business etiquette tip: The fact is having a great handshake is a life skill we should all cultivate. In business etiquette, often overlooked, a handshake is your first point of physical contact. Western etiquette rules exist to assist behavior between people, so that rather than guess how one should act, one may know the proper behavior. Initiating the handshake is a form of respect and gratitude. In regards to form, a successful shake is moderately firm adjusting grip & durations to other person, sealed with eye contact and a smile.