Shake Firmly

Part of reaching your career goals is knowing how to present yourself and understand the messages that your body language can send.
If you want your employees, prospects and superiors to take you seriously, you need to pay attention. One of the first messages you send people when you meet them for a meeting or luncheon, is through your handshake.
A handshake is a social norm that is part of the business world, but how you do can say a lot about you. In Michael Dalton Johnson’s salesdog.com article, “The Fine Art of the Handshake,” he gives some pointers:
Avoid the power grip: A handshake should be firm, but not too forceful. Notice your tendency to pull the other person toward you as you shake – this can make you seem aggressive.
Nothing wimpy: Don’t offer up a weak handshake, this is a turn-off for many customers.
Eye contact: As you reach for the shake, establish eye contact and smile. A warm and sincere greeting won’t hurt.
Good grip: Don’t grasp their fingers, take their entire hand into yours.
Body language: What’s your posture like? Stand up tall, give the client full attention and keep your hands out of your pockets.