Business Etiquette and Personal Branding: Literally They Go Hand in Hand

When teaching at corporations or universities, I always start with pointing out the importance and awareness of your personal brand. What is personal branding? What does it have to do with business etiquette?

Let’s start with defining a personal brand. It is a broad subject and has many definitions, but to make it simple, we can narrow personal branding down to four traits:

Core competencies
Personality, attitude or character
Appearance
How you differentiate yourself; what makes you special and stand out

When speaking about personal branding, we must start with the importance of a powerful first impression. How you are dressed and eye contact play an important part, as does your handshake. Yes, your handshake. I am often asked to name the most common mistakes I see in the corporate world with regard to business etiquette, and it is definitely the lack of a good handshake. Simple, but so important. Most think they have a good handshake. Most don’t. Here are a few tips to check out your handshake:

Extend right hand
Thumb up
Make web to web contact: this is the key. If you do not touch the web part of your hand (the area between your index finger and thumb) with the web of the other person’s hand, you have a weak hand shake. It doesn’t matter if you squeeze hard, it still comes across as awkward and wrong. No one likes the finger tip handshake.
Shake twice. Left hand is by your side.
Good eye contact of course

Another important gesture is to always stand for a handshake, whether you are a man or a woman. This is a sign of respect - for yourself and the other person. Never shake someone’s hand sitting down.