Hello Reader,
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Seven seconds.

That's all it takes for someone to form a first impression of you. Seven seconds to decide if you're competent, trustworthy, worth their time. Seven seconds that can open doors - or quietly close them before you even realize they were there.

This isn't just my observation after years in recruitment - it's backed by decades of psychological research. What neuroscientists call the "primacy effect" means that those initial moments create a cognitive anchor that's remarkably difficult to shift. Studies show it takes eight subsequent positive interactions to overcome one negative first impression.

Eight...!

Think about that the next time you're tempted to check your phone during an introduction.

When First Impressions Go Right

I once did some work with a mid-sized tech company that had just brought on a new Business Development Manager. We'll call her Sarah. She was a hit with her team from day one.

What made the difference?

Sarah walked into the office with her shoulders back, made eye contact with every person she passed, and introduced herself to the receptionist by name (she'd looked up the team roster beforehand). When she met her team, she didn't just shake hands and move on. She asked each person about their role, repeated their names back in conversation, and asked thoughtful follow-up questions. "So you manage our enterprise accounts? What's the most interesting challenge you're working on right now?"

By lunch, she'd built bridges. By the end of week one, her manager told me, "It feels like she's been here for months."

Sarah understood something critical: her treatment of the receptionist would be noticed. Her posture signalled confidence without arrogance. Asking about someone's work and actually listening demonstrated curiosity and respect.

From a psychological standpoint, Sarah triggered what's known as the "halo effect" - when one positive trait creates a positive overall impression that colours every subsequent interaction. She created a framework through which every future contribution would be viewed favourably.

When First Impressions Go Incredibly Wrong

Now contrast that with a situation a client shared with me recently. A vendor arrived for their first meeting with a potential new client - a contract worth six figures. He showed up three minutes late. Didn't apologize. Pulled out his phone twice during introductions. When the CEO extended her hand, he offered a limp handshake while glancing at someone behind her.

The CEO told me later: "In that moment, I knew exactly how he'd treat our customers. I knew how he'd respond when there's a problem. His behaviour told me everything I needed to know about his standards."

The meeting lasted exactly as long as courtesy required. The contract went to their competitor.

Here's the reality: if you're cavalier with punctuality, you'll be cavalier with deadlines. If you're distracted during introductions, you'll be distracted when details matter. That vendor wasn't just losing a contract - he was demonstrating, in real time, that he'd be a liability to their brand.

A first impression isn't just that initial handshake. It's your posture when you walk through the door, the quality of your eye contact, whether you silence your smartwatch, and how you treat every single person you encounter - not just the decision-makers.

Those first seven seconds are writing a story about you. And you only get to tell it once.

Recent Podcast Drop! -
"The Interview That Made Me Cry"

Speaking of first impressions in high-stakes moments...

A candidate once put his feet on my desk during an interview. But that wasn't even the worst part.

Over my years in recruitment, I've witnessed the full spectrum of human behaviour in interview settings - from inspiring to absolutely shocking. Your interview begins the moment you enter the building and ends the moment you leave.

In this episode, I'm sharing three real interview stories that will change how you think about professional etiquette forever.

LISTEN NOW ->

WATCH NOW ->

A Reality Check from the Job Fair Front Lines

I attended a job fair recently and was astounded - along with many hiring managers I spoke with - by the casual attire: jogging pants, Lululemon leggings, sneakers, hoodies. When you're asking someone to invest in you professionally, your appearance is the first signal of how seriously you're taking that opportunity.

One hiring manager said it perfectly: "If they can't be bothered to dress professionally when they're trying to get the job, what does that tell me about how they'll show up once they have it?"

I shared thoughts on this in my recent Instagram post - if you're not following along, I'd love to connect with you there.

CHECK OUT THE REEL →

Event Details

If these stories are resonating with you, you'll want to be at our upcoming workshop.

On February 26th, join me and Paul Doucet from Sandler Systems for Hello to Sold - a hands-on morning where we'll show you exactly how to turn connections into relationships and relationships into revenue.

📅 Date: February 26, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
📍 Location: AMICA Pickering (1450 Pickering Pkwy, Pickering, ON)
💰 Investment: $40.00 + HST and processing fees

The venue is absolutely stunning, and we'll have coffee, tea, and snacks throughout.

REGISTER NOW! LIMITED SPOTS ->

The Bottom Line

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. But here's the good news: you have complete control over the one you make.

Be intentional. Be present. Be the person who makes others feel like they matter - because they do.

Until next time - stay curious, stay connected, and pay attention to the moments that matter.

Warm regards,

Trina Boos
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Founder & CEO
Boost Academy of Excellence
​boostacademyofexcellence.com​