When was the last time you walked into a meeting already knowing what matters to the person you’re meeting—and what would instantly resonate?

Most professionals spend more time choosing what to wear than researching who they’re meeting. That’s not preparation… that’s winging it.

In Episode 016, we break down how to Pre-Read the Room before you ever step into it—because the 1st 5 Minutes don’t start at the handshake. They start when you open your laptop and Take the 5 Before the 5 to Find the 5.

Big Idea

Elite Business Connectors don’t wing the 1st 5 Minutes. They prepare for them.
➡️ Take the 5 Before the 5 to Find the 5.

What You’ll Learn

• Why your “pre-game routine” matters (and why most people don’t have one)
• The 3 benefits of Pre-Reading the Room:
  1. Gain key intel
  2. Calm your nerves
  3. Increase confidence
• The difference between random research vs targeted research (for connection)
• Where to look to find real connection points:
  • Company website
  • LinkedIn (company page + individual profile)
• How to uncover 5 creative connection points that actually spark conversation
• How to use your LTP (Lead Talking Point) without wasting it
• Bonus: the 2QM rule (Two Question Minimum) to keep momentum once you find a connection point

The 5 Connection Points Examples

Use a mix of professional + personal:

• Current/past roles (tenure, transitions, new role questions)
• Education (school, degree, shared connections)
• Certifications/awards/accomplishments (noticed = valued)
• Activity section (posts, comments, articles)
• Personal wins/updates (events, milestones, achievements)

Action Steps (Do This Before Your Next Meeting)

1. Schedule “Take the 5 Before the 5” on your calendar
2. Do targeted research (connection > impressing)
3. Build your list… then trim it to your best 5

The System Elite Connectors Use to Remember Names

If you’re serious about improving your business communication skills, I created a step-by-step system you can download right now — absolutely free.

👉 Grab it here:

Buy the 1st 5 Minutes Book:

• 1st 5 Minutes Book

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