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In2Win Book

As a SMART BOOK that keeps getting SMARTER this is where you reap the rewards.  Feel free to read any of the notes/updates offered below and share any ideas that may have come to your mind.  In2Win is all about leveraging the power of SOCIAL MEDIA to help others in their time of need.

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FROM THE BOOK IN2WIN

The first three minutes is where lasting impressions are made. These are the moments where your future is defined. I am even going to make the bold statement that I believe 50 percent of your success in a meeting or interview will be determined during this time. Sadly, while most agree with this statement, few practice or give these first few minutes any thought. In the first minute you’re judged on whether you look professional, trustworthy and capable. During the second minute you’re judged on whether you sound intelligent and speak in an easy-to-listen-to manner. The third minute focuses on how you make the other person feel and whether you appear genuine. In three minutes your future is judged, decided and acted on… so make them count! Always consider how you dress, what you say and how you demonstrate that you care about the opportunity. Eye contact, body language and tonality are critical as is the quality of the questions you ask. Create a powerful “tell-me-about-yourself” script and be prepared to deliver it often and with passion. One little secret I have is, wherever possible ask for a tour of their facilities as this allows others to brag about their business and for you to show genuine interest in what they have to say. Finally, while the first three minutes are no doubt the toughest, rest assured if you successfully push your way through them the conversation will become more natural and comfortable. 

Curt's Keeper

Your first three minutes define your success, so never leave them to chance! 

What this KEEPER means
The first few minutes of any interaction—whether an interview, a meeting, or a networking conversation—are decisive. People make snap judgments on your professionalism, confidence, energy, and credibility almost immediately. Those initial impressions stick far longer than anything you say later. If you “wing it,” you’re gambling with your outcome. If you plan, practice, and show up deliberately, you take control.

IN2 WIN AFTERTHOUGHTS

The "three-minute rule" is a concept that suggests that the attention span of a hiring manager begins to wane after approximately three minutes of uninterrupted speaking. Therefore, candidates should aim to capture and maintain their attention by varying their delivery, engaging the listener, and breaking up their content into shorter segments or intervals.

Here are some key aspects of the three-minute rule and how candidates can apply it effectively:

  1. Engagement: To keep the audience engaged, speakers should aim to deliver their content in short, digestible segments, typically lasting no more than three minutes each. This helps prevent the audience from becoming bored or disengaged.

  2. Variety: Speakers should vary their delivery style and content to maintain interest and capture the audience's attention. This can include incorporating storytelling, humor, visual aids, or audience participation techniques to break up the monotony and make the presentation more dynamic.

  3. Interaction: Encouraging audience interaction can help keep their attention and make the presentation more interactive and engaging. This can involve asking questions, soliciting feedback, or incorporating interactive exercises or discussions into the presentation.

  4. Visuals: Visual aids such as slides, videos, or images can enhance the presentation and provide visual stimulation for the audience. However, it's important to use visuals sparingly and ensure they complement the speaker's message rather than detract from it.

  5. Transitions: Smooth transitions between segments of the presentation help maintain the flow and momentum of the presentation. Clear signposts or transitions can help signal to the audience that a new topic or segment is beginning, keeping them engaged and focused.

  6. Practice: Practicing the presentation beforehand allows the speaker to refine their delivery, timing, and pacing. By practicing within the framework of the three-minute rule, speakers can ensure that their content is effectively structured and delivered to maximize audience engagement.

Overall, the three-minute rule serves as a guideline for speakers to structure their presentations in a way that captures and maintains the audience's attention. By incorporating variety, engagement techniques, and audience interaction, speakers can deliver more impactful and memorable presentations.


RECOMMENDED AI PROMPT

Interview Prep Script:
"Help me create a 90-second 'tell-me-about-myself' script that shows I’m professional, confident, and genuinely interested in the opportunity."

First Three Minutes Coaching:
"Give me a step-by-step guide on how I can make a strong first impression in the first three minutes of a meeting or interview, focusing on my appearance, tone, body language, and engagement."

Body Language Trainer:
"Give me 10 practical ways I can convey trustworthiness, professionalism, and confidence through my body language in the first three minutes of a business interaction."

Mock Interview Simulation:
"Create a 5-minute mock interview where you act as the interviewer and evaluate how well I make a strong first impression based on my eye contact, tone, speech clarity, and engagement."

Question Preparation:
"Give me 10 intelligent and engaging questions I can ask during an interview to show genuine interest in the company and its work."

Personal Branding Assessment:
"Analyze my professional appearance, tone, and body language, and give me feedback on how I can make a better first impression in the first three minutes of a meeting or interview."

Facility Tour Engagement:
"Write me a guide on how I can use a facility tour to build rapport, show curiosity, and highlight my strengths as a professional."

Voice and Tonality Practice:
"Give me exercises to improve my speech clarity, tone, and pace so I can sound confident and easy to listen to in the first three minutes of any interaction."

Roleplay Scenarios:
"Give me 5 interview roleplay scenarios where the first three minutes are challenging, and provide feedback on how I can improve my impression, confidence, and engagement."

Reflection Prompts:
"Give me journaling prompts to reflect on how I performed in the first three minutes of meetings or interviews, so I can identify my strengths and areas to improve."

SUGGESTED READING (Click On Title)

These books are recommended because they focus making a quick impact

"Believe It To Achieve It"
Believe It To Achieve It" by Brian Tracy and Christina Stein explores the transformative power of self-belief, offering practical strategies for overcoming mental barriers and cultivating a success mindset. Grounded in real-world examples and personal growth exercises, the book teaches readers to replace limiting beliefs with confidence-boosting habits. By identifying core values, setting achievable goals, and visualizing victory, individuals can fulfill their potential and discover deeper purpose, ultimately creating a life of abundance and joy.

Contagious
"Contagious" by Jonah Berger explores the science behind why certain products, ideas, and behaviors spread like wildfire. Backed by in-depth research, Berger identifies six key factors—Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories—that drive people to share. With engaging real-world examples and actionable insights, he demonstrates how to leverage these principles to create buzz-worthy campaigns. Perfect for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking influence, this book delivers proven strategies for building word-of-mouth success and growth.

YES!
Yes! is a concise and engaging guide to the science of persuasion, revealing 50 proven techniques that can shape people’s decisions and influence their actions. The authors share surprising findings from experiments and real-world experiences, illustrating how subtle shifts in communication can achieve dramatic results. By applying these insights into social influence, trust, and human behavior, readers gain practical, proven strategies for crafting compelling messages, increasing compliance, and ultimately becoming more persuasive in everyday situations.

EXTRAS

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QUESTIONS FOR SELF REFLECTION

  1. How do I currently present myself in the first three minutes of a meeting? What impact am I making?

  2. Which of the three key areas (appearance, speech, genuine connection) do I handle well, and which needs improvement?

  3. When I speak, do I sound confident, intelligent, and easy to listen to? How can I refine this?

  4. Do I prepare a clear, compelling ‘tell-me-about-yourself’ narrative? If not, why?

  5. How aware am I of my body language, eye contact, and tonality in high-pressure situations?

  6. In what ways do I make the other person feel valued and understood during initial interactions?

  7. How often do I practice or rehearse my first three minutes before a critical meeting?

  8. When given an opportunity to engage with a company’s environment (e.g., a tour), do I take full advantage to demonstrate curiosity?

  9. How comfortable am I with small talk or informal interactions that build rapport in the first minutes?

  10. After a meeting or interview, do I reflect on what worked or didn’t in those first three minutes?

In2Win - Page Backstory

Bonus Audio Download:  The High 5 Habit

In The High 5 Habit, Mel Robbins shows how a simple ritual—giving yourself a high-five in the mirror—can transform your mindset. By confronting self-doubt, negative thoughts, and inner criticism, you’ll learn to rewire your brain to focus on self-confidence and positive energy. Robbins shares personal stories, scientific research, and practical strategies that encourage self-acceptance, gratitude, and motivation. This empowering book presents an easy, powerful practice to elevate self-worth and create lasting change in everyday life.


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