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

Follow Me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

Episode Big Idea

Remembering names isn’t a memory issue — it’s a focus issue.

The Real Reasons We Forget Names

1. The Excuse: “I’m Bad With Names”

• Why saying this wires your brain not to try
• What that excuse silently communicates to the other person
• Why it sounds like you don’t care (even if you do)
• Reframing memory as trained vs. untrained

2. We’re Not Ready to Receive the Name

• What your brain is actually focused on during introductions
• Why names “fly past us” before we’re mentally ready
• The importance of mental availability in the first moments of connection

3. We’re Focused on What We’ll Say Next

• Why trying to be impressive sabotages connection
• Kevin Horsley’s insight: “People don’t hear names because they’re trying to be interesting instead of interested.”
• The truth: forgetting isn’t about memory — it’s about misplaced focus

Why Remembering Names Matters More Than You Think

• Research from The Elite Business Connector book:
  • 75% say remembering names is a high priority
  • Nearly 75% admit they forget names quickly
  • Only 36% consistently remember names
• What remembering someone’s name silently communicates:
  1. You care about them
  2. You pay attention to details
  3. You’re actually listening

How to Nail the Name Every Time

1. Control the Timing

• Why you shouldn’t lead with names
• Using the 1st 5 Minutes framework:
  • Read the Room
  • Begin the Banter
  • THEN exchange names
• Why sequence matters for retention

2. Be Ready

• Making the micro-decision that names matter
• Preparing your focus before the name is said

3. Use the “Three-Peat” Method

• Say the name three times:
  • Beginning: confirmation
  • Middle: reinforcement
  • End: lock-in

Five Name-Remembering Hacks That Actually Work

1. Ask About the Preferred Name

• James vs. Jim, Elizabeth vs. Beth, David vs. Dave
• Why preference matters more than correctness
• How ignoring it costs instant credibility

2. Get the Spelling

• Why spelling creates memory anchors
• “Bryan with a Y” and the power of playful repetition
• Unique spellings = instant connection points

3. Get the Backstory

• Why stories make names sticky
• One simple question that unlocks memorability

4. Unique Names

• How name curiosity creates unexpected moments of impact
• Why both people walk away feeling better

5. Last Names (and How to Use Them)

• Asking about ethnicity and family origin
• Alliteration and shared initials
• Leveraging last names to reinforce first names
• Humor as a memory enhancer

6. Tough or Foreign Names

• Why effort beats perfection
• How trying earns instant respect

Buy the 1st 5 Minutes Book:

• 1st 5 Minutes Book

Follow Me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

When was the last time a business conversation actually went the way you planned?

Not the slide deck.
Not the proposal.
The conversation.

In this episode of the Elite Business Connector Podcast, Bryan Buckley breaks down the six connection skills that separate average communicators from elite business connectors—especially in the first five minutes of any business conversation.

Too many professionals rely on titles, credentials, or hope to carry the conversation. Elite connectors don’t wing conversations—they engineer connection.

You’ll learn:

• The three focus areas that drive elite communication: Communication, Conversation, and Connection
• The ARE Be Skills: Be Aware, Be Real, Be Engaging
• The ALL Do Skills: Ask, Listen, Learn
• Why being a “people person” doesn’t guarantee real connection
• How to use better questions, locked-in listening, and observational intelligence to stand out fast
• How to create trust, momentum, and clarity—without sounding scripted or salesy

Whether you’re in sales, leadership, or any role where conversations matter, these six skills are learnable, repeatable, and immediately applicable.

Elite business connectors don’t rely on personality.
They rely on skill.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly insights on communication, connection, and influence
📩 Questions or feedback? Email Bryan at Bryan@BryanBuckleySpeaks.com

🌐 Learn more at BryanBuckleySpeaks.com

What was your plan for the first five minutes of your last business conversation?

If the honest answer is “I just winged it,” you’re not alone—but that approach is quietly costing you momentum, engagement, and trust before the conversation even gets going.

In this episode of the Elite Business Connector Podcast, Bryan Buckley introduces the 1st 5 Minutes Framework—a simple, repeatable structure designed to help you leverage (not lose) the most critical minutes of every business conversation. Think guardrails, not handcuffs.

You’ll learn how to stop leaving first impressions to chance and start showing up with intention, clarity, and confidence—without sounding scripted or forced.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why the 1st 5 Minutes determine the direction of the entire conversation
• What makes frameworks powerful—and why the right one creates freedom, not rigidity
• The three-part structure of the 1st 5 Minutes Framework:
  • The 1st Minute – Think Personal
  • The Middle 3 Minutes – Think Professional
  • The Last Minute – Think Problem
• How to build early connection, trust, and influence before talking business
• A real-world example of using the framework in a sales conversation
• Why most professionals lose momentum before they ever get to their pitch

If you’ve ever walked away from a meeting thinking “That could’ve gone better,” this episode will show you exactly why—and what to do differently next time.

This framework is used by leaders, sales teams, and professionals to create better conversations, stronger relationships, and better outcomes—starting in the very first minutes.

🎧 Next Episode Preview (Episode 014):
We’ll break down the Six Connection Skills of an Elite Business Connector—and how to use them immediately.

📘 Learn more about The 1st 5 Minutes book on Amazon
🎤 Interested in workshops or keynotes? Visit BryanBuckleySpeaks.com
📩 Questions or feedback? Email Bryan@BryanBuckleySpeaks.com

Subscribe, share, and if you’re feeling generous—leave a review.

You’ve got this. Now go leverage the first five minutes. 💥

Summary

In this episode of the Elite Business Connector podcast, host Bryan Buckley shares five significant updates regarding his podcast and personal brand. He discusses the transition to video podcasting, the launch of his new speaking brand, the announcement of his fifth book titled 'The 1st 5 Minutes', the development of six connection skills, and the formation of a book launch team. Bryan emphasizes the importance of effective communication and connection in business, providing listeners with actionable insights and encouraging them to engage with his new initiatives.

Takeaways

• The podcast is now available in video format.
• Bryan Buckley is launching a new speaking brand.
• His fifth book, 'The 1st 5 Minutes', is set to release soon.
• The book focuses on leveraging the first five minutes of conversation.
• Connection skills are essential for business success.
• Bryan is forming a book launch team for his new book.
• Effective communication can significantly impact business relationships.
• Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback on the podcast.
• The episode outlines actionable steps for listeners to engage with the content.
• Bryan emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in communication skills.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Updates

03:07 - Transition to Video Podcasting

05:59 - Launch of Bryan Buckley Speaks Brand

08:56 - Announcement of New Book: The First Five Minutes

11:49 - Development of Six Connection Skills

14:44 - Book Launch Team and Conclusion

Key Links:

Bryan Buckley Speaks new brand website: https://bryanbuckleyspeaks.com/

Book Launch Team:

https://media.bryanbuckleyspeaks.com/launch-team-linkedin

1st 5 Minutes Paperback Version

https://www.amazon.com/1st-Minutes-Important-Connection-Influence/dp/B0GD6H2KKW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NT5WYK323YZW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vxFJyRY4IpKE_bl6g52BeQ.6Sc03TSR2Agu3fWANNAfkTs90uyrclhee17a0WuNwaQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=1st+5+minutes+bryan+buckley&qid=1768056316&sprefix=%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

1st 5 Minutes Kindle Version:

https://www.amazon.com/1st-Minutes-Important-Connection-Influence-ebook/dp/B0GBXR7LSB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H6D2YZZMF8AY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vxFJyRY4IpKE_bl6g52BeQ.6Sc03TSR2Agu3fWANNAfkTs90uyrclhee17a0WuNwaQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=1st+5+minutes+bryan+buckley&qid=1769098803&sprefix=%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1