Are you a bone crusher or a limp-fish? In real estate, having a good handshake is crucial to your success. You want to have a firm, confident handshake, and you want to use it at the appropriate time.

In today’s show, we’re going to be discussing how to have a smooth, professional handshake that makes the best impression possible. It is the universal business greeting.  This is a moment of truth! Are you a bone crusher or a wet fish hand-shaker? Both are wrong.

1      A handshake at the door is expected.  (Listing Presentation or Meeting Buyers)  It is the universal business greeting.  This is a moment of truth! Are you a bone crusher or a wet fish hand-shaker? Both are wrong.

2       A good handshake goes like this:  Keep your fingers together with your thumb up and open.  Slide your hand into the other person’s so each person’s web of skin touches.  Squeeze firmly.

Your handshake should be firm but not bone crushing, last about 3 seconds, includes good eye contact with the other person, and should be released after the shake, even if the introduction conversation continues.  It should feel close and assertive.

SecretWhen someone shakes with their hand facing down, it means they want to control you.  If they shake with their handfacing up, it means they’re submissive.

If you want to go the extra mile to convey confidence, try “anchoring” the handshake. This means using your other handto touch the person softly on their forearm between their wrist and their elbow. Done correctly, and this move can give an impression that you are fully committed to speaking with the person. Just be sure to not go any higher than the elbow, as this could make the person feel like you are invading their personal space.

3       When do you shake hands?

o   meeting someone for the first time

o   meeting someone you haven’t seen for a while

o   greeting your host(ess)

o   greeting guests

o   saying good-bye to people at a gathering

o   someone else extends a hand

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