Shake on It

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Shake on It!

Shaking hands is a tradition with its roots in antiquity, practiced in common life and in business millions of times a day. Having stated that fact, I feel compelled to point out that many groomers omit this polite gesture from their repertoire of interactions.
Why is this so? My theory is that many women are not taught the ritual of the handshake. Since the majority of pet stylists are woman, this leaves our entire industry in a bit of a quandary when it comes to using the handshake in their everyday interactions.

Wikipedia says, “A handshake is a short ritual in which two people grasp their right or left hands, often accompanied by a brief shake of the grasped hands. It is commonly done upon meeting, departing, offering congratulations, or completing an agreement. Its purpose is to demonstrate good will, and possibly originated as a gesture showing that the hand holds no weapon. Men are more likely to shake hands than women, however in business situations it is considered the standard greeting for both sexes.”

When I was a very little girl, my father gave me a lesson in handshaking. He said, “It is important to have a nice, firm handshake. A good handshake helps people form a good impression about you. A limp, dead fish handshake will create a bad impression.” We practiced many times that day, my tiny hand grasping his large, hard one. I learned that a proper handshake is executed when the web between the thumb and index finger meet and the fingers of the hand curl around the back of the opposite hand. The grip is firm without being bone crushing. At the time of the handshake, the people involved with it should have their bodies square to each other, and make good eye contact. A smile helps add flavor.

There have been sociological studies done that prove that what my dad knew from being a successful business man for decades. If people have some positive form of physical contact upon first meeting, they form a better impression of each other. The handshake is the perfect vehicle for this physical contact.

So, do you have to shake hands with your customers every time they come to your business with their pet? No, but it is a great idea to offer your hand the first time they come in. Say you are expecting a first time customer with a Springer to come in at 9:00AM. When someone you don’t recognize enters the shop at 9:04 with a bouncy spaniel, you know it is the new customers you’ve been waiting for. Your interaction might go something like this, “Hello! You must be Mrs. Jones.” Step towards the person, extend your hand. As you shake, smile and say, “It is so nice to meet you, I am _____.” The very next thing you can do is greet the pet on the end of the leash. Upon doing this you have made the customer feel welcome by greeting them by name, you have given them your name, so they know who they are dealing with, and you have initiated a warm physical first contact. This is an all around feel-good experience!

If you feel very uneasy about shaking hands, practice with your friend, your spouse or even your kids. Once you feel confident that your grip is pleasant, start incorporating the hand shake in your daily life. What if a lack of knowledge of social rules is your worry? Questions such as “who offers their hand first?” might cause you concern. My thought… just go for it! Shake and smile. Each time you successfully complete a handshake the gesture will become more natural to you. Add this time-honored custom to your greeting ritual and be in step with business professionals around the globe.