How Important Is A Handshake?

COVID-19 Handshake

In business, a handshake has always been an important way to convey agreement or to express confidence. Deals are made with a firm handshake all the time. And while, it may not constitute a legal agreement, it has definitely stood the test of time conveying an agreement reached between two parties. However, since the COVID-19 outbreak it’s become a feared and shunned gesture.

COVID-19 has clearly changed the way we live and conduct ourselves. The new rule is to stay at least 6 feet apart, wash your hands frequently and sanitize all contact surfaces often. So, no handshakes are taking place these days unless both parties are gloved. How awkward is that to shake another’s hand with latex gloves? It’s very impersonal. And, it can potentially spread germs.

It’s almost a shame that a handshake is no longer viewed as a welcomed business gesture. Especially when a mere handshake has always had so much meaning.

Reaching out to grab another’s hand in a firm, strong handshake was always the proper way to say hello or goodbye. A handshake could be a way to exude confidence in your abilities and ultimately, trust. A handshake might also provide a personal connection between two people, helping to show your intentions or facets of your personality. Many first impressions are based on a handshake. So much can be expressed merely by bare hand shaking.

So under this “New Normal” or “Life after COVID-19”, we have to find ways to still convey these same expressions without touching. That’s where promotional products make sense. The next best thing to expression through physical touch is the act of giving gifts. You might not being able to leave an impression through a strong handshake but you can definitely leave a strong message in the form of a usable gift bearing your logo.

You can find thousands of items that match the industry your prospect represents. If it’s a repeat client, place a magnet on their file cabinet with your company name and contact info so they can reach you quickly. Placed in plain view they’ll think of you often. Now that’s how you make an impression.

In this COVID-19 era, hand sanitizer has become a sought after commodity. So why not have some 1 oz bottles of hand sanitizer with your logo on hand to leave on your sales calls or followup visits. Hand sanitizers come in so many shapes and sizes from bottles to sprays. These make the perfect gift and have so much meaning these days.

Tech gifts make another great gift idea, especially flash drives to help transport files from the office to the home office for those working from home remotely. If you can’t meet with them personally because of social distancing or temporary closures, drop one of these thoughtful gifts in the mail to your contact.

Handshakes and gifts are both a great way to get your clients to trust you and want to do business with you. So take full advantage of these business marketing tools which create goodwill and send the right message.


PromoMojo Promotional Products is a full service provider of promotional products, premiums and incentives. As an authorized dealer of Kaeser & Blair, Inc., PromoMojo has access to a wide variety of products to bear your logo and/or sales message. Visit us today to browse many of the most popular categories: www.promomojoonline.com