By the time you've accepted an offer at your new firm, you've met so many people it can be a blur. And then when the onboarding starts, you start again with roadshows and connecting with fellow partners.
The challenge with impressions is that they are often formed very quickly and, once formed, are held tightly - often not out of any malintent, rather a sort of inherent laziness - we have better uses for our thoughts than to constantly challenge passing impressions.
(In my experience working with clients, impressions can change, but it takes time and concerted effort.)
The key then is to make a good first impression. This doesn't mean becoming overly performative, or eager to impress, but rather recognising that during the onboarding you are on show.
You need to be intentional about how you turn up to each meeting, each conversation. Having clarity around how you come across and how you want to come across, but equally important is being prepared for who you are talking to and making sure they are the focus of your attention, setting the right tone for building a longer term relationship.
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