Starting or Finished In Sixty-Seconds

Many of you by now probably realize that we are in what many have called the information age. You also probably have also heard the phrase, "Knowledge is Power."

I personally believe that both statements above are true.

Over the last year, I have had dozens of opportunities to share with business professionals that networking is basically about two simple things, giving and receiving information.

A few weeks back, I was asked to come and speak at a luncheon for an area chamber of commerce. They wanted me to share about how to give a sixty-second commercial.

The first thing I wanted them recognize is that when you meet someone for the first time, you only have a few seconds to make a good impression. You know that this is true because it doesn't take you hours to figure out whether of not you like a new restaurant.

You will make split-second decisions about whether you liked the way you were greeted at the door, the mood or personality of you server, the presentation of your order, the length of time between refills, the timing of your check, and need I go on?

One of the first things I wanted to establish with my audience at the luncheon was the fact that most of us enjoy doing, and will most likely continue doing, business with people we have come to like. Chances are that these people made a great first impression in order for us to give them a chance for a second, third, and so on.

I told the story about a young chiropractic doctor that I had met at one of my networking seminars. Before I start my seminars, I ask everyone to introduce themselves and give a powerful description about what they do in sixty-seconds. I'll never forget this young doctor. He started out by telling us he wasn't like every other chiropractor with a list of things that started making my back hurt just thinking about what he was saying. The problem I had was his tone, and presentation was almost like he was apologizing for being a chiropractor. Fortunately we were able to have a great visit after the seminar about developing his presentation to impress people that he possibly could be the healer of all ills.

The funny thing about the luncheon was that the chiropractic doctor was there. When I gave the audience the instructions to take sixty-seconds to introduce themselves to those at their table, it was apparent that his presentation made a great first impression.

Since you only have a few seconds to make a great impression, you should know that whatever comes out of your mouth in the first seven to ten seconds will determine whether the other fifty or so will make any difference in the opinion of the hearer.

When introducing yourself in a business setting, your #1 goal should be to make such an impression, that when your service or product is mentioned in the future, the person who just met you will begin to immediately think of your name.

I have a little exercise in my seminars to show how corporate America has spent millions of dollars to train to think of brand names when a consumer product is mentioned.

For instance when I mention the word "coffee," which brand comes to mind? Depending on your age, you probably thought "Folgers or "Starbucks". Why? Those companies have spent millions of dollars getting you to translate the word coffee into their names.

You may not have millions to make a lasting impression, but your presentation is going to make one, either good or bad.

In the next few weeks work on that "never forget you" presentation and shoot me a copy of your script. If you WOW me, I'll probably let you know!

Randy's SuperQuickReminder: Some sales opportunities remind of a movie title...Gone In Sixty-Seconds!

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