The 5 Worst Business Handshakes

Your handshake is the business card you leave behind – people will always remember you by it. Ensure at all times your handshake demonstrates your personal brand and professional business etiquette in the first few seconds of meeting someone.

Here are handshakes to avoid as they are seen as the most annoying and disliked:

1. The Wet Fish

You know…that limp, “sloppy dishcloth” type of handshake.
What is says: the person is weak in character, cold in nature, insincere, lack of commitment.
It can be due to cultural reasons – in Asian and African cultures it demonstrates respect. A firm handshake can be seen as offensive.
At all times take the person and situation into account when shaking hands e.g. a young African woman shaking hands with an older traditional African male client – a limp handshake would be appropriate. The same young woman shaking hands with an older white male manager – a firm handshake would be appropriate.

2. The “Fingerella” or Finger-Tip Grab

Normally a female greeting –where just the fingers are given as a handshake. Women get it from outdated social expectations, when they were expected to shake hands softly.
What is says: not interested in you, the situation. I would rather be doing something else-somewhere else. Also conveys weakness, uncertainty, and pretention.

3. The Bone-Crusher

A client once gave me the bone crusher and broke every nail on my hand!

What is says: the person is wanting to take over, dominate the situation. They are insecure and trying to make up for this with a bone crushing handshake.
What to do: If it’s a colleague and you know them well make them aware of it…say “Ouch..that hurt me,your grip is far too strong.”

4. The two-handed handshake

Engaging one hand with the other person’s hand, then placing the other hand on top, creating a comforting enclosure.
What is says: nurturing, warm friendly, endearing, sympathetic. It can also be seen as the “Politician’s” handshake someone not to be trusted. Unless you know the other person understands the meaning of this handshake avoid it in business. Acceptable in the African culture.

5. The Gas Pump Handle

When shaking someone’s hand 2/3 pumps is sufficient-avoid “over-pumping”. This makes the other person uncomfortable as they don’t know when to let go.
What to do: Step into the person’s personal space area and lower your hand – its almost forces an automatic release.
Men to women handshakes
Men don’t be afraid to give a woman a firm handshake – as long as its not a bone crushing one. Women, shake a man’s hand with strength, no dead fishes!

The Correct Handshake

Aim the web of your hand straight into the web (between your thumb and forefinger) of the other person’s hand.

Get the two webs contacting one another.

Wrap your fingers against the back of the other person’s hand. Two to three pumps.

This handshake ensures:
1. You get a good grip, sending messages of confidence and strength.
2. You convey warmth with a “wrap-around” feel.
If you have no idea what your handshake is saying right now practice it with your friends and colleagues and get their feedback rather than sending out the incorrect message.
Ensure you send out the best possible impressions in the first few seconds of interacting with anyone by giving them the correct handshake. Happy handshaking!

For more information on our etiquette programmes click here or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za or call 011 469 1396

References:

http://www.talk2cei.com

http://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/book_of_body_language/chap2.html

12 Body Language Signals To Be Aware Of

Actions speak louder than words – what are you saying? One of the keys to command powerful presence and display professional etiquette is how you communicate through your body language. Think of powerful leaders, celebrities? Obama, Beckham, Oprah.

They display powerful body language skills to uphold the brand they need to uphold.

Another important reason why knowing the secrets of body language is crucial is – to be able to “read” what others are saying when their non-verbal messages and their verbal message are not in sync. If the messages communicated are incongruent a person’s credibility and trust factor plummets in an instant.

Body language is like any other language in the world… it’s made up of words – BL words are interpreted by “gestures, postures, facial expressions, eye movements”. We send and interpret these signals almost entirely subconsciously, hence the need to be able to recognize them and adapt accordingly.

Don’t drive yourself crazy analyzing every little gesture everyone demonstrates. Maybe fine-tune it to the most essential factors important in that specific situation. These are mine:
Is the person open or closed to my suggestions, ideas? Are they being false or sincere? Are they friendly or defensive? Committed or uncommitted?

Here are some typical gestures and their meanings:

1. Running fingers through hair – ladies we sometimes do this as a habit, when we are nervous. The signal we are sending out is one of being flirtatious. Not good when we are in a meeting or any business type situation.

2. Sitting forward, head nodding occasionally – this is active listening. You are attentive and interested in what the other person is saying. Leaning backwards with arms crossed could mean the person has switched off and you need to re-engage.

3. Supporting the head in the right hand with an elbow resting on the table – bored, disinterested.

4. Finger tapping on table, foot tapping – impatience, you need to fast forward start wrapping up.

5. Lack of eye contact – this can mean: lack of interest, no confidence, dislike. You heard the saying “He can’t look at me in the eye?” also shows that the person cannot be trusted. Be aware that in certain cultures little or no eye contact shows respect. If you are uncomfortable to look at other people in the eyes – practise to rather look at the whole face, so it’s gazing rather than staring.

6. Sitting with hands behind head – typically a male gesture. This is a “know-it-all”, arrogant gesture. Used to intimidate the other person. It’s important to take that person off his power perch. You could place something just out of his reach and ask, ‘Have you seen this?’ so he has to lean over to take it. You can stare at an invisible spot under the armpits – this will make the person feel uncomfortable and it’s almost an automatic reaction that they put their hands down.

7. Stroking the chin – decision- making, a very positive gesture. If you have asked a question and the person assumes this pose – give them time to answer or think about what you are saying before you proceed.

8. Hands on hips – typically a male gesture-it says “I’m ready for action.” A dominating type gesture, taking up territory – being in command. Normally demonstrated by people in higher positions, certainly not the new graduate at the office.

9. Picking imaginary fluff – a signal of disapproval, the person does not like what’s being said, even when he sounds as if he’s agreeing with everything.

10. Arms crossed across the chest – read other signals – are they looking down, leaning back? The person is blocking you off – he is not interested. Is she looking at you and nodding her head – the person is paying attention they just may feel comfortable with arms crossed. Try no to cross arms – it does sends the signal that you are blocking the other person off.

11. Steepling – normally a supervisor or manager giving instructions “It’s my way or the highway”. Common position taken by lawyers, politicians wanting to look powerful during negotiations. Shows arrogance – avoid if you want to gain someone’s trust.

12. Seated starters position – the person is sitting at the edge of the chair with one of the feet forward in a pose like a sprinter about to run out of the starting blocks. You need to start winding up as this signals a desire to conclude an interaction.

Question: “When someone is being difficult is it possible to use my own body language to help calm things down?”

Yes, of course quickest way is stare at them in the forehead – this disconcerts most people. Lower the volume of your voice and flatten the tone. This sends the signal that there is something wrong, but they are not sure what it is. If you are standing, try moving closer to the person this invades their personal space.

Body language can assist you in communicating your message in an authentic, clear manner thus increasing your chances of making a great impression, coming across as a credible and trustworthy individual or…not. Use it wisely.

For more information on our body language & business etiquette programmes click here or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za or call 011 469 1396

Why do Corporate Image & Etiquette skills = SUCCESS?

In today’s fast paced low touch, high tech world, a powerful corporate image and business etiquette is more essential than ever before. But why, you may wonder… “You only get one chance at making a great first impression!”

The moment a stranger sees you their brain makes a thousand computations… Like, are you someone to approach or to avoid? Are you friend or foe? Do you have status and authority? Are you trustworthy, competent, likeable or confident? And these computations are made at lightning speed.

Researchers from NYU found that we make eleven major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting. Did you know others develop an impression of you within the first 7 seconds. Yes, it’s that fast and most of it is heavily influenced by non-verbal cues rather than verbal-cues. Seems hardly fair, but it’s true!

Many people spend a lot of money on their education and completely forget that in the first instance, they will not be judged by what they know, but how they present themselves.

Research conducted by Harvard University, showed that 86% of employers consider soft skills such as etiquette to be among their most important hiring criteria.

Did you know that technical skills and knowledge account for 15% of the reason you get a job, keep it, and advance in a job. The remaining 85% of your job success is connected to your people skills. Regardless of whether you’re communicating in cyberspace or taking someone out to lunch, it is important to make a positive impression, and in order to do so, we must consistently work on enhancing our corporate image, personal branding and etiquette skills.

1. Do you want to be more successful in your personal and professional life?

2. Would you like to develop a powerful personal brand that will help you get closer to your personal and professional goals?

If you answered yes, consider the benefits of the corporate image and etiquette training:
• Equips you/your staff to project the best impression on your internal and external clients
• Promotes professionalism at work
• Sets appropriate corporate image & etiquette guidelines whilst respecting cultural diversity.
• Provides you with the “edge” to be unique and stand out from the crowd.
Regardless of what you do or who you are, the Professional Impressions training will have a direct impact on your professional and career success. Our team of experts will create a tailor made solution to solve you/your staff’s corporate image, etiquette and personal brand challenges.

About Professional Impressions

Professional Impressions is a Corporate Image & Etiquette Training Consultancy. Founded in 1999, we have over 15 years of experience in the field of Impression Management, Personal Branding. Corporate Image and Etiquette Training, and have worked with the A-Z of national and international companies, as well as Miss South Africa.

At Professional Impressions our passion lies in assisting men and women to unlock their unlimited potential through managing the impression they create in the minds and eyes of others. Our key focus is to provide you with powerful skills related to personal branding, corporate image, etiquette and professionalism in business.

7 SECONDS that is all you /your staff have to make a memorable impression on your current and potential clients.

Contact us at Professional Impressions and we will tailor make a programme which will assist you/your staff to become “Packaged for Success”.

For information about our workshops, click here

Contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za or call 011 469 1396

11 Ways To Look Smarter At Work

So you consider yourself an intelligent member of your team…is this showing in what you wear? Remember, most people make assumptions about your position, intelligence level and corporate image within the first few seconds of meeting you. Why give them the wrong perception and start off on the wrong foot? If you think your work image isn’t giving you the promotion or recognition you deserve, it’s time to smarten up. Follow these tips:

1. Dark, neutral colours
Ensure your outfit’s most prominent item is in a darker, neutral colour e.g. navy, charcoal, black blazer. The lighter the brighter the outfit the more casual you will look. So team up a turquoise shirt with a charcoal blazer. Colour has a profound influence not only on how smart you look but also how you feel – read on for the meaning of colours.

2. Keep prints to a minimum
If you are going to include a print in your outfit select a small pinstripe, or check rather than large, bold stripes, checks, and geometric patterns. You will appear smarter if you limit the amount and size of print on your outfit.

3. Structured Tailoring
Select a more tailored garment rather than anything too loose or flowing.
Opt for a structured blazer as opposed to an unstructured jacket. Choose a pencil skirt rather than a flowing gypsy skirt. Purchase minimalistic, well tailored clothes that fit like you were born in them.

4. Wear a second layer
The correct tailored jacket will instantly uplift your look. A ‘second layer” of some sort will do the trick too – a cardigan, sleeveless vest or waistcoat.

5. Collar up
Collared shirts are an uniform standard in most academic institutions and therefore associated with a level of “smartness”. A collared shirt will look smarter than a frilly blouse or crew neck top.

6. Select “smart” fabrics
Rather than selecting a thick, coarse very texturized fabric select a smooth, plain, no shine fabric. Stay away from fabrics that crease easily – you will look like an unmade bed!

7. Pay attention to detail
Keep the detail on your garments as plain as possible. So avoid a pair of pants that has a lot of zippers, turn-ups, pockets, buttons, etc. Rather select a plain flat front pair of pants.

8. The Fit is key
You can be wearing a $4 000 Hugo Boss suit if the fit is wrong – you will look cheap. You can wear a $30 outfit and if the fit is impeccable for you – you can look like a million dollars. When selection key wardrobe staples – a white shirt, a dark suit, a shift dress, a red tie – ensure they are in the best quality you can afford. To learn more about the correct jacket fit click here

9. Accessories speak volumes
Keep these discreet and to a minimum. Don’t be known as the “gold medallion” guy or the “bling” girl from HR. Ensure your accessories match the level of your outfit – so a formal to smart outfit needs fine jewellery, discreet watches. Smart casual outfits can be paired with bigger, bolder costume jewellery, bulky watches. Ladies to ensure you make the correct bag choice visit here.

10. Put your best shoe forward
Rather have 3 pairs of good quality leather shoes than 250 cheap looking plastic shoes. To ensure you are putting your best shoe forward learns some key shoe strategies here.

11. Groom to perfection
Beware the over-powering fragrance/after shave; chipped gothic nail polish; long nostril hair; brightly coloured hair streaks; five o clock shadow – these are all tell tale signs that you don’t pay attention to the detail of your brand and will make you appear unprofessional.

By following these 10 steps you will come across as super-smart in no time.

For more information on our corporate image courses and how to be packaged for success please click here or contact us on info@profimpressions.co.za