Few Tips for a Proper Business Greeting:

Here are few Tips for a Proper Business Greeting:

Stand Up! – In social situations, traditionally it is polite for women to stay seated when introduced to someone, however, it is a different ball game in the professional world. Ladies, we lose credibility when we stay seated to shake someone’s hand and greet them. Please rise to shake hands.

Make Eye Contact – Good eye contact (nothing too penetrating) provides a positive connection with the other person. Good eye contact shows the person you are confident and that you are interested in the other person.

Smile – A smile puts the person being introduced to you at ease. It is a warm and welcoming way to greet someone. It leaves a positive impact with the other person.

Connect – The proper way to approach a handshake with another person is to have your hand out, fingers extended and thumb pointing straight up to the ceiling. This will allow you to connect web-to-web (the section of our hands between the thumb and forefinger). Two firm pumps from the elbow is a proper handshake.

Introductions – When someone introduces them to you, respond with “Hello, (the person’s name). It is nice to meet you.” “Hi” or “Hey” is unprofessional and not enough effort on your part. When introducing yourself to someone, always provide your first and last name (unfortunately we are not “Madonna” or “Prince” most of us have two names so use them).

Remembering Names – If you say the person’s name three times (once when you are meeting them as shown above, once in conversation, and one last time when you are exiting the conversation it is more likely you will remember the person’s name).

Closing a Conversation – always close a conversation with a handshake. If you are seated, stand, shake hands and say, “(Person’s Name), it was a pleasure meeting you.”