Handshakes are an essential part of business etiquette and communication. #8 from the article linked above reminds me of a true story...I was meeting with a client several years ago who, while problem solving an issue he was having with the carpeting I had sold him, happened to be standing under a very hot spot light. I also have to mention that he was bald - by choice would be my guess because he was a relatively young man. In any case, this spot light was generating a lot of heat and the man was perspiring from his temples. He kept wiping the perspiration off with his right hand...I would also guess that he was becoming very cognizant that he was sweating, but never suggested we move out from under the light. I had become distracted from what he was saying because all I could think of was, "I'm eventually going to have to shake that hand." Ever since this meeting, I have carried a small bottle of Purell in my purse... Is your handshake firm, brief, and hygienic? If not, practice!
