How To Offer A Handshake over the Phone

We all understand the importance of a handshake and what it conveys.

The origin of the handshake can be traced all the way back to the ninth century B.C.

My favorite theory for the purpose of the handshake is that the up and down motion of the arm was supposed to dislodge any hidden weapons such as knives or daggers.

Imagine the response you’d receive in a boardroom today when your Spartan Blades Les Georges V14 Dagger slips out and chips the corner of the new custom walnut conference table.

Not a good first impression!

 

The Handshake Spectrum

On one end of the spectrum, we have the renowned firm grip.

This is the holy grail of handshakes which exudes confidence and trust.

In the right hands (pun intended) the firm grip is a superpower that will endear you to all who receive it.

How firm should your grip be?

Picture Superman greeting patients at Metropolis city hospital on his annual meet and greet.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the dead fish handshake.

First impressions are low self-esteem and a lack of self-worth.

Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of a wet and limp handshake.

 

Why is all this important?

First impressions matter and in the context of the business world you rarely get a second chance to make a first impression.

It only takes seven seconds to form a first impression so time quickly becomes the enemy.

How you dress, your smile, and your eye contact are all opportunities to positively shape first impressions.

But what about phone sales?

 

The Greeting

Your phone greeting now has to take on the role of a handshake.

You have great hair, a million-dollar smile, and a love of Ralph Lauren Polo wool sharkskin suits.

Unfortunately for you, the phone hides your perfect hair day.

View your phone greeting as a handshake!

Setting a confident but friendly tone is critical.

Pay close attention to your inflection, enunciation, and pacing.

A study from Yale showed that it’s easier for people to read emotions from your voice alone than when watching a video.

Smile and Dial

The next time you are at CVS picking up Rizatriptan to treat a migraine pay a visit to the makeup aisle.

Shell out $9.99 for a Conair Handheld Mirror.

This purchase will do more for your phone sales than the countless hours you are spending on Salesforce CRM.

While making calls use the mirror as a reminder to smile.

Practice your greeting over and over until it morphs into a firm handshake.

Whatever you do, don’t offer up a dead fish phone greeting.

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