The Five Minutes and Counting Technique

The following technique works well with busy managers or those who state that they do not have time to meet with you. Here is a sample script:

"I understand you are a busy person and your time is limited. I am not asking you for thirty minutes, an hour, or two hours to meet with me. If you will give me just five minutes of your time--and not one second more--I will give you all the basic information you need to know about me so that you are ready to act when the time comes to add to your staff. You will know who I am, what I can do for you, and how I can upgrade the level of performance in your department. Five very efficient minutes. Five minutes and not a second more. Fair enough?"

If they do give you the chance to meet with them, the first thing you do when you walk in their office is take off your watch, lay it down on their desk, and make your presentation. At exactly the five-minute point, end your presentation. You must keep your promise or this technique will fail. You need to get straight to the main points of your presentation. And if you have presented yourself effectively, they will wish you had stayed longer. Give them your Networking Business Card and ask them to call you if they have any additional questions. If they ask you to stay longer, do it! Even if they don't, they have seen you in person, you have made your initial presentation, and now it is up to you to keep the contact alive by diligently following up.

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