Have you noticed that almost everywhere you turn about 75% to 85% of the people you see are wearing black? As a colour consultant, I confess it does my head in for a variety of reasons.

1) If you don’t have colouring to carry it off, black will absolutely drain the life out of your features.
If attending a funeral it’s perfectly acceptable to look tired and drained.
In business you need to look healthy, vibrant and alive. If you look ill people won’t hear you.

2) In business you need to stand out, not blend in
Wearing black makes you look like everyone else.

3) Black is a two edged sword.
Worn properly, by those who can, it can make you appear powerful.
Worn wrongly, you can be seen to be cold, aloof and aggressive.

Far better neutral colours exist which will enhance and flatter your individual features. Some of them are charcoal grey, navy blue. deep olive green, stone, steel blue, beige and all shades of gray. The colours you wear next to your face are vitally important for making the right sort of impact and for holding peoples attention to your face.

It’s time for people to break free of their addiction to the colour black and start wearing the colours that make them look and feel fabulous!

As a business person you do a whole lot of handshaking don’t you? Whether it’s networking events, new business clients, established clients, business conferences or business events you’re out there shaking a lot of hands. It is the accepted greeting in the western business world.

Yet how many of you have given the slightest thought or paid the slightest attention to the impression your handshake leaves on another person?

Have you ever had it evaluated? Chances are you haven’t. Most people won’t tell you how your handshake makes them feel, but they Will register an impression of you from it, whether it’s accurate or not. Handshakes can be deal makers or deal breakers so it’s important to get it right.

A proper handshake is quite simple.

1) Extend hand straight up and down and grip firmly when the hands are web to web.

2) Shake 3 times maximum.

3) Maintain eye contact

4) Exude a positive attitude and smile if appropriate.

If you shake hands in this way you are bound to make a positive impression on the person you are meeting.

Listed below are handshakes that I refer to as the deal breakers. Each one of these can leave a lasting negative impression that is difficult to overcome.

The Dominator

This handshake begins in the same way as the proper handshake. Instead of maintaining that straight up and down position, the dominator will rotate their hand to be above the other persons. Often this indicates someone who wants to be in charge.

The Two Hander

One person using both hands to envelope the hand of the other. This one is terribly frowned upon in business as it invades the space of the other person. To be used only when you know someone well. Politicians frequently use this handshake!

The Dead Fish

You know the one. Instead of the hand you were expecting you get a cold scale encrusted wet fish. The hand is often cold or wet and leaves you with an urge to wipe you’re hand off as soon as the grip is released. Always make sure your hands are dry even if you have to use a napkin before hand.

The Limp Fingers

Instead of a firm grip in the web area of the hand you get these limp fingers which sort of cup over your outstretched hand. Sometimes the limp fingers can be hurt because the hand is not in the right place for gripping. This one can leave the impression you’re not very confident and have a weak character. A firm grip indicates confidence and equality.

I encourage you to ask some trusted friends to give you honest feedback about how your handshake makes them feel.

I’d also like to hear your stories and opinions about handshakes and the impressions they’ve made upon you over the years.