Tips to Remember People’s Namesstring(33) "Tips to Remember People’s Names"

January 16, 2023
, BNI, Repetition, Tips 8

To be a successful networker, it is important to remember the basics of interpersonal communication:
– make and maintain eye contact
– listen more than you speak
– remember people’s names

I’m sure we all agree that remembering someone’s name is high on the list of mannerisms that will impress others at business networking events. It shows that you pay attention to detail, that you are a good listener, and that you are interested in the person, not just their business.

However, it can be challenging to remember names, especially if you are an avid networker who attends many different events. Well, I’ve got good news. Many years ago, I learned about a four-step process to help with the name challenge that really does work.

  1. REPETITION is key. When you are first introduced to someone, ask them for their business card and then take a moment to carefully read it. Read their name on the card and ask them to repeat it; this helps you connect the face with the name.
    “Hi! It’s great to meet you, Jamison Smith. It is pronounced Jamison, yes?”
  2. Use their name in conversation. At the beginning of a conversation with them, listen to what they are saying and then respond by using their name.
    “Wow, Jamison, that sounds like an amazing opportunity! I’d love to meet for lunch and talk with you more.”
  3. Connect them with other people and say their name. Master networkers know that when you are at a business networking event, it is important to connect people with others in your network.
    When you are introducing two people, use their names when they first meet.
    “Sara, I’d like you to meet Jamison. Jamison is a realtor who recently got a big contract with the city. I think the two of you may have a lot to talk about.”
  4. Dedicate it to memory. When you are back home or at the office after the event, review the business card and try to remember what that person looked like and what they were saying and doing. You may want to send a quick “nice to meet you” text or email to help you remember the conversation you had with them.

These tips are very effective to help us better remember people we meet during our business networking activities. 

And yet, sometimes it happens – we meet someone and don’t remember them. Or we can’t recall their name or how we first met them. I have observed this happen many times during networking events and I have seen the different ways that people have dealt with not recognizing someone. Some people ‘fake it’ by engaging in a conversation and hoping that they get a clue about who they are talking to. They try to remember where the person is from or how they know them. Others come right out and say, “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.” or “I’m sorry, where do I know you from?”

What NOT To Do

If it happens to you, I recommend that you avoid saying, “I’m sorry, I forgot your name.” or “I don’t remember where you’re from.”  I have found that people take it rather personally when you don’t remember them. They might begin to avoid you because you did not recognize them earlier.

Finally, you certainly do not want to say, “Nice to meet you”. Even if you do not remember previously meeting the person, they clearly know you, so it is highly unlikely that you are meeting them for the first time. Nobody wants to be forgotten and it can be hard to build a strong relationship on that type of beginning.

What TO Do

When you forget someone’s name, I recommend that you say “Hi, good to see you.” and then start a simple conversation related to the event you are attending to help you remember them. Starting a dialogue is an effective way to shake up the gray matter in your head to try to remember who they are. If, after conversing for a while, you still are unable to remember, it’s time to stop trying and just move along. Before exiting the conversation, you can say, “It was nice to see you. I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you again next time”.

And my final tip: If you have a name badge, wear it when you attend all business, professional, and networking events. This is a way to help the people you meet easily remember your name. And it is very helpful for others who may be having a temporary challenge remembering YOU.

 

What are some of your tips to help remember names? Have you had an experience with forgetting, or being forgotten by, someone you previously met? I’d like to hear about it in the comment section.

Master the Art of Networking

Master the Art of Networkingstring(28) "Master the Art of Networking"

June 22, 2020
, Emotional Intelligence, Follow up, Gratitude, Networking, Referrals, Relationships, Social Capital 2

Networking is more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards, it is about building your “social capital.” Networking is more about “farming” than it is about “hunting.” It’s about cultivating relationships with other business professionals. It’s about realizing the capital that comes from building social relationships. Master the art of networking with these ten tips:

1. Follow up on referrals.

If you present an opportunity, whether it is a simple piece of information, a special contact, or a qualified business referral, to someone who consistently fails to follow up successfully, it is no secret that you will eventually stop wasting your time sending referrals to this person.

2. Have a positive attitude.

A negative attitude makes people dislike being around you and drives away referrals. However, a positive attitude makes people want to associate and cooperate with you. Positive business professionals are like magnets. Others want to be around them and will send their friends, family, and associates to them.

4. Remain trustworthy.

When you refer one person to another, you are putting your reputation on the line. You have to be able to trust your referral partner and be trusted in return. Neither you nor anyone else will refer a contact or valuable information to someone who cannot be trusted to handle it well.

5. Practice good listening skills.

Our success as networkers depends on how well we can listen and learn. The faster you and your networking partner learn what you need to know about each other, the faster you’ll establish a valuable relationship. Communicate well, listen, and learn.

6. Always network.

Master networkers are never off duty. Networking is so natural to them that they can be found networking in the grocery store line, online, and while working from home. After this “Great Pause”, we will soon be able to network again at chamber mixers and networking meetings.

7. Thank people.

Gratitude is sorely lacking in today’s business world. Expressing gratitude to business associates and clients is just another building block in the cultivation of relationships that will lead to increased referrals. People like to refer others to business professionals that go above and beyond. Thanking others at every opportunity will help you stand out from the crowd.

8. Help others.

Master networkers keep their eyes and ears open for opportunities to advance other people’s interests whenever they can. Helping others can be done in a variety of ways, from literally showing up to help with an office move to clipping a helpful and interesting article and mailing it to an associate or client.

9. Be sincere.

If you are not sincerely interested in the other person, they will know it. Those who have developed successful networking skills convey their sincerity at every turn. One of the best ways to develop this trait is to give your undivided attention to the people you are networking with.

10. Work the art of networking.

Master networkers do not let any opportunity to work their networks pass them by. They manage their contacts, organize their e-mail address files, and carry their referral partners’ business cards as well as their own. They set up appointments to get better acquainted with new contacts so that they can learn as much about them as possible so that they can truly become part of each other’s networks.

Do you see the trend with these ten points? They all tie into long-term relationship building. People who take the time to build their social capital are the ones who will have new business referred to them over and over. The key is to build mutually beneficial business relationships. Only then will you succeed to master the art of networking.

Who’s the Best Networker You Know?string(40) "Who’s the Best Networker You Know?"

June 4, 2015
, , , Building Relationships, Connections, Conversation, Emotional Intelligence, Networking, Networking Prep, Networking Tactics, Relationships, Social Capital 6

 Today, I’d like to ask you a very straightforward question: “Who’s the best networker you know, and why?”

In this video, I talk about the best networker I personally know and, interestingly enough, she comes from the world of academia–not the world of business. She is the president of an esteemed university and she is, without a doubt, an incredible networker!  So, what makes her the most standout networker I know?  I’m glad you asked . . . 😉

There are some very specific qualities she possesses which set her networking capabilities and effectiveness far above most people:

  • She knows how to establish common ground with absolutely anyone
  • Once she establishes common ground, she asks authentic, relevant questions
  • She’s extremely focused and always gives her undivided attention to individuals with whom she’s conversing
  • She genuinely cares about and listens to the information others offer and the answers they provide
  • She makes a point to remember what people say and to bring up things they said the next time she sees them

After watching the video, think about who you consider to be the best networker you personally know. Once you decide who that person is, please share with us in the comment forum below what it is about them that makes them such a great networker. I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts, so thanks in advance for participating!