The document provides guidelines for proper business introductions including shaking hands firmly, making eye contact, and repeating the other person's name. It recommends looking at and stating the name of the person being introduced first, then looking at and stating the name of the person being introduced to. Examples are given for introducing a client to a supervisor and vice versa. Additional tips include mentioning a point of mutual interest, addressing people by rank rather than gender, and following social cues on a first name basis. Common faux pas to avoid are also outlined such as wearing a name tag on the wrong side or not shaking hands properly.

1. Greetings & Introductions

2. Rules of Introduction Stand up Smile

3. Rules of Introduction (cont.) Always shake hands firmly. Make eye contact. Repeat other person’s name.

4. How to introduce a client to your supervisor: Look at and say the customer's name first. Then look at your supervisor and say his/her name. Example: “ Phillip Parker, I would like you to meet our department manager, James Smith.”

5. How to introduce your supervisor to a job candidate: Look at and say your supervisor's name first. Then look at the job candidate and say his/her name. Example: “ Bob Jones, I would like you to meet Wendy Thomas, who has just graduated from ABC University.”

6. Other Introduction Rules: When appropriate, repeat their names and try to mention something of mutual interest. Example: “ Mr. Jones, our company vice president, is also a graduate of ABC University.” Business introductions are based on rank rather than gender.

7. Question 1 - May I address a business person by his/her first name? Answer: Only if the person requests that you do so.

8. Question 2 - What title do I use when addressing a businesswoman? Answer: Use the term “Ms.” If she prefers “Mrs.” she may tell you at that time.

9. Question 3 - When a man is introduced to a woman in a business setting, who should initiate the handshake? Answer: Either one—times have changed!

10. Question 4 - Is it appropriate for me to be on a first name basis with my supervisor? Answer: It is the preference of the person being addressed. When in doubt, use the person’s last name.

11. Question 5 - What is the best way to remember the name of someone I have just met? Answer: Repeat the person’s name, and try to use the name at least once during your conversation. Ms. Jones

12. Question 6 - What do I do if I forget a person’s name? Answer: Welcome the person with a handshake, and reintroduce yourself. (In most cases the person will respond with his/her name.)

13. Question 7 - What do I do if someone addresses me by the wrong name? Answer: Simply restate your name. It’s John Mitchell.

14. The Six Most Commonly Made Business Introduction Faux Pas Wearing your name tag on the left rather than the right side. Right side

15. Faux Pas (cont.) Remaining seated rather than standing when someone approaches you.

16. Faux Pas (cont.) Not repeating the name of the person you’ve just met and using it at least once during the conversation. How’s business, Mr. Jones?

17. Faux Pas (cont.) For men: shaking a woman’s “fingers” rather than her hand. For a woman: giving a “dead fish” handshake, rather than one that is firm.

18. Faux Pas (cont.) For women: not shaking hands with business associates you meet outside a business setting. Nice to see you .

19. You will add confidence and poise to your business introductions and gain a competitive edge if you… Know the guidelines!

20. Thank you.