"People make assumptions about you by
your handshake,” says Mark Ginna, right, vice president of national
sales for New York City-based Loews Hotels. In a business where
first impressions are so important, that first meeting of hands can
set the groundwork for a respectful relationship. Ginna recently
created a “branded handshake” for the chain’s executives as part of
a companywide training program designed to further set the chain
apart in the upper-upscale marketplace. Here is a step-by-step
guide to executing the Loews handshake.
Say hello. Start by
introducing yourself and making eye contact.
Present yourself.
While standing, hold your hand out with thumb and forefinger at a
45-degree angle. Make a web-to-web connection with the hand you are
about to shake.
Keep it short. Hold
contact for two firm pumps, confident and sincere.
Don’t offend. Avoid
squeezing too hard, too long, offering the wet noodle, or
attempting anything from a fraternity, like a high five or bumping
fists.