Remembering Names
With all the modern technology now affecting businesses and especially business owners, people are still the most important aspect of running a business. People are everywhere, customers, employees, vendors, regulatory folks, bankers, investors and on and on.
So why is it so difficult to remember peoples’ names?
Have you ever been introduced to someone new, only to immediately forget his or her name?
Remembering names is a process that requires understanding and practice just like anything else you do. Here are a few tips.
First you must make sure you hear the person’s name clearly. Many introductions occur quickly with out deliberation and clarity. This first step is an opportunity to begin the remembering process. You can ask for verification of the name and the correct pronunciation. It may be appropriate to ask the person to spell her name. Is it MacDonald or McDonald? “Is that with 2 “t’s” or one? Any question that begins the clarification process is useful. It shows that you are interested in the other person and it helps you learn. Many of us just don’t catch the name during the introduction because we are focused on something else, frequently, ourselves. Get off on the right foot with a good understanding of their name.
Ask for, and give out a business card. They are a good record of the name, title, contact information, and business tagline. Although in business, this exchange of business cards is common, make sure you always have them with you. I have been to many meetings when introductions occur to many people. Usually it’s appropriate to place these cards on the table in front of you in an order similar to the seating plan. This way you can place the name with the person.
Next comes probably the best technique for remembering names. Repeat the person’s name. When you are talking to someone, use their name frequently, at least 3 or 4 times during the conversation. Say it out loud. Don’t just think it. People like to hear their own name. Using their name is courteous. It shows respect. In the field of education, the use of repetition has long been known to be an excellent learning tool. Retention is better when thoughts are reinforced.
If there is something unique about a person’s name try to learn their background. Most people are proud of their heritage or their country. I have the advantage of having been to over 65 countries in my travels. I try to use this background when I meet someone with a foreign sounding name. I ask where they are from and try to make a comment about or discuss their country. Again, this shows interest, but it also develops an association with this person that helps me remember his or her name.
Some authorities in name remembering suggest that you attempt to associate some characteristic of that person with his name. For example, if Mr. Bigalow has a big nose, he might be thought of as “Mr. Bignose”. Ms. Tallin might be “Ms. Tall One” if she is tall. I have never found this technique too useful as you end up spending too much time concocting some associative name rather ran remembering the person’s real name. I also was afraid that I would actually call someone Mr. Bignose.
Finally, you need to record the name in a contact file or rolodex for business cards for easy retrieval. Some use the many software programs available but make sure you have a paper backup incase your electronic device is not available. When you record the name, add a comment that helps with association and make sure retrieval is easy.
What’s my name? You too can remember peoples’ names by getting it right to start, being interested, and repeating the person’s name. Your business will improve.
This article was written by Seattle SCORE Chapter member Fred Parkinson for the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton.