You’re at a networking event. You have your business cards, your elevator pitch ready to promote your business, product, and service, and you are wearing your best suit. You have less than two minutes to influence and you fabulously fail at first impressions. Sound like anyone you know?



There is power in building relationships. If you can impress in less than two minutes, you rule the power of relationships. The opportunity to impress and grow your business happens in less than two minutes. Why are you spending your two minutes telling another about yourself? You’re wasting your time and losing the sale.



Here are three rules to make your impression in two minutes or less and get the sale.



(T) Take your time to win over the other person. Relax. Don’t get bogged down in details. Ask about them. Learn more about their ideal customer. Learn about their hobbies. Sound professional without boring people. Business will come. Your goal is to serve before sales.



(W) Work the room ~ strategically. There’s nothing worse than leaving a networking event with worthless business cards. Do your research before going to the event. If you can, find out who is attending. Then decide whom you want to speak with. You will get more from the event if you plan ahead.



(O) Own your elevator pitch. Networking is still about you ~ you’re there to sell. Sell with gracefulness. Your elevator pitch can have huge benefits. Create a pitch that sets you apart from your competition.



That’s it. All you need to know to make a positive first impression in less than two minutes.