7.  Give good hand.  You can never underestimate the importance of a good handshake, eye contact, and a smile.  Body language is crucial. 

If you are saying, “Yes, we can take care of this for you” but you look like this

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who is going to trust you?

Hone your pitch.  Often in the business world you will hear people refer to a USP, an “elevator pitch”, or a mission statement. 

  • A USP is a unique selling proposition, also known as “Why are you any different than the last ten people who tried to sell that product?” 
  • An elevator pitch is a quick, 30 second summation of your company, product, and services which could, conceivably, be delivered in the elevator. 
  • A mission statement is a brief statement of the purpose of a company.  For example, Google’s mission statement is “Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

A USP, an elevator pitch, and a mission statement are the abbreviated ways that business people communicate information, a business-oriented thesis statement. 

A handshake is the physical, abbreviated way that business people communicate information. 

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Does your handshake say “you can trust me with your business”? 

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Your pitch includes your presence.  The handshake communicates information about you to the other party, whereas a USP communicates information about your company.  If you nail the USP but not the handshake, your prospect will subconsciously feel uneasy about you.  Your signals don’t add up and, thus, they won’t feel they can trust you.

Flexibility.  The handshake is also a moment which can challenge your flexibility. 

Does the other person give you the feminine handshake?  (Fingers but not hand is grasped.)  Do they do the handshake-kiss-on-the-cheek combo?  What if you run into someone who is germaphobic and does not shake hands?  (In which case you can pull out the “namaste”, hands in prayer position with a little bow.)

Don’t save these variables for the important meeting.  Get out there and practice!

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If you liked this article check out Rules for Success: #6.