cora813•22h agoMost Upvoted

That one IT guy at a Peachtree Corners meetup told me my handshake was too firm for networking events

I'm not gonna lie, I was kind of offended at first. I've always been told a firm handshake shows confidence, you know? But he pulled me aside after my 3rd one of the night and said in this town, especially with the tech crowd downtown, a softer grip is better. He said too much squeeze makes people think you're trying to sell them something, not connect with them. I've been doing a lighter grip for a month now and I swear I'm getting more follow-up coffee invites. Has anyone else gotten weird feedback on like, basic social stuff at these ATL mixers?

3 comments

3 Comments

michael_williams17h ago

Huh, that's interesting. I read something similar in a business column saying that the old "firm handshake" advice might be going out of style in some circles, especially with younger professionals.

mitchell.avery22h ago

My buddy actually got told his eye contact was too intense at one of those Alpharetta startup nights. He was trying to show he was listening but people kept backing up a step. We still joke about his "business stare" now.

wadejenkins13h agoTop Commenter

My buddy got the same thing at a networking thing in Buckhead a few years back. He's this tall guy who leans in when he's paying attention, and someone actually told him he was "looming." I mean come on, it's a room full of people trying to talk business, not a hostage negotiation. Feels like we're overthinking basic human interaction because somebody read one too many LinkedIn articles about "active listening.