I was doing some research the other day on what can happen in just 8 seconds and discovered that there are many significant things that can occur in a very short amount of time.  Are you interested?  Good! Here are a few to ponder:  First I learned of a study that showed visitors accessing a homepage of a website will leave the site if the page does not download in eight seconds.  Secondly, the measure of a successful bull ride is measured in 8 seconds and finally, the first impression you give someone the moment you encounter them either on a personal or business level is determined in…you guessed it 8 seconds.

It is interesting to look at how 8 seconds applies to each of these situations. First, when it comes to waiting for a webpage to download, 8 seconds really doesn’t seem that long, but I must agree that I too am one of the impatient ones who would probably not wait much longer than that to view a particular webpage.  Secondly, 8 seconds on a bull would seem like an eternity.  Enough said about that. Finally, having only 8 seconds to make a great initial impression leads me to believe that I must make every second count.  Think about what takes place in those precious first 8 seconds when you meet someone or when you encounter someone to conduct business.  Initial impressions are formulated about you based upon what you’re are wearing, your physical attributes, voice tone, mannerisms such as a smile and eye contact, and handshake if applicable and it all takes place in the first 8 seconds.

While it is important to understand what takes place in 8 seconds, it is equally important if not more to understand the long term effects of what follows. If I visit a website that fails to download, I may never visit that site again believing the same results will occur.  If a bull rider can stay on a bull for just a second longer than another rider or remain on the bull the entire 8 seconds it can determine a championship and financial rewards.  If you provide a great impression and appear personable, friendly and ready to help customers meet needs and find solutions, you establish a great foundation for long term business relationships.  In other words, customers will keep coming back!

So my challenge is to take advantage of these priceless 8 seconds. Make every opportunity to give a great impression to those you serve every time you transact business.  Remember impressions are formulated quickly and you only get one opportunity to impact those first 8 seconds: There are no “do-overs”.  Once they’re gone, they’re gone.  The clock is ticking…it’s up to you!