. They are enthusiastic. Friendly. Unaware. Tenacious. These folks are ordinarily fun.
The Two-Handed Handshake habitancy who use this handshake are either very sincere or are trying to fool you into thinking that they are. If you scrutinize them doing this with everyone, then chances are they are phony baloney. Some men do this only with women. Watch out for them. Make them sign contracts for everything.
The Do-Over This is great. The man who, after a botched handshake says, "Let's do that over" is self-assured, caring, has a sense of humor, is honest. A do-over breaks the ice like nothing else. This man is willing to precise mistakes . But, on the other hand, this man may also be one who is a perfectionist. Who tries to precise you every opening there is. Who is a know-it-all. Wow. Tough call.
I've given you some examples from my own experiences. I know that there are folks out there who have experienced other kinds of handshakes and I want to hear from you. The lowest line, however, is that if you want to network properly and make a proper impression on those you meet, then you must give a firm determined handshake while seeing them in the eye. This means with women you meet, too! Women mean business and they appreciate a man who is determined and holds them in high regard in return. So...get out there and shake someone's hand (don't forget to wash afterward because you don't know where that hand has been)!
The Networking Handshake Primer