handshakers
Those exchanging grips
Handshakers are people who shake hands, typically in contexts where greeting or deal-making is emphasized.
The term often carries a dismissive tone, suggesting people who are all show and no substance—politicians working a room, executives who schmooze but don't produce: The office is full of handshakers and backpatters.
Those who ingratiate socially
- minglersThose who socialize freely
- networkersThose cultivating professional contacts
- connectorsDevices that join things
- socializersPeople who enjoy company
professionals · entrepreneurs · conferees · dealmakers · collaborators · influencers · power-brokers · rainmakers
Those who receive arrivals
- greetersThose who welcome arrivals
- hostsThose who entertain guests
- receiversThose who accept transmissions
- well-wishersPeople expressing goodwill
ambassadors · introducers · ushers · doormen · receptionists · diplomats · delegates · emissaries
Those who negotiate agreements
- negotiatorsThose who arrange agreements
- contractorsHired service providers
- partnersJoint venture participants
- signatoriesThose who signed officially
parties · diplomats · mediators · arbitrators · brokers · closers · facilitators · bargainers
Agents that reduce germs
- germaphobesPeople fearing contamination
- disinfectorsAgents that destroy pathogens
- health-consciousAware of physical wellbeing
- avoidersThose who evade
schmoozers
Those who ingratiate socially
- minglersThose who socialize freely
- networkersThose cultivating professional contacts
- connectorsDevices that join things
socializers · professionals · entrepreneurs · conferees · dealmakers · collaborators · influencers · power-brokers · rainmakers · glad-handers
welcomers
Those who receive arrivals
- greetersThose who welcome arrivals
- hostsThose who entertain guests
- receiversThose who accept transmissions
well-wishers · ambassadors · introducers · ushers · doormen · receptionists · diplomats · delegates · emissaries · visitors
dealmakers
Those who negotiate agreements
- negotiatorsThose who arrange agreements
- contractorsHired service providers
- partnersJoint venture participants
signatories · parties · diplomats · mediators · arbitrators · brokers · closers · facilitators · bargainers · collaborators
sanitizers
Agents that reduce germs
- germaphobesPeople fearing contamination
- disinfectorsAgents that destroy pathogens
- health-consciousAware of physical wellbeing
handshakershuggers
Those who clasp affectionately
wavers · bowers · nodders · kissers · germaphobes
handshakershuggers
Those who clasp affectionately
embracers · cuddlers · snugglers · cold fish · ice queens
handshakersavoiders
Those who evade
loners · recluses · wallflowers · introverts · hermits
- secret handshakeMembers-only coded greeting
- firm handshakeTight palm-to-palm greeting
- handshake dealUnwritten mutual commitment
- golden handshakeLucrative payment upon departure
- warm handshake