People love the sound of their own name. Be known for your ability to remember names. With a little practice, it isn’t that difficult. It will become a habit that can take you a long way. To remember a name, you must first hear the name. If you don’t catch the name during the introduction, immediately ask to have the name repeated. Again, this isn’t embarrassing to anyone, since people like the sound of their own name.
As you shake hands, say the name, “My pleasure to meet you Roberto. I’m Bill.” Try and say the name several times during your conversation. Before you leave this person, use this opportunity to give him one of your businesscards and to repeat his name again. “Roberto, before you go, I’d like to give you one of my cards.” If he has a card, he will now give you one. “Thank you, Roberto. Is your e-mail address on the card?”
This is the 21st century. When we want to establish networks, the easiest way is e-mail or through a social networking site. Since you will have a computer, you will want to use a contact manager program. This is an electronic version of an address book. Get in the habit of regularly recording the info from any new businesscards into your database. This will reinforce the name and face. If you are in a business where you may be exchanging a lot of cards, you may wish to invest in a small businesscard scanner. Just hearing and repeating names will take you a long way. Be prepared. Your friends will frequently ask to tap your extraordinary memory. And, if you want them, you will have lots more friends.
