It was lovely to meet so many farming folk out and about over the summer, writes Nerys Wright. Thank you for mentioning that you enjoy reading these articles, it’s always nice to hear. I co-host a podcast called The Sheep Geeks with my friend Liz Genever. We’re both sheep consultants and one of our favourite segments is asking each guest to recall how we know each other. It’s usually a good laugh and can be very revealing.
This month someone said their first impression of me was “mad as a box of frogs”. Thankfully, we’re still working together 15 years later. But it got me thinking — how important is a first impression, especially in an industry where relationships are everything?
Research shows that people form a first impression within just seven seconds — sometimes even faster. In that brief moment, our brains assess facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and appearance. Once formed, impressions are surprisingly hard to shift. It can take up to eight positive interactions to change a negative first impression.
That’s a lot of effort to undo a bad handshake or a grumpy hello! Our brains tend to seek out evidence that confirms our initial judgment — so if we think someone’s friendly, we’ll notice their smiles more than their silences. And vice versa.
Why it matters
Whether you’re selling stock, welcoming a new team member, or chatting at a show, how we come across in those first few moments can shape relationships for years. A warm smile, a firm handshake (or a nod from the quad bike), and a bit of eye contact can go a long way. But it’s also worth remembering that in agriculture, we often work alone, face unpredictable weather, and deal with the pressures of intermittent cashflow. So, when someone seems a bit off, it might not be about you — it could just be the kind of day they’re having.
So next time you meet someone new — or bump into someone you haven’t seen in a while — remember: you might just be shaping a 15-year working relationship… or at least giving them a good story for a podcast.
The Sheep Geeks podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.