Brightfarm Introductions

When do you give them your card?

Last summer I attended a business conference for entrepreneurs and had the pleasure of listening to speaker Kathleen Ronald of Speaktacular do a presentation called "Grow Your Net Worth by Growing Your Network".  In a section about "ineffective networking strategies", Kathleen cracked up the entire room by becoming a character referred to as the "Card Shark". 

Kathleen put on some sunglasses, grabbed a stack of business cards and walked up and down the length of the stage flipping business cards out into the air as if she were dealing from a deck of cards and mumbled, "Here's my card.  Here's my card.  Take my card."   

Have you ever encountered the "Card Shark" at networking functions?  Have you had someone come up to you and push their card in your face before they've even introduced themselves?  I have to agree with Kathleen that this is a very ineffective networking strategy.  

When you are out and about networking, it's true that you are out to promote and spread the word about your business.  However, pushing a business card into someone's face is probably one of the most offensive ways to do so and is often considered rude or pushy.   A business card is basically an extension of your introduction on paper, so you'll want to keep the presentation of your business card as professional as your overall introduction.   

Here are just a few tips on when to give your business card to avoid any unprofessional blunders: 

Wait for the opportunity to come up naturally: When meeting someone for the first time, I wait for the opportunity to come up naturally in our conversation. If I have done a good job with my elevator pitch upon our first-time introduction, and the person obviously wants to learn more about what I have to offer, they will naturally ask for my card.  Remember, the key to an effective elevator pitch is to encourage the person to want to know more about what you have to offer. 

Also, formal business etiquette suggests that if the person whom you are speaking to is of a higher status than yourself (perhaps you're meeting a company CEO for the first time), it is polite to wait for that person to offer you their card, rather than asking for it.  

At the beginning or end of the first meeting: If someone approaches me at a networking function because they have an interest in what I do (meaning they specifically are approaching me to learn more about my services, not just to introduce themselves), I will usually give them my business card right at the beginning, or at the end of our conversation.   

If they don't ask for your business card: If you feel the person you are talking to really would appreciate your contact information, meaning you've gauged their interest level as to having a problem you can solve, it's perfectly acceptable to offer them your business card.  Simply ask, "May I give you my card?".  If they decline your card, don't hand it to them anyway or repeat your request.  

Ask them for their business card: You can also ask them for their business card first; a lot of times this will encourage the person to ask for yours, but if they don't ask for yours, don't offer it. 

Never try to "sell" to the prospect when you offer your business card: Hopefully in your first-time meeting you've delivered your 30-second "elevator pitch" explaining who you are, what you do, and why you're different than your competition.  If they do indeed ask for your card, it's clear that the prospect has at least a baseline level of interest.  If they want to know more about your services or products, they'll ask.  Simply hand them your card and encourage them to get in contact with you if they'd like more information.  Do not use the passing of the business card as permission to rattle on about all of your services and products.  If the prospect feels "sold to", they're less likely to follow up with you. 

Present your business card professionally: When asked for your card, be sure you are giving them a crisp, clean card, free of pen marks and creases. Just as you would present yourself in the best possible light when introducing yourself, make sure your business card leaves behind a good impression as well.   Also, only give them one business card.  We may have been taught in sales to give out multiple cards at a time "to encourage people to pass them on to referrals", however I disagree with this idea.  If this is a first-time introduction, they've only just met you, so don't assume that people will want to start passing your card out to other people just yet.  Wait until they get to know you first.

Again, when it comes to the business card, remember that it is an extension of your introduction...an extension of you.  First impressions only happen once, so be sure to put your best effort forward, and you'll avoid being known as "The Card Shark".  (cue Jaws theme music)  

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it: Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

Are you approachable at networking functions?

A couple of weeks ago I asked a business professional if they were a member of any area Chambers of Commerce, and her answer really surprised me.  She said, "I don't like attending Chamber meetings...they're too...clique-y."  Her response got me to thinking about the importance of being approachable at networking functions.

For a lot of people, it takes a lot of nerve and willingness to step outside their comfort zone to even attend networking functions.  The toughest part is walking into a room full of people, not knowing anyone, and receiving a cold reception.  While it's a challenge just to show up, having that type of experience is definitely going to turn people "off" from networking, and understandably so.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, networking itself is an investment.  It can be an investment financially (membership dues and meal or attendance fees), and it can also be an investment of time, and if you're not presenting yourself as someone who is approachable, which will naturally lead to connecting with others, then you could be wasting that investment.

Here are some tips on how to appear approachable at networking functions, so that you can make better connections with your investment:

Leave your "grumpy pants" at home:  You may be having a bad day, or just not feeling in the mood to network, but if it shows all over your face and in your body language, people will avoid making contact with you.  People like to meet with others who are friendly, happy, and passionate about meeting others.  Check your bad mood at the door for just a bit, and who knows - you might even feel better after the networking function.

Make a point to connect with people you DON'T know:  It's easy to immediately gravitate towards people you know (I'm guilty of it myself sometimes), but the whole point of networking is to make new connections. It shouldn't be viewed as "social hour", and unfortunately I think because people tend to stay within the circles of people they're familiar with, that's where people like the professional I mentioned earlier might get the impression that a group is "clique-y". Absolutely do greet those you know, but save the socializing for after the meeting, and look for opportunities to introduce yourself to people you don't know.

Welcome those who appear to be new to the group:  Along the same lines of introducing yourself to people you don't know, consider seeking out people that clearly look as if they're attending a group function for the first time. They will be so appreciative of the warm welcome, and you can really begin a great business relationship if you take it even further and introduce them to other members of the group.

Be present:  If you choose to attend a networking activity, make sure that you are actually present - and that doesn't mean present as in showing up, but present by participating. Try not to be a "clock watcher", killing the appropriate amount of time you think you should hang around. Really spend your time getting to know people, and being open and approachable. People can really sense when others don't want to be there, so be sure if you are engaged in conversation, that you are giving people your undivided attention.

Next time you attend a function, survey what's going on and see if you notice a difference between those who are approachable, and those who are not.  You will be far more successful in your networking efforts if you open yourself up to making new connections.  Being a bit more proactive and initiating introductions, will benefit not only you, but also those you are connecting with.  Be approachable!

Would you like to use this "Fresh Tip" for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can as long as you use this complete blurb with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.  Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.  

Have someone else make your introduction

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being the business sponsor for the Citrus Heights' Regional Chamber of Commerce's Networking Breakfast.  This was an ideal function for me to sponsor because at this particular breakfast, each attendee received an opportunity to give their elevator pitch to the entire room of people, also known as a "round robin introduction."

 
One that really stood out as being VERY unique, was given by my friend Shay Wheat with Send Out Cards.  Rather than giving her own 30-second elevator pitch, she quickly introduced one of her clients and asked her to talk about her experience working with Shay!  It received a GREAT response, and so I interviewed Shay to find out why she chose to do this and the benefits this type of introduction offers.

Shay, what prompted you to have someone else do your introduction for you?
Well, I attend networking functions pretty regularly and with a company name like Send Out Cards, it is pretty self explanatory - I assist businesses with their appreciation marketing by sending out cards.  So, I wanted to do something a little different this time...but wasn't sure what.
 
Who was your client, and why did you choose this particular person to give your commercial?
When I got to the breakfast, I saw a client of mine, Kristi from AquaPerfect.  Just a few days before, Kristi was telling me about a card she had sent out to one of her clients.  Kristi's client called her after receiving the card - laughing SO hard!  In between her laughing, she told Kristi that the card was exactly what she needed that day, and it made her laugh so hard that she had to re-do her make-up!  Well, that made Kristi feel AWESOME, so when she told me that story, I felt that the rest of the room deserved to hear her story as well.
 
What was your client's reaction when first approached to do this?
She was ecstatic and very enthusiastic about the idea of helping me out.
 
What are the key things your client hit on during her testimonial?
The key things she mentioned in the testimonial were her love for the Send Out Cards system, how it has helped her grow her business and relationships with her clients and potential clients, and how cost effective and easy it was to use.  The great thing is...she was able to cover it all in a story about sending love and appreciation to her client.
 
What do you think the benefits were of having your client give your commercial?
The benefits were HUGE, not only for me, but for Kristi as well!  One, I was able to stand out from the rest of the crowd by having someone ELSE do my 30-second commercial.  Second, it was a testimonial from a VERY satisfied client!  And third, it gave my client Kristi extra time to showcase her company and herself, which is a huge plus!  Also, because it was a Chamber function, it shows potential Chamber members and current Chamber members alike that we are the type of people who like doing business with other Chamber members, and we refer within that group as well.  It is a win-win for everyone involved!

What was your client's reaction after having done it?
She really enjoyed it!  She said she was a little nervous, but I let her know that she did a fabulous job.  I couldn't have said it any better than she was able to express that morning!
 
Who can YOU ask to give your introduction at your next networking function?  You can either ask someone spur of the moment, or you can plan it out ahead of time.  Either way, this type of introduction is extremely effective.  Try it out for yourself and see if it makes a difference.

 

Shay Wheat, Referral Marketing Strategist, specializes in appreciation and referral marketing for people in business.  This is done through strategies and tools that will increase a business's bottom line by 15-20%, while strengthening the client-customer relationship.  She shares her knowledge through speaking, workshops and private coaching.  Shay resides in Fair Oaks California, and has a genuine passion for assisting people in getting from where they are currently to where they deserve and desire to be in life and in business.

Ask folks, "What are you working on these days?"

It's one thing to know HOW to introduce yourself, but I'm often asked how to open a conversation PAST the elevator pitch.  You'll agree that it's pretty common practice in social or networking settings, to open a conversation with the question, "So, what do you do?".  Or, "Tell me a little bit about yourself."

I'd like to share a new suggestion, something different from the same-old, same-old conversation starters; one that works very well for me.

Ask people, "What are you working on these days?"

Here are some benefits to asking this question:

It's different, which will set you apart:  It's not often that someone is asked what they're working on, and the recipient of the question will quickly notice the difference, and will find the question to be refreshing.  It's also less formal, and will result in a more casual conversation, which is always welcome in awkward social or networking situations.

It shows interest:  By asking this simple question, you're rising above-and-beyond just "what do you do"- you're expressing interest on what they are CURRENTLY working on.  People appreciate and get excited about the opportunity to tell people what's going on in their business or life.

You can learn a lot about a person:  Actively listening to the recipient's answer will allow you to really learn things about a person.  You might find things that you have in common, or you might learn something new.  It's a great way to keep a conversation going, because you can continue to ask questions in which they can expand on the subject.  This is an especially effective thing to do if you are on the shy side, and would rather do the listening than the talking.

You might find ways in which you can help:  Again, if you are actively listening, you may discover ways in which you can provide assistance.  You may discover a pain point that the person is struggling with that you can solve for them.  Or, you might be able to connect them to someone else who can solve a problem for them, or either boost or enhance the efforts of whatever they are working on.  If you have a "giving spirit", this can move your relationship forward quite a bit.

They just might reciprocate:  Most people will return the question, allowing you the opportunity to discuss your current projects.  You never know where that might lead.

It's a memory jogger:  Have you ever been talking to someone that you've either met before, or you KNOW you should know what they do, but it's completely slipped your mind?  Asking them what they're working on these days will hopefully help you connect the dots and remind you of what profession they are in.

Asking the question, "What are you working on these days" can do a lot for stimulating conversation.  The key is to be an active listener, and not just ask the question as a way to deflect the conversation from you to someone else.  If you pay close attention, you can really use that simple conversation starter as a way to strengthen your networking efforts.  After all, you never know, you might just be talking to your next customer or a brand new friend.


Would you like to use this "Fresh Tip" for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can as long as you use this complete blurb with it: Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.  Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.  

Hello, my name is....

Do you remember to wear a name tag to networking functions? It may seem obvious to do so, but I am constantly surprised at how many business professionals don’t wear one.

How many times have you attended a business function, been introduced to someone, and within less than ten seconds forgotten their name? It’s happened to me on more than one occasion. With a simple name tag, that little crisis can be easily avoided.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind, revolving around name tags:

Have one professionally made: While some very organized functions will have one made for you upon registration, how often have you spent the entire time smoothing out a paper name tag that curs at the edges as is about effective as not wearing one? A professionally made name tag adds professionalism as we as credibility to you and your business. Bite the bullet and spend the few bucks it takes to have one made.

Make sure it’s clear and easy to read: Your name tag should only include your name, your business name and your logo (optional but effective). Make sure the size of the font is large enough to read from a short distance, and use a clear, easy to read font.

Wear it on  your right side: It may seem natural-feeling to you to put your name tag on the left side of your chest, but actually it is more effective to have it on the right side. When you reach out to shake someone’s hand, the right-hand shake naturally leads the eyes to the right side, in direct line of your name tag.

Keep your name tag somewhere handy: Try keeping your name tag relatively at your fingertips so that you always have it on hand for the next function. Ladies, if you’re going to keep it in your purse, make sure it’s in a side pocket or somewhere else easy to access - there’s nothing more frustrating when you’re running late than fishing for your name tag at the bottom of your purse. I keep a little dish next to my front door that holds my keys, my name tag and a few business cards - so that I can just grab them when heading out the door. I know some people who keep theirs in their car for grab-and-go access as well.

Although it’s a very simple tool, a professional name tag will give you an extra edge when attending networking functions - don’t forget to wear it!


Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

Be willing to step outside your comfort zone

It goes without saying that networking is an investment in time and money, wouldn't you agree?  That is why I urge my clients to always make the most of any networking opportunity by putting their best effort forward.  This may sound like a simple thing to do, but I believe that in these busy times, it's easy to just "phone it in".

 

What do I mean by "phoning it in"?  I mean, it's easy to think of networking as just one more "task" to add to your to-do list or to your marketing plan, but not putting your heart or focus into your efforts.  Just doing it because you think you're "supposed" to.

 

Also, if you've been working your business for a while now, it can be tempting to put networking efforts on the back-burner of importance.  Sure, you might show up to a networking function, but it's easy to just "wing it" and not put in your best time and attention.  That sort of problem can then lead to poor results in your networking efforts, which could discourage you and give up networking altogether.  

 

One way to keep your networking efforts a priority and focused is to be willing to step outside your comfort zone now and then.  Shake things up a bit.  Try something new or different.

 

Here are just a few ways you can step outside your comfort zone:

 

Visit a brand new group:   Maybe you've been going to the same networking groups on a regular basis?  Branch out and visit a new group, one you've never been to before.  It can be a little initimidating to go somewhere where you don't know anyone, but it may be just what you need to kick up your business by making new connections.  You'll be proud of yourself for going as well!  Or, if you're not even networking now, start!  You can pull up your local Chamber of Commerce website and search for networking functions or groups and get started right away.

 

Set an intention:  Before you hit that networking function, set a little goal for yourself.  Plan to talk to a certain amount of people:  "Today I'm going to introduce myself to 5 new people."  "Tonight I'm going to give out 10 brochures."  Having an intention will keep you focused and make you feel as though you're stretching yourself a bit - especially if you find it uncomfortable to approach people.

 

Offer to be the first one to introduce yourself:  If you're in a "round robin" type situation, and the organizer asks for someone to start the introductions, offer to be first.  It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you'll feel so good to get your introduction done right at the beginning.

 

Bring a prop or sample:  Think about what you can bring with you to represent your business.  If it's a product, that's great.  You can be creative in what you bring, and it will get converstations started, guaranteed.

 

Be dramatic:  I've seen some very creative elevator pitches in my day.  I've heard people sing their elevator pitch, I've seen people do little "skits" or make jokes.  It takes a pretty comfortable person to do that, but I'll bet you it took them some time to develop that level of comfort.  Try something small and see what sort of reaction you get.

 

Arrive first and leave last:   If you're normally the type who likes to breeze in and out of a networking function, step out a little and try being the first and last to leave.  It may be a big stretch for you to devote so much time to one networking function, but you never know what rewards you might reap from it and you might just have a great time.

 

These are just a few ideas, but take some time to think about ways you can stretch.  Ask yourself if you're "too comfortable" with networking, think about things that might not make you as comfortable, and consider trying them.  Even just one or two new steps outside your comfort zone can make a big impact on your networking efforts, not to mention boost your confidence.

 

 

© 2009 Brightfarm Introductions

 

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

Don't be a Negative Nelly in your introduction

How many times have you heard about The Bad Times we're in right now...this week?  How about just today??  Probably several times, right?  We can't escape it, the news and media are constantly telling us bad story after bad story.  I'm not saying we shouldn't pay attention to what's going on, but we need to be careful that all of that negative information we're given every day doesn't spill over to our attitude and our professionalism. 

 

Perhaps you know Negative Nelly*.  She's the type of gal who always seems exasperated and "put-out" when she's out and about in the world.  She doesn't make eye contact (she's too busy rolling her eyes up in her head), she doesn't have time for you and what you have to say, and she's always the first to offer a complaint, even if it's small or subtle. 

 

Negative Nelly really shouldn't be out networking when she's in that sort of mood, wouldn't you agree?  Complaining about anything in the first 30-seconds of meeting someone automatically sets a negative tone, and will instantly give a bad impression.  Even if it's just a "This day is driving me crazy!" kind of exasperated comment, it can be a huge turn-off.

 

Sadly, we may have seen Negative Nelly out at some networking functions.  She doesn't mean to come off as a "downer", in fact she might not even know that she is being one.  She just needs to be more aware of her words, her demeanor and her voice inflection. 

 

In an introduction, people don't need to hear "the sky is falling", or anything of such a negative nature.  You may be a solution to a big problem that people are suffering with as a result of The Bad Times, but you're better off to approach that with a more positive attitude.

 

People today want to be around happy, confident people.  People who understand that these may be difficult times, but would rather be a supporter and someone to lean on - rather than someone who fans the flames.  

 

The old saying "you'll attract more bees with honey" rings very true here.  Don't give anyone a reason to run the other direction.  Instead, be a shining example of someone who attracts people to them through their kindness and positive attitude.

 

*Negative Nelly is not based on any one person; we can all have bad days, just make sure you check your attitude before making that first introduction - after all, it's your first impression and you want it to be your best. 

 

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

Wear something to promote yourself

The jacket in the picture to the left may seem like a simple jacket, but for me, it's been a HUGE conversation starter.  When my friend Dorothy Compton of Bee Embroidered made it for me, I told her I wanted something simple with my business name...but of course, I wanted it to be bright.  We decided on a bright color for the embroidery, and then Dorothy came up with the great idea of making the dot of the "i" in Brightfarm to be a sparkly rhinestone (which isn't showing up well with my camera, darn!). 

 

As I've been out and about wearing it, and I've been around people I don't know, many people have commented on how cute my jacket is!  And because Brightfarm is such a strange name, they naturally asked me what Brightfarm Productions is, resulting in a very simple opener to my introduction.  

 

Last Christmas I gave one of these jackets to my mother-in-law Kay, and she had a funny experience while wearing it.  Kay was out and about shopping, and as she approached the doorway of a store, a gentleman held the door open for her.  As she thanked him, he saw the Brightfarm name on her jacket and said, "Brightfarm Productions!  I recently saw a presentation you folks gave at a function.  Your video commercials are a great idea - I even told my boss about them!"  Now of course my mother-in-law doesn't actually work for us, but she then went on to chat with him about us!  (We're still waiting for the bill for that P.R. time she provided us!)

 

Wearing something simple, whether it be a shirt, jacket, hat, name tag or anything with your business or organization name can do the following for you:

 

Break the ice/start conversation:  Wearing something with your logo or business/organization name allows for the person you're talking to start the conversation, which will naturally lead to an introduction.

 

Branding:    It will also insure that people know exactly who you're with right from the get-go, and help them remember who you are and what you do.  Which is extremely helpful at networking functions where you tend to meet a lot of people.

 

Reflect professionalism:   Almost like a uniform, wearing something with your business/organization name helps to establish credibility, boosting your level of professionalism.

 

Possibly result in business:  Many of my first introductions as a result of wearing my jacket have lead to business, and I can't rave enough about such a simple, affordable way to promote and introduce yourself.  

 

Try wearing something to promote your business or organization and see what a difference it does for you in your networking efforts.

(c) 2009 Brightfarm Introductions

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

What happens when you forget their name?

If you atend a lot of networking functions on a regular basis, you might run into a very common challege:  remembering the people you meet. The biggest challenge I hear when coaching clients is remembering people’s names.

Maybe this sounds familiar to you:  You attend a monthly networking function and someone approaches you who looks familiar  and has obviously met you before.  They remember you, even use your name, and you…draw a blank.  Rest assure this happens to everyone (even me on occasion).  And to add to that challenge, what happens when you forget their name, but you want to introduce them to someone else you are talking to?

Fortunately, I was able to ask an expert opion on how to handle this.  Last week I had the pleasure of participating in a teleseminar as a part of a Silver Mastermind program I am a part of that is facilitated by marketing expert Alexandria Brown.  Her guest was Anna Post, great-great granddaughter of Emily Post. Anna shared a lot of great etiquette tips related to business and I took pages and pages of notes.  However, when it came time to questions, I was lucky enough to jump in and ask the proper way to handle this challenges of  forgetting people’s names.  Here’s what Anna had to say:

If it’s someone you don’t know well, but feel like you should know their name: Simply “fess up”.  you can say something simple like, “I’m so sorry, I’m drawing a blank right now, could you please remind me of your name?”  Just apologize and “fess up” quickly and then move on - don’t go back to it.

If it’s someone you have met on more than one occasion or is someone who’s name you REALLY SHOULD know: The best advice is to just “sail through” it - it will actually show confidence in your professionalism if you’re honest that you can’t remember their name.  You can simply say something like, “I’m so sorry - of course I should know your name, but my mind is drawing a blank - why is that?”  Being upfront that you’re only human and you’ve forgotten their name will help you avoid being “called out” that you forgot their name - which is far more embarrassing.

It sounds like Anna’s advice is to treat it like ripping off a bandaid - just acknowledge the problem, address it, and move on.  Great advice!

One way I work on remembering names when meeting people for the first time is to use their name immediately after they say it. If they say, “I’m Bob”, then I work their name into my own introduction, and might say, “Nice to meet you Bob, I’m Barbara”.  If it’s a name I think I might have trouble remembering, I’ll try to use it a couple more times in the conversation.  Try it, it helps.

Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t remember someone’s name.  Be graceful and you’ll be respected for your professionalism.

Copyright 2008 Brightfarm Introductions

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.

The almighty handshake

Shaking someones hand upon meeting them is something you may have learned at a young age, but have you ever noticed HOW your handshake measures up?

Years ago, when I was just nineteen years old, I applied for my first “grown up” job at a bank. During my interview with the customer service manager, I was invited to the branch manager’s desk and when I approached, I immediately reached out and shook her hand. While I did it thinking it was the “polite thing to do”, that branch manager told me several months later (after getting the job) that she was immediately impressed by me because I had shaken her hand. At the time, I hadn’t known the importance of a handshake, but boy was I glad I had done it!

Have you ever reached out to shake someones hand and have your handshake be returned by a lifeless, limp handshake? Maybe not even a shake, but a weak “sawing” back-and-forth motion? Or even worse, have you had someone not even take your full hand, but just shake your fingers? (What is THAT, anyway???) How did that made you feel? Probably like the person wasn’t very interested in meeting you, or is afraid of…cooties, right?

Keep in mind that your handshake as a part of your introduction is one of the FIRST things that will attribute to your first impression with the other person. A firm handshake can go a long way in showing someone that you’re pleased to meet them.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember:

DO make sure your offered hand is visible: Outstretch your hand to where they can see your hand being offered for a handshake.  It’s embarrassing when an offered handshake isn’t returned.

DON’T crush the hand or pump the shake too firmly: Especially with us “delicate flower” ladies…a gentle yet firm handshake is all that’s necessary.

DO make eye contact: Show respect by looking the person directly in the eye upon shaking their hand - don’t look past them to see who else is in the room that you’d like to meet.

DON’T offer your hand if it is dirty, sticky, or sweaty: Simply apologize that you’ve just touched something sticky (blame the appetizers!), and continue to exchange pleasantries. Don’t try wiping your hand off on your clothes first and then shaking their hand - yes, there are people who do that. Also, if you’re suffering from a cold or illness, do the same by letting them know why you’re not shaking their hand - they’ll appreciate your consideration.

DO be considerate and not too “touchy”: Personally, I shake with my right hand and tend to “close the shake” by placing my left hand on top of our shaking hands (it just comes naturally to me), but if you choose to do this, be careful, some people don’t like “touchy-feely”. This includes touching their left arm or shoulder while shaking hands - no one is saying you can’t do that, just be sure to “read” the person to make sure you’re not offending them by doing so.

Really, it’s just about being respectful - and shaking hands with someone the way you would appreciate receiving a handshake. Keep it simple, yet firm and show that you are truly interested in the other party - that’s all you need to do.

Copyright 2008 Brightfarm Introductions

Would you like to use this fresh tip for your newsletter or website?  You absolutely can, as long as you use this complete blurb along with it:  Barbara Lopez, "The Elevator Pitch Coach" with Brightfarm Introductions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact.   Everything in business starts with an introduction.  If you're ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com.