I've been working on my book this week and thinking about the first steps in a new job.

We arrive at a new job, place, or building with a new team. We might be the first PM or one of many PMs on the product team.

No matter the situation, we first meet our manager. Then we meet the others and the scrum team we'll work with. We also meet the different stakeholders CEO, CPO or CFO.

The first moments: facial expressions, fake or genuine smiles, a firm handshake or physical appearance decide the fate of your relations with them. 

Is there a difference between these meetings?

No, every start is the same.

I want to focus on one big thing I've been thinking about for a long time.

7 SECONDS. This is all we got.

We have only 7 seconds to make a positive impression.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

You made an impression on this article and me when you counted those numbers. 

Whether in business settings or networking events, we all make snap judgments based on the small things.

It's even worse if we're in sales - just 4 seconds on a phone call.

In the next few minutes, I'll answer three questions:

• What happens in the first 7 seconds?

• Why is this important to me as a digital creator and product leader?

• How can we make the most out of the first 7 seconds?

What happens in the 7 seconds?

We must go back in time and understand our evolution instincts.

Our brain is keeping us safe. It has changed over time to spot dangers. Trust is an important part.

In the first 7 seconds of the meeting, people like investors, clients, coworkers, or podcast listeners start to form a good or bad impression of us.

A study by Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov says it only takes a tenth of a second to figure out some traits.

In these first moments, people start to judge based on facial appearance. The rest of the time doesn't change much except to make the first tenth of a second stronger.

We project a powerful image whether we like it or not. We judge people from a single conversation, vocal impressions, or business meetings.

Why is this important to me as a digital creator and product leader?

As digital creators and product leaders, we're always talking to people.

We meet with potential coworkers, partners, investors, clients, and stakeholders.

These meetings are crucial for our success. Making the most of the first meetings can significantly impact what happens next.

From my experience, it can cost us a lot if we don't pay attention to these meetings.

We spend the rest of the time trying to regain people's trust or convince them we can be worth their investments.

There are better places to be.

As I said before, each relationship we make is an investment. We can use this investment in the future to help achieve a goal.

For example, these can be leveraged:

• Winning a client's trust can help us define future solutions.

• Winning a coworker's trust can help us find help in tough times.

• Winning another product's or digital creator's trust can help us find support for our next launch.

How can we make the most out of the first 7 seconds?

The first 7 seconds matter, but we must think beyond that to succeed.

It all starts before the meeting.

I won't talk here about how looks matter. Everyone knows it. Depending on the job or the situation, it's important to dress right and care for ourselves.

People judge looks before words.

Here's where I went wrong at the start of my career. I thought what mattered was the first 7 seconds.

A meeting can be stressful. It's awkward. We don't know the person or coworker. We start a new job. We jump on a call with someone we barely know.

My first lesson

I remember that time when I followed the instructions of my manager on a new project. I didn't meet beforehand some of the players that will be present during the meeting.

As it turns out, they were influential, creating a problem immediately. It derailed the first meeting as they felt they didn't know what I was discussing.

They were right in a certain way; it was the first big meeting of my career, and I was stressed out. With a step back, I knew I didn't have the right energy.

It almost cost me my place on the project. I had a good relationship with the project manager which helped rectify the situation.

This was my first meeting in my career and the most important lesson I learned about first impressions and judgments.

From that lesson, I decided to change my approach and always meet people beforehand. Spend some time connecting with them and creating a relationship.

It all comes down to a few things to think about.

Seven tips for success

The mindset we have at the start of the meeting matters.

Tip #1 — Prepare for the meeting

When meeting someone for the first time, the mindset you bring speaks volumes about you.

People can pick up your vibe. It's not conscious.

That's how judgment works. So, do something that boosts your confidence, energises you, and helps you relax.

If you are in a bad mood, people will feel it. 

I like to walk, listen to music (Artic Monkeys, Suits OST, DragonForce), or listen to motivational parts from TV shows and anime. That's how my brain works.

You need to find what works for you.

The Navy Seal breathing technique is an excellent way to change from autopilot to being in control of the situation.  

When we get to the meeting and just before it starts, it's another time to make a good impression.

People worry too much about what they'll say. They forget that we're humans and need to be in the moment. Whatever the outcome we want, it doesn't matter then.

Tip #2 —Dress the part

Your physical appearance matters.

Think about what you want to communicate and be aware of appropriate dress codes.

Our appearance says it all — a powerful statement about our identity.

Remember, CEOs of startups chose their style because they were successful.

Tip #3 — Start with a genuine smile and make a real connection with the person

Smiling makes people seem more trustworthy and friendly. That's why it's important to smile in any situation.

But be authentic in the way you do it. Then, you can shake hands firmly or not. It's up to you.

Smiling is the most common piece of advice given by my colleagues on Twitter: @PatThePM, @flyvenkat, @obllorrac.

I like to start my meetings with small talk. Weather, holidays, vacations. It doesn't require much thought, and it relaxes everyone.

Then the meeting starts.

This will be for another post because there are strategies we can use based on the situation and type of meeting.

But here's some advice: everything from you tells the other person who you are.

Our subconscious picks up 97% of the information and gives it to our conscious to make the right choice.

Just think about it; we never decide we dislike someone. It just comes to us naturally.

Tip #4 — Approach it with a learning mindset.

Everyone has a good story to tell.

Be genuinely curious and attentive. During the conversation, make a conscious effort to listen actively.

Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying by asking thoughtful questions.

My last piece of advice.

Tip #5 — Speak clearly and slowly

Take a moment before answering. Let people finish and avoid rushing or mumbling. It can make it difficult for others to understand you.

Take a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking.

Ensure that your message is conveyed the right way.

Tip #6 — Maintain confident body language.

Your posture, the way you stand, and your eye contact play a role in creating a strong first impression.

Our brains gather all this information and form judgments accordingly. Be conscious of your body language and presence.

For a while, I practised in front of mirrors at the start of my career before interviews or workshops.

I needed to know everything I would say and how to lead the meeting.

I couldn't know how people would react.

So, I decided to come prepared.

One last thing.

Tip #7 — Embrace Silences

Silences are uncomfortable.

Yet, they provide space for reflection and deeper connection. Instead of rushing to fill the silence, allow your partner to share their thoughts or questions.

Embracing silences is the ultimate communication tip!

Here are my 7 tips for creating an excellent first impression:

• Prepare for the meeting.

• Dress the part.

• Begin with a smile and engage in small talk.

• Approach it with a learning mindset.

• Speak clearly and slowly.

• Maintain confident body language.

• Embrace Silences.

Let me know if you have any questions on this topic.