When you are mingling with and meeting people, hold your drink in your left hand. This leaves your right hand free for shaking hands. As you shake hands, ensure that your thumb joint meets web-to-web with the other person’s thumb joint, grasp firmly, give two or three pumps and maintain eye contact. Men: Wait for the woman to extend her hand first. Women: Do not fail to extend your hand first!
Introductions in the business world differ from those in the social world. Gender equality prevails, and if you’re introducing peers, it doesn’t matter whom you introduce first. But if you are introducing a person to someone of higher rank, say the name of the higher-status person first. A person of less authority is always introduced to the person of higher authority and prominence: “Mr. CEO, I’d like to introduce Jane Doe, my business associate.”
In terms of rank, clients are afforded higher status than your colleagues, so address your client first and introduce your colleague to the client: “Ms. Top Client, I would like you to meet John Doe, the head of our litigation department.”
What If I Can’t Remember Someone’s Name?
When you cannot remember someone’s name, introduce your wingman to them. Say something such as: “Hello, nice to see you. May I introduce my colleague, Mary Smith?” Your wingman then smiles and says, “Hi, I’m Mary Smith,” and extends her hand. The person with the unknown name then automatically responds with his or her name: “I’m Robert Brown. Nice to meet you, Mary.”
If you have no wingman, you may have to admit, “I’m sorry, but I’ve momentarily gone blank. Tell me your name again.” Most people will not take offense.
If you are with two or more people and can’t remember everyone’s names, simply ask: “Has everyone met one another?” People will take it from there.
Making chitchat or small talk with others at an event, especially if they are complete strangers, can be challenging. A good rule of thumb is to open a conversation with an innocuous topic, such as why the person is there. Ask the other person, “How did you learn about this event?”
Phrasing questions so that they cannot be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No” will stimulate conversation. When meeting new people, your goal is to at some point give your 30-second commercial, find out about the other person, and determine whether you can help that person.
Exchange business cards only if you see the potential for a helpful relationship. Indiscriminately handing out business cards is not strategically effective. Later you can make notations on the back of the card about the circumstances under which you met the other person, what you discussed, and what help you can offer each other.
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