Be Ready for the Handshake
As you approach another small business owner or individual at a networking event, be ready with your hand extended. When you make the first move and open yourself for introduction it shows that you're more confident and self-assured.
Make Eye Contact
Always look the small business owner in the face when you shake hands and make eye contact. Studies have shown on repeated occasions that maintaining eye contact for just 3 seconds can make another individual feel more comfortable and develop positive feelings for you. By adding to the eye contact with a smile you are able to lighten the mood and build a general foundation of trust.
Use the Right Strength in your Handshake
It's important to use the right kind of grip when you shake hands. A tight handshake is important but too tight can be uncomfortable for the small business owner you meat. Not everyone ropes horses and bales hay so try not to choke their hand like rattlesnake. It's easy to pause for a split second to gauge the strength of the other person, the follow through and match their grip.
Avoid the Sweaty Handshake
You don't have to be the nervous type in order to deliver a sweaty handshake. Sometimes this just happens naturally in a warmer environment, especially a small business networking event where you're wearing a suit coat or warmer outfit. Make it a point to keep your hands dry, especially if you see someone approaching you that looks like they want to initiate contact.
Stick to the Right Hand
Tradition has us shaking hands using our right hand. If you're at a company even or small business networking event, carry your drink in your left hand and always initiate a handshake with your right. This keeps your right hands free and dry - no worries about condensation from a tasty cold beverage.
Adapt
Various people have different methods for shaking hands. Some simply grip and twitch a bit while others while grab your arm and shake it like they're trying to jar apples free from the branch of a tree. Handshakes even vary from country to country so if your small business networking takes you to other regions pay close attention to how people greet one another. Having the right handshake and the right style can help to cement you in the memory of the contacts you make.
