You've Got Only Three Seconds: How to Make the Right Impression in Your Business and Social Life

For some reason, the author is obsessed with private clubs, and keeps mentioning them. Not all of us think that going sailing with the Kennedys is something to aspire to.Most insulting is her assertion that there is something dreadfully wrong with being an introvert, and that introverts need to be fixed (page 47). I kid you not. And on page 75 she comes across as derisive when she refers to “goody two-shoes manners”. She also uses the term “sheep” to denote people who are unlike her. She gives a shallow introduction to the Myers-Briggs personality type indicators, and explains the major temperament types in subjective terms which show clearly which are “her” and which are the “non-her” that need to be overcome like failings. Based on her choice of words, and her opinions of people unlike her, I type her as an ESFJ, and not with admiration.This book tries to be all things to all people, and falls flat with a splat. Much of it is actually NOT about the three-second first impression. The author tries to cover too many topics – many of them requiring long-term cultivation, and therefore deviating from her gimmicky title. And if she cares so much about communicating in proper English, why did she title the book “You’ve Only Got Three Seconds” instead of “You Only Have Three Seconds”?She has also not clarified to herself who her target audience is. Blue collar workers who want to rise to white collar positions? Junior managers wanting to advance within a company? Executives who want to go sailing with the Kennedys? She tries to cover everything, and the ensuing mishmash is unfocused and not very useful.On page 201 she asserts that information on a topic is given in chapter 6. So I went back and looked for the information. I found ONE sentence. Sorry, one sentence does not constitute “information covering a topic”.Skip this book, and find one that caters to the topic you are interested in learning more about. This is a waste of your time, and a dense, slow read. I can only be thankful that I got it with Amazon rewards points, and therefore did not spend any money on it.

One on one consultation with First Rate professionals such as Mrs. Lavington can be extremely costly. Here we have an opportunity to pick up her pearls of wisdom for the price of a paperback book. This is a bargain! YOHTS is packed with good solid everyday and tactics that can be used to advance one's career or prevent others from derailing it. There is a downside: I believe that the younger one is, the more he/she will benefit from YOHTS. While it's true that "it is never too late", the earlier in life one is "wised up" the better. I certainly wish that I had encountered this sooner than I did. The upside is that this is NOT a Machiavellian, sneaky, manipulative font of advice. Rather the author concentrates on advising her readers to parry the outrageous thrusts of the manipulative types we have all encountered on the job. Like any good self help work, YOHTS is not to be devoured in a few sittings. One should read carefully, take notes, think about it and let the advice sink into our everyday-working behavior. A personal note: About ten years ago, my church group invited the author to a one-day seminar. I was totally impressed with Mrs. Lavington's poise, sincerity, professionalism and obvious knowledge of the real world. I wish I had hired her then. Rest assured that this lady is on the level. Readers can take her advice to the bank. This reviewer would especially urge younger amazoners to read YOHTS early in your career. Thank me later.

One of many books I read related to jobs and interviewing as I graduated college. I was able to use many ideas and concepts that were presented. Any time I can get even one new skill or idea from something I'm normally happy.

Some insight

This is by far the best book about the business world. I read it 20 years ago, and often refer to it. I have gifted the book to many friends and family.

fANTASTIC motivational book for job seekers regardless of age!

Amazing book. & an amazing author.

This is a great book. i think everyone should read this!